by Christine Zibas

Created on: December 08, 2009

This article looks at just a few of the Rome's outstanding churches, many dating back to the Middle Ages or even earlier. While the selections chosen here are all outstanding examples, this list is by no means exhaustive. It's closer to the truth to say that there are countless churches filled with priceless artistic treasures in Rome, and the average traveler will likely view just a small sample of the riches that lie within the Eternal City.

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
Of all the churches in Rome, travelers are most likely to visit this one, and for good reason. As the world's most famous church (and epicenter of the Catholic Church), its artistic treasures are legendary. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel alone is likely the most important work of Renaissance art ever created.


San Giovanni in Laterno
Known for its giant statues of Christ and his twelve apostles, San Giovanni is Rome's official cathedral and Church of Popes. The Baroque interior was designed by Barromini, who modeled it on St. Peter's Basilica. Under the portico, visitors will find a statue of the Emperor Constantine, who donated the land on which the church was built. Its bronze doors date to the age of the Forum in Rome, and the wooden table at the altar is believed to have been used by St. Peter himself.


Santa Maria, Trastevere
With its stunning Byzantine mosaics, this 12th century church welcomes visitors with its frescoes of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, which tell the legend of the discovery of oil on this site, thought to have happened in 39 BC. Inside, the Fons Olii marks the spot where the oil first flowed. The main attraction of Santa Maria, however, are its golden mosaics by Pietro Cavallini (The Life of the Virgin) behind its altar, dating to 1291, which mark a turning point in art's development by their use of perspective. This is undoubtedly one of Rome's oldest churches, and its visually arresting giant columns were taken from ancient Roman temples. The gilded ceiling is a later addition (1617) designed by Domenichino.


Santa Maria supra Minerva
This Gothic church is famed for its frescoes by Fra Filippino Lippi and Risen Christ by the painter Michelangelo. As indicated by the church's name, this structure was built atop an ancient temple to the goddess Minerva, by the Dominicans in 1280. Under the main altar lies the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena, and the church is also the final resting place for the famed artist Fra Angelico. Outside, look for Bernini's charming elephant statue.

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