The 5 Most Beautiful Churches in Rome

Rome is not only the Eternal City because of its millennial history, but it is also a hub of sacred art and religious architecture. With more than 900 churches, selecting the most beautiful can be subjective, but there are some places of worship that stand out universally for their beauty, history and artistic importance. Here are the 5 churches that represent true jewels in the heart of Rome.

1. Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano

The queen of Roman churches, St. Peter’s Basilica is an architectural marvel that dominates Vatican City. Designed by such Renaissance and Baroque masters as Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini, this church is a triumph of Christian art and a symbol of the Catholic Church.

Michelangelo Dome: One of the largest in the world, it offers breathtaking views of the city if you climb to the top.
Michelangelo’s Pieta: A sculpture that embodies the beauty of suffering and compassion.
Bernini’s Baldachin: A Baroque masterpiece that towers above the high altar.

2. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

One of Rome’s four papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore boasts one of the finest gold ceilings in the city, which according to legend was financed with gold brought from the Americas by Christopher Columbus.

Byzantine Mosaics: Some of the oldest and best preserved in Rome.
The Confession Crypt: Where fragments of Jesus’ cradle are said to rest.

3. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

The cathedral of Rome, and thus the official church of the Pope as bishop of Rome, St. John Lateran is often overlooked by tourists but is one of the most important and significant churches.

Cosmatesque Floor: A splendid example of this medieval decorative style.
Statue of St. John the Baptist: A majestic work that dominates the main nave.

4. Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano

A journey through time from the 12th century to Roman times, the Basilica of San Clemente is a three-tiered complex with layers of history built on top of each other.

Medieval frescoes: Vivid and colorful narratives of biblical scenes.
Underground excavations: An ancient 4th-century church and a Roman house with a mystery.

5. Chiesa del Gesù

The first Jesuit church and mother of the Society of Jesus, the Church of Jesus is an early Roman Baroque masterpiece.

The frescoed vault: A triumph of Baroque illusionism that seems to open the heavens.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius: With the magnificent painted dome that creates an incredible optical illusion.

These churches are not only places of worship, but also custodians of stories, art and culture that have shaped the city of Rome and the entire world. Visiting them is like turning the pages of an open-air art history book.