Unique and Beautiful Churches of Rome

With more than 900 churches, Rome offers a multitude of religious architecture for visitors to enjoy. Attending prayers at any of these churches in Rome provides a religious and cultural experience for Catholics and non-Catholics alike

The NH Housekeeper’s Tips

St. Peter's Basilica

The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, more commonly referred to as St. Peter's Basilica, is an Italian Renaissance church. One of the largest churches in the world, St. Peter's Basilica has the capacity to accommodate 20,000 people. The sculptures of La Pietà di Michelangelo and Il Baldacchino di Bernini, two of the finest pieces of Renaissance art are housed here, while the tomb of St. Peter, one of Christ's disciples, is beneath the high altar of the Basilica. The holiest of Rome and Vatican City’s Catholic shrines, the Basilica is renowned as a place of pilgrimage. Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno and Michelangelo are the principal architects of this breathtaking construction. Without forget Gian Lorenzo Bernini, that deserves a special mention in the Roma´s art. He impressed his style trough the whole city spread in the shape of fountains pieces such as the Trevi Fountain, the Triton Fountain and the Fountain of the Four Rivers.

San Lorenzo fuori le Mura

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence, or the San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. One of the first seven deacons of Rome, Saint Lawrence is buried here. Visitors can view 13th century frescoes portraying scenes from the lives of St. Lawrence and St. Stephen. Other attractions at the Basilica include two ancient sarcophagi (one featuring cherubs picking grapes), two Romanesque stone lions, and the pulpit's Cosmatesque decoration.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is a circular Roman building with large granite Corinthian columns at its entrance. Though 200 centuries have passed since its construction, the coffered concrete dome of the Pantheon is still the world's biggest unreinforced concrete dome. There is an oculus, an opening to the sky in the centre of the dome. Informally acknowledged as 'Santa Maria Rotonda,' the Pantheon was dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs in the 7th century. The Pantheon is also the burial place of the architect Baldassare Peruzzi, the composer Arcangelo Corelli and the artists Raphael and Annibale Carracci. Among the best-preserved of all early Roman constructions, the Pantheon is adorned with paintings like the Annunciation by Melozzo da Forlì. The Italian king Umberto I and his Queen, Margherita, are buried in the Pantheon, and the tomb of King Vittorio Emanuele II is also here. Catholic masses are held in the Pantheon on Sundays.

The Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a Roman Catholic Church situated in Piazza della Minerva near the Pantheon. The church was erected over the ruins of an Egyptian temple that was mistakenly credited to the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, Minerva. The Santa Maria sopra Minerva is the only Gothic church building in Rome. It served as the Dominican Order's headquarters at various points during its history. The Cristo della Minerva by Michelangelo is one of the most important works of art in this church, while the Carafa Chapel is adorned with late 15th century frescoes by the Florentine painter and draftsman Filippino Lippi. There are many funerary monuments in the Minerva, including the crypts of Saint Catherine of Siena, a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, and Fra Angelico, the Dominican friar.
Be respectful and silent when entering any church. Dress appropriately; wearing sleeveless tops and shorts are not permitted in many of the churches. Check to make sure if photography is permitted inside each church you visit. There is no required payment for entering the churches but you may have to pay fees to visit attached museums or archaeological displays.

Planning your trip to Rome? Check out our best city center hotels in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome

See all hotels in Rome

NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento

Piazza dei Cinquecento, 90,. 00185 Rome

The luxury 5 star NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento is perfect for business or leisure travelers, and oozes Italian style. Located in Piazza dei Cinquecento, it's literally a couple of minutes from the platforms of Roma Termini Station. With a private garden featuring part of the ancient Roman ruins, the hotel is a calm charming oasis in a busy city. A metro, bus and tram stop are all on the doorstep, as well as onsite parking for guests arriving by car. Many world-famous sights such as Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, Teatro dell'Opera, Roman Colosseum, Circus Maximus and the Quirinal Palace lie just a short walk away.

2.0km Bioparco Zoo
2.93km Castle of Sant'Angelo
13.61km Ciampino Airport
2.28km Circus Maximus

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Gym
Air conditioning - Climate Control
Eco-friendly
Pets
Accessibility
Celebrations
Meetings
Rooms

Show info

NH Collection Roma Giustiniano

Via Virgilio, 1 E/F/G,. 00193 Rome

The NH Collection Roma Giustiniano hotel puts you footsteps from the Vatican and right on the doorstep of the Prati shopping district with its high-end designer stores. This hotel in Rome has direct connection with Vaticano city, St Peter's Basilica, Sant'Angelo Bridge, Sant'Angelo Castle, Trastevere neighborhood and Rome’s historical center, meanwhile, is just 10 minutes away on foot.

2.16km Bioparco Zoo
15.78km Ciampino Airport
2.82km Circus Maximus
21.73km Fiumicino Airport

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Gym
Air conditioning - Climate Control
Eco-friendly
Pets
Accessibility
Babysitter
Celebrations
Meetings
Rooms

Show info

NH Collection Roma Centro

Via dei Gracchi, 324,. 00192 Rome

The NH Collection Roma Centro hotel has undergone a sophisticated refurbishment and ideally located in the exclusive Prati neighborhood, a residential area of Rome, near the Vatican City, the magnificent Sant'Angelo Bridge, Sant'Angelo Castle, Piazza Navona, Pantheon and direct connection to nearby neighborhoods such as Trastevere. It's location makes it perfect for both business and leisure trips.

1.81km Bioparco Zoo
0.74km Castle of Sant'Angelo
15.85km Ciampino Airport
2.94km Circus Maximus

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Air conditioning - Climate Control
Eco-friendly
Pets
Accessibility
Celebrations
Meetings
Rooms

Show info

of 3

Visiting the wonders of historical Rome

Visit historical Rome and take a trip back into the city's glorious past. The grandest epochs of the Eternal City's history are commemorated by its extensive and beautifully preserved architecture and monuments, the most famous of which date from the Roman era to the Renaissance.

Unique and Beautiful Churches of Rome

With more than 900 churches, Rome offers a multitude of religious architecture for visitors to enjoy. Attending prayers at any of these churches in Rome provides a religious and cultural experience for Catholics and non-Catholics alike

St. Peter's Basilica

San Lorenzo fuori le Mura

The Pantheon

The Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Where to stay in Rome

Other articles

Visiting the wonders of historical Rome

Shopping in Rome is Walking a Lap of Luxury

La Dolce Vita Rome, the sweet Italian way of life

Short Stay in Rome: the must-see sites

Culinary History of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome

Visiting the Famous Fountains of Rome

Select Rooms

Unique and Beautiful Churches of Rome

With more than 900 churches, Rome offers a multitude of religious architecture for visitors to enjoy. Attending prayers at any of these churches in Rome provides a religious and cultural experience for Catholics and non-Catholics alike

St. Peter's Basilica

San Lorenzo fuori le Mura

The Pantheon

The Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Visiting the wonders of historical Rome

Shopping in Rome is Walking a Lap of Luxury

La Dolce Vita Rome, the sweet Italian way of life

Short Stay in Rome: the must-see sites

Culinary History of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome

Visiting the Famous Fountains of Rome

Subscribe to our newsletter

Follow us