How Many Churches Are in Rome
In Rome there are approximately 900 public churches. If you include private chapels located in historic buildings, the number of churches is closer to 1600.
If you are wondering approximately how many churches does Rome have then you are probably wondering how many to visit on your trip to Rome. Below are some of the most breathtaking churches you should see on your visit to Rome.
Top 10 Most Breathtaking Churches To See In Rome
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Said to be Rome’s oldest church, dating from AD 217-222, Santa Maria in Trastevere is only of the only medieval churches that was not transformed during the baroque period. The church was founded on the site where a font of oil spouted the day Christ was born. In the apse, this scene is shown on the mosaics which were completed in 1291 by Pietro Cavallini.
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Santa Prassede
Founded in the 9th century by Pope Paschal II on the site of a titulus. A titulus was a private house where Christians worshipped in the first and second centuries. The Chapel of St Zeno and the choir were decorated by Byzantine artists.
Address: Via di Santa Prassede, 9/a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
San Clemente
San Clemente feels like your stepping back in time to hang out with the Romans. The church is split onto two levels, the street level is a 12th century church with medieval mosaics, Cosmati work pavements and Renaissance frescoes. Underneath on the lower level is a 4th century church where you can see the Roman foundations. There are also remains of a Mithras Temple.
Address: Via Labicana, 95, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
The Pantheon
Designed by the Emperor Hadrian in AD 118-25, since the 7th century it has been the Chistian church of Santa Maria ad Martyres. The Pantheon is a must see site when in Rome.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Santa Maria del Poppolo
Legend has it that this is the place where Nero was buried and died. The ghost of Nero is supposed to have haunted the neighbourhood in the form of demon crows that lived in the trees. In 1099, Pope Paschal II replaced the tree with a chapel which is the basis of what you can see today.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Tempietto
Tempietto is one of Rome’s most famous Renaissance buildings. The Tempietto also acted as a model and inspired renowned architect’s such as Inigo Jones. It’s a circular Doric temple that was built by Bramante in 1501. It is located on the site where St Peter is thought to be crucified.
Address: Piazza di S. Pietro in Montorio, 2, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
St Peter’s Basilica
Never mind finding the best churches in Rome, this has got to be one of the best churches in the entire World! This is definitely an historic site worth queuing for. The feeling of wonder that you will experience will be a memory that stays with you forever. Even though this post aims to tell you ‘approximately how many churches does Rome have’, out of all of those Churches I can tell you St Peter’s Basilica is the one not to be missed out of all 900.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Santa Maria Maggiore
This basilica dates from 5th century and is one of Rome’s most impressive.
Address: Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy
Sant’Agostino
This church contains works by Raphael and Caravaggio and is well worth checking out if you’re in the local area.
Address: Via della Scrofa, 80, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
This atmospheric church is home to some of Rome’s finest Cosmati work. Cosmati work is geometric mosaics made from coloured marble that have been reclaimed from ancient buildings. You can also see the skull of St Valentine.
Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
That’s an overview of the best churches to visit in Rome. It’s difficult to answer the question approximately how many churches does Rome have, because there are so many beautiful ones to see!
