Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rome's Churches
Rome is a feast, and whatever your faith, it's impossible not to be awestruck by its
riches. Nowhere will you be able to visit such a splendid array and wealth of ecclesi-
astic architecture, from the stark simplicity of Basilica di Santa Sabina ( Click here )
and the tiny perfection of Bramante's Tempietto ( Click here ) to the awe-inspiring
grandeur of St Peter's Basilica (the world's greatest church; Click here ) and the
Sistine Chapel ( Click here ), Rome's other inspirational pilgrimage sites include huge
edifices such as the basilicas of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura ( Click here ), Santa Maria
Maggiore ( Click here ), San Giovanni in Laterano ( Click here ) and the Chiesa di
Santa Croce in Gerusalemme ( Click here ).
Ancient Architecture
Whether they're baroque, medieval or Renaissance, many churches also feature a
form of recycling that's uniquely Roman, integrating leftover architectural elements
from imperial Rome. For example, you'll see ancient columns in Santa Maria in Tras-
tevere ( Click here ), and the famous ancient manhole, the Bocca della Verità, in the
beautiful medieval Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cosmedin ( Click here ). Taking the idea
to the limit, the mesmerising Pantheon ( Click here ) is an entire Roman temple con-
verted into a church.
Divine Art
Rome's churches, which dot almost every street corner, also serve as free art galleries,
bedecked in gold, inlay-work, mosaic and carvings. The wealth of the Roman Catholic
church has benefited from centuries of virtuoso artists, architects and artisans who
descended here to create their finest and most heavenly works in the glorification of
God. Without paying a cent, anyone can wander in off the street to see this glut of
masterpieces, including works by Michelangelo (in San Pietro in Vincoli, Click here ,
and St Peter's Basilica), Caravaggio (in Santa Maria del Popolo, Click here , and San
Luigi dei Francesi, Click here ) and Bernini (in Santa Maria della Vittoria, Click here
).
 
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