The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. - Henry Ward Beecher
Rome has over 900 churches and Rome is strongly associated with the Catholic faith. The churches in Rome are gifted with amazing architecture and beautiful art.
Here is the list of top 15 churches that you must visit during your Rome visit.
1. Saint Peter Basilica
It's the first basilica of St. Peter's in Rome. It's the most famous Roman Catholic church in the world. The church represents the center of the Catholicism.
It's also called the Mother and Head of All Churches of the City and the World and is Basilica of St. John in Lateran. The church originally served as a papal residence.
2. San Giovanni
3. Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica
This vast basilica stands on the site where St Paul was buried. This place was a simple burial chapel but it was transformed into a Basilica later. You will surprised to see the huge interior.
It's one of the four major basilicas of Rome and located on the Esquiline Hill. The 14th-century bell tower is also the highest bell tower in Rome at 75 meters.
4. Santa Maria
5. Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
This is known for a cultural and educational prestigious institute. People visit here to experience an optical effect visible from an exact spot in the church.
It's the Basilica of Saint Clement. The church was dedicated to the tomb of Saint Clement, the third successor of Peter as the pope. Parts of the old church were bricked up and filled in.
6. San Clemente al Laterano
7. San Pietro
The church was built specially to house the shackles of St Peter. It's also famous for the Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses and the tomb of Giulio II.
It was the only major Roman church to suffer bomb damage in WWII. The Basilica has been funded by nearly every Pope since its construction.
8. San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura
9. Trinità dei Monti Church
The Church has been entrusted to the Emmanuel Community since 2016. It's one of the most photographed churches in Rome. It has a big nave and six chapels.
Rebuilt in the 15th century by Pope Sixtus IV and modified in the 17th century. This is one of Rome’s richest Renaissance churches. The church has a central nave and four chapels.
10. Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
11. San Luigi dei Francesi Church
Sits right between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. It's known for its Caravaggio paintings. The church is named for Louis IX, King of France.
Located close to the Pantheon. You will see minor Michelangelo sculpture and the magisterial, art-rich interior in this Church.
12. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Basilic
13. Santa Cecilia
The church is fronted by a gentle fountain surrounded by roses. The entrance to the church is slightly hidden by a facade and a beautiful Roman courtyard. It's a 9th century church built over the 200 AD.
It's one of the best of the lesser-known churches in Rome. It is known for famous artwork and Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Pilgrims Painting.
14. Basilica di Sant’Agostino
15. The Pantheon
It's almost a 2000-year-old Church. This Church is also known as "Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs" and it has stood since around AD 125.