Rome is famous for its churches. In fact, there are so many famous churches in Rome that it can be difficult to know which ones to visit. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 most famous churches in Rome! These churches are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and they’re definitely worth a visit.
So, without further ado, here are the top churches in Rome:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- The Sistine Chapel
- Santa Maria Maggiore
- St. Paul’s Outside the Walls
- San Giovanni in Laterano
- Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
- Sant’Ignazio di Loyola a Campo Marzio
- Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
- Chiesa Nuova (or Santa Francesca Romana)
The Vatican Basilica
The Vatican Basilica is the most famous church in Rome, and it’s also one of the most famous churches in the world. This famous church is home to the Sistine Chapel, which is famous for its beautiful ceiling paintings by Michelangelo. If you’re visiting Rome, The Vatican Basilica is a must-see attraction.
The Vatican Basilica is located in the Vatican City, which is a small independent state located within Rome. If you’re visiting Rome, the Vatican Basilica is a must-see attraction. You can get to the Vatican City by walking from the center of Rome, or you can take a taxi or bus.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Located next to The Vatican Basilica, St. Peter’s Basilica is another must-see church in Rome. This famous basilica is one of the largest churches in the world, and it’s famous for its beautiful architecture and stunning interior decorations.
Interesting fact about St. Peter’s Basilica: the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest dome in the world. It’s also one of the most famous symbols of Rome.

Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most famous churches in Rome, and it’s also one of the oldest churches in the city. This beautiful church is famous for its impressive exterior decorations, and its interior is just as stunning.
This church was founded in the 5th century by Pope Liberius, and it’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The exterior of Santa Maria Maggiore is decorated with some of the most famous mosaics in Rome. The mosaics depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, and they’re some of the most beautiful mosaics in the city. The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore is just as beautiful as the exterior. The church is decorated with stunning frescoes and marble sculptures, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome.

San Giovanni in Laterano
San Giovanni in Laterano is another one of Rome’s oldest churches. This famous church is located near the Colosseum, and it’s famous for its beautiful facade and imposing architecture. Up until 1870, all popes were installed in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which has played a significant part in history. The Holy Thursday Mass is now held in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterno, where the Pope serves as the Bishop of Rome.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
One of the few remaining Roman structures, which has never been in ruins. It was formerly a component of a collection of structures that Septimus Severus started and the insane emperor Elagabalus finished between 180 and 211. Unknown in origin, the name first appears in the form Sessorium around the beginning of the sixth century. The church was given its current name, Santa Croce, during the Middle Ages.
Transverse arcades, which had three arches each and were supported by columns that were likely those that are still in the church today, split the main area into three sections. To revere them, pilgrims would have traveled along a predetermined, one-way path that most likely led from the Gregorian Chapel through the basilica and into the Chapel of St. Helena. The Benedictine crypt was removed, and the floor level was increased, leaving the Chapel of Helena below ground level. In front of the right aisle, a tall campanile was erected to the building’s façade. The church was given the new name of Santa Croce at this time.
The neighborhood saw horrifying changes in 1870, when the Italian government seized the monastery structure and converted it into an army barracks. Few Roman churches are set within such an impressive a picture as Santa Croce, approached on every side through those solitudes of vineyards and gardens, quiet roads, and long avenues of trees, that occupy such an immense expanse within the walls of Rome, wrote a British pilgrim by the name of Mrs. Hemans just before that year. He enjoyed a prominent position in the media and was well-connected to wealthy individuals, notably through an organization called the “Friends of Santa Croce.” In 2011, the church and parish were taken over by diocesan clergy when the monastery was forcibly shut down.

Sant’Ignazio di Loyola a Campo Marzio
The Sant’Ignazio di Loyola a Campo Marzio is a famous baroque church located in the center of Rome. This beautiful church is famous for its opulent interior decorations, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in seeing some of Rome’s most lavish churches.
Sant’Ignazio di Loyola was a famous Jesuit priest and theologian who was born in the 16th century. He’s famous for his work in promoting the Catholic faith, and he’s considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of the Jesuits. If you’re interested in learning more about Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, or if you’re interested in visiting one of Rome’s famous baroque churches, then be sure to visit the Sant’Ignazio di Loyola a Campo Marzio.

Chiesa Nuova Santa Maria in Vallicella
The Chiesa Nuova Santa Maria in Vallicella is a famous church located in the Rione Monti district of Rome. The church was built in the 17th century, and it’s famous for its beautiful architecture and opulent interior decorations.

Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano
Santissimo Nome di Maria is a church in Rome, Italy. It is located in front of the Column of Trajan, a few dozen steps from the similarly domed, but externally more colorful, church of Santa Maria di Loreto. The church was built in the early 17th century and is best known for its connection to the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The feast of the Holy Name of Mary was instituted by Pope Innocent XI after the victory of the Austrian-Polish armies over the Turks at the Battle of Vienna. Abbot Giuseppe Bianchi instituted devotion to the most holy name of Mary in 1685 at Santo Stefano del Cacco, and soon afterwards established the Congregation of the Most Holy Name of Mary, which was formally approved in 1688. Today, Santissimo Nome di Maria is a popular spot for tourists and pilgrims alike. If you find yourself in Rome, be sure to check it out!
These are just a few of the many famous churches in Rome. With so many to choose from, it can be tough to decide which ones to visit. But if you’re looking for some guidance, these are definitely some of the best churches in Rome! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip!
