Political, commercial and religious center of ancient Rome, home to several churches

The Church of Saint Sebastian on the Palatine (San Sebastiano al Palatino) is a small yet historically significant church situated atop the Palatine Hill in Rome. It was originally built in the early Christian era to honor Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier and martyr who was executed during Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians in the early 4th century. The church is believed to stand near the location where Saint Sebastian’s body was temporarily buried after his martyrdom. Over centuries, the church underwent renovations and restorations, with its current structure reflecting Baroque influences. Despite its modest size, the church holds great spiritual importance due to its connection to one of Christianity's most revered early saints. Its location on the Palatine Hill, surrounded by the ruins of ancient imperial palaces, symbolizes the transformation of Rome from a center of pagan power to a heart of Christian faith.

The Church of San Gregorio al Celio, also known as San Gregorio Magno, is a historic and spiritually significant site on the Caelian Hill in Rome. Founded in the 6th century on the family estate of Saint Gregory the Great, it became a monastery under his leadership and an important center of Christian worship and missionary activity. Saint Gregory, one of the most influential early popes, famously initiated the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons from this site. Reconstructed during the Baroque period, the church features an elegant façade by Giovanni Battista Soria, serene cloisters, and beautifully decorated chapels adorned with frescoes by Domenichino and Antonio Viviani. Its legacy extends into modern times through the work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who established a mission there in 1968 after being invited by Pope Paul VI. Her order, the Missionaries of Charity, continues to provide shelter and aid to the homeless and marginalized within the church complex. This living mission of…

The Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at the Forum of Trajan (Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro di Traiano) is a beautiful Baroque church located near Trajan's Column in Rome. Built between 1736 and 1751, it was designed by the architect Antoine Derizet for the French religious order of the Society of the Most Holy Name of Mary. The church was constructed on the site of an earlier chapel and was dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. Its striking circular design, topped by a majestic dome, complements the grandeur of the ancient Trajan's Forum and serves as a striking contrast to the surrounding classical ruins. The church features a richly adorned interior with marble altars, intricate stucco decorations, and religious artworks that emphasize Marian devotion. Its proximity to Trajan's Column symbolizes the blending of ancient imperial history and Christian spirituality, representing the evolving religious landscape of Rome from pagan antiquity to a Christian…

The Church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta is a historic Roman Catholic church located in the Trastevere district of Rome. Dedicated to two early Christian martyrs, Saint Quiricus and Saint Julietta, this church holds both religious and architectural significance. The church dates back to the 5th century, although its current structure has undergone various renovations, particularly during the Baroque period. The church’s interior features a blend of medieval and Baroque elements, with its beautiful frescoes, intricate altars, and a notable 12th-century mosaic depicting the Madonna. The church is named after Saint Quiricus, a young martyr, and his mother, Saint Julietta, who are believed to have been martyred in the 4th century for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. Over time, the church became a site of pilgrimage, as the relics of the saints were preserved here. Its serene atmosphere, rich history, and architectural beauty make Santi Quirico e Giulitta an important landmark…

The Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, located on the Caelian Hill in Rome, is one of the city's most historically significant churches. Built in the 4th century on the site of the house of two early Christian martyrs, Saints John and Paul, the basilica commemorates their execution under Emperor Julian the Apostate around 362 AD. The church features a beautiful Romanesque bell tower and a richly decorated interior with frescoes, intricate altars, and ancient mosaics. Beneath the basilica lie well-preserved Roman houses, known as the Case Romane, which contain vibrant frescoes and offer a glimpse into early Christian worship spaces. The basilica became a key pilgrimage site, symbolizing the perseverance of faith during periods of persecution. Over centuries, it underwent several architectural changes, blending elements of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Today, Santi Giovanni e Paolo stands as a testament to Rome’s enduring Christian heritage and is a sacred site for…

The Circus Maximus holds significant historical importance in the context of early Christianity, particularly as a site of Christian martyrdom during times of intense persecution. While it was primarily used for public entertainment, including chariot races, the Circus Maximus also became a location where early Christians were executed for their faith, particularly during the 3rd century. The most intense period of Christian martyrdom occurred under the emperors Decius (249–251 AD) and Valerian (253–260 AD), who enacted brutal persecutions against Christians. During these reigns, Christians were often executed in public spectacles, where they were thrown to wild animals or forced to fight in gladiatorial games. Although the exact number of Christians who died at the Circus Maximus is unclear, historical texts suggest that thousands may have been martyred during this time.

The Church of Santi Luca e Martina, also known as the Church of Santa Maria e Luca Martiri, is a stunning Baroque church located near the Roman Forum in Rome. Originally built in the 7th century and dedicated to Saint Martina, a young Christian martyr, the church was later combined with the chapel of Saint Luke, the patron saint of artists. Its current form dates to a major reconstruction in the 17th century led by the famed architect Pietro da Cortona, who transformed it into a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The church features a striking dome, elegant chapels, and a richly decorated interior, showcasing ornate stucco work and symbolic Christian imagery. Beneath the church lies a crypt containing the relics of Saint Martina, reinforcing its spiritual importance. Santi Luca e Martina not only serves as a place of worship but also reflects the artistic contributions of the Roman Baroque era, making it a landmark of faith and art in the heart of ancient Rome.

Trajan’s Column, completed in 113 AD, is one of Rome’s most remarkable monuments, standing in Trajan’s Forum near the Colosseum. The 30-meter-tall column was built to commemorate Emperor Trajan's successful military campaigns against the Dacians. Its intricately carved spiraling reliefs depict over 150 scenes of battles, diplomacy, and Roman engineering feats, offering a detailed visual narrative of Trajan's victories. Originally topped with a statue of Trajan himself, the column underwent a symbolic transformation in 1587 when Pope Sixtus V ordered the replacement of the emperor's statue with a bronze figure of Saint Peter, the first pope and a central figure in Christian tradition. This change reflected the Christianization of Rome and the triumph of the Church over its pagan past. By placing Saint Peter atop a monument dedicated to imperial conquest, the Church asserted its spiritual dominance and continuity with Rome's imperial legacy, reinforcing the city as the heart of…

The Church of Santa Maria di Loreto is a striking Renaissance church located near Trajan’s Column and the Forum of Trajan in Rome. Constructed between 1507 and 1589, it was designed by renowned architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and later completed by Jacopo del Duca, a pupil of Michelangelo. The church was built to house a venerated image of the Virgin Mary, believed to possess miraculous powers, and became a center of Marian devotion. Its distinctive octagonal structure, topped by an elegant dome, makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. The richly decorated interior features ornate altars, sculptures, and frescoes that reflect the Renaissance artistic style. Santa Maria di Loreto’s proximity to Trajan’s Column and its architectural beauty illustrate the harmonious coexistence of Christian devotion and ancient Roman heritage in the heart of the Eternal City.

Home to Relics of Pope Saint Clement I

The church with the side garden

The Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 AD, stands as a monumental triumphal arch near the Colosseum in Rome, celebrating Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. While the arch was originally constructed to honor Constantine’s military success, its Christian significance lies in the fact that Constantine’s victory marked a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. It was at this battle that Constantine famously adopted the Christian symbol of the Chi-Rho (☧), a monogram of Christ, as his battle standard, which he believed led to his triumph. The Arch of Constantine incorporates elements that reflect the changing religious landscape of the Roman Empire, with the emperor’s image and inscriptions subtly emphasizing his association with divine favor, often interpreted as divine approval of Christianity.

Medieval Church built over the Roman Forum & Temple of Romulus

One of the smallest churches in Rome

The church of a co-patron saint of Rome

A Beloved Icon of Roman History

The basilica standing on Roman architecture

Mammertine Prison, Location of Sts. Peter and Paul's Imprisonment

The church that consoled christians on death row

The Church on the highest summit of the Capitoline Hill

The Farnese Gardens in the Roman Forum hold significant Catholic and papal ties, particularly due to their association with the Farnese family, which played a prominent role in the Catholic Church during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In the early 16th century, Pope Paul III, a member of the Farnese family, commissioned the creation of the gardens atop the Palatine Hill, transforming the site into a private and serene retreat.

The Church of Santa Maria Antiqua, nestled at the base of the Palatine Hill within the Roman Forum, is one of the oldest and most significant Christian monuments in Rome, dating back to the 6th century AD. Built within the ruins of a former imperial complex, the church served as a vital Christian center during the early Byzantine period. Its richly decorated interior features some of the earliest and most well-preserved Christian frescoes in the city, showcasing a unique blend of Roman, Greek, and Eastern artistic influences. These frescoes, which include depictions of the Virgin Mary, saints, and biblical scenes, offer a rare glimpse into early Christian devotion and iconography. Santa Maria Antiqua was abandoned in the 9th century following a massive earthquake and remained hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in the 20th century. Today, it stands as a powerful testament to the survival of Christianity amid Rome’s shifting religious and political landscape.

The Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, housed within the ancient Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, is a remarkable example of the transformation of pagan Roman architecture into a Christian place of worship. Built in 141 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his deified wife Faustina, the temple was later dedicated to the emperor himself. In the 7th or 8th century, it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a deacon martyred for his faith. The temple’s original massive Corinthian columns and richly decorated frieze remain intact, seamlessly integrated into the church’s facade. The church's interior preserves several notable religious artworks, while its connection to early Christian history underscores the symbolic triumph of Christianity over paganism. This fusion of architectural styles makes it a unique testament to Rome’s cultural and spiritual evolution.

The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, completed in 312 AD, is one of the largest and most impressive structures in the Roman Forum. Originally begun by Emperor Maxentius, it was later completed by Constantine following his victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The basilica's vast interior, characterized by soaring vaulted ceilings and massive columns, served as a public and administrative center.

The Arch of Titus was buildt to commemorate the Roman victory in the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, led by General Titus during the First Jewish-Roman War. This brutal campaign resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple, a catastrophic event for the Jewish people and a turning point in history. Roman forces looted sacred artifacts, including the Menorah and other temple treasures, which are famously depicted on the arch's inner reliefs. For Christians, this event fulfilled Jesus' prophecy of the temple's destruction (Matthew 24:2), symbolizing a shift from temple-based worship to the new covenant through Christ. The arch stands not only as a monument to Rome's dominance but also as a silent witness to the early challenges faced by both Judaism and emerging Christianity.

Underground House of Sts. Peter and Paul

A Palace Through the Ages: Rome’s Former Papal Residence

Papal Basilica and first church constructed after legalization of Christianity. Seat of the Bishop of Rome - the Pope

Heart of the Catholic Church, Largest Basilica in the World, and Burial Place of St. Peter 

Participating in the Passion of Christ

Sanctuary of Miracles: Papal Basilica and the First Marian Shrine

Shrine to the Dedicated to the Divine Mercy

The church where a matron housed christian prisoners

House of Prisca and Aquila, companions of St. Paul

The Magnificent Mosaics and Medieval Marvels of Santa Maria in Trastevere

Melchite Rite Church with Relics of St. Valentine and famous "Bocca della Verità"

The church that holds a relic of Saint John the Baptist

Bramante's Tempietto on the Gianicolo with a Via Crucis

The church where the Burgundians formed a brotherhood

15th Century church in the Rione Trevi dedicated to the 12 Apostles with relics of two of the Aposltes, Sts. Phillip and James the Lesser

Baroque style church belonging to the Jesuits featuring an ornate ceiling, tombs of Jesuit saints, and a false dome.  

The church where temples stood

One of the oldest churches in Rome

The church that caught fire

The church that contains the heart of Saint Charles

The church that first took care of people affected by the bubonic plague

Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Rome & St. Padre Pio Relics