Rome Cosmopolitan metropolis with many churches and chapels a starting point for strangers

Rome, the capital of Italy, is considered the “Eternal City”. They know strangers not only for “La dolce vita”, but also for over 1,000 churches and chapels. You can find out more about the big city’s places of worship now.

The four papal basilicas

The Roman papal basilicas are among the places of worship that make the most impression on strangers. This includes “Santa Maria Maggiore”. It is located on Esquilin, one of the seven hills in the metropolis. The basilica has its roots as early as the fourth century AD. At this time, the foundation stone was laid for the Basilica Liberii. The building in its current form was built between 422 and 432 at the behest of Pope Celestine I. In 434, it was the first church in the western world to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Today, over 1,500 years later, it is the most important St. Mary’s Church in the Italian capital. In the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore you have the opportunity to visit the tombs of several popes, marvel at imposing organs and hear five mighty bells ringing.

Another basilica you should visit is “San Paolo fuori le Mura”. It was built in the fourth century on the site where the bones of the apostle Paul were suspected. Constantly expanding, parts of the church were destroyed by fire in the 1820s. It was consecrated almost 30 years later and is now one of the most interesting churches in Italy. A special highlight are the cloister and the garden of the basilica.

“San Giovanni in Laterano” is the third papal basilica in Rome. In fact, it is the seat of the Roman bishop. Its roots also go back to the fourth century. The superhuman sculptures of the twelve apostles are particularly eye-catching.
The fourth Pope Basilica is also located in the urban area of ​​the Italian capital. However, in fact, it does not belong to Italy. St. Peter’s Basilica is the seat of the Pope and at the same time the largest church in the world. A special trademark is not only the impressive base area, but even more so the overpowering dome. You can also go up here and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

The special churches in Rome

Hard to believe, but there is a German pari-sh church in the capital of Italy. “Santa Maria dell’Anima” was built in the 16th century in the Central European style. To this day it is the meeting place of the papal institute under the chairmanship of an Austrian. In addition to the Renaissance facade of the church, the two imposing side aisles, eight side chapels and the huge columns are particularly worth seeing.

Another house of worship in the heart of the “Eternal City” was dedicated to the Roman gods. The imposing dome of the “Santa Maria ad Martyres” church bears witness to this to this day. It is much better known by its original name: “Pantheon”. The eye in the roof of the church is thanks to the superstition of the ancient Romans. This should drive the demons out. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church adopted the pantheon and gave the church its current name.

The most impressive chapels in Rome

The chapels are a particular eye-catcher in Roman churches. A very worth seeing is in the church “Santa Maria del Popolo”. The Cappella Chigi is dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto and was commissioned by the papal banker Agostino Chigi. The dome in particular is an eye-catcher. Raffael designed the chapel’s floor plan and today the Chigi chapel is also known from the Dan Brown thriller “Illuminati”.

Another chapel, which both locals and strangers should not miss, is in the basilica “San Luigi”. This is due to the walls of the Contarelli chapel. They are adorned by the Matthäus cycle by the Italian artist Caravaggio and are rightly a popular photo motif.

The most famous chapel in Rome is the Sistine Chapel. It is named after Pius IV and is known today above all for the cardinals to vote on the new Pope there. But the “Capella Sistina” is also worth a visit without a papal election. Reason: The walls and the ceiling are decorated with hand-painted motifs from Jesus’ life. Artists like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Michelangelo are responsible for this.

There are numerous other churches and chapels in the city of Rome. It’s best to convince yourself.