Honestly, save your time and your one euro coin. The church…read moreitself is beautiful, but the entire experience has been completely ruined by social media hype. We waited in line for a literal hour just to reach the famous "selfie mirror" to get a photo with the ceiling fresco. When you finally get to the front, you have to pay 1 euro, and you're rushed through it so fast you can barely even check if the photo turned out.

To think, I almost avoided visiting this STUNNING 17th-century church - Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di…read moreLoyola, when visiting Rome, Italy (09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025) because it is Tik-Tok and IG "famous" for being the "mirrored church" to take an iconic selfie... yes, you read that correctly..iconic selfie. I was for sure it was going to be crowded w/ social media influencers and I was correct..it was crowded but don't let that deter you from seeing this historical beauty! Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola is known as the "mirrored church" because it has a mirror strategically placed to see the beautiful painted ceiling fresco. (see pics & videos included in this review from my visit on Tuesday 09/30/2025 - at 10:56am) It also has a painted illusion of having a real soaring dome on a flat ceiling - very cool for sure and does make you look twice just to confirm it's indeed an illusion! Here are a few helpful fyi(s) that I wanted to pass along: --- - long line for the mirror right as you enter the church - if there is a line of people waiting for the mirror, you don't have to wait in that line if you don't want to take a selfie w/ the mirror and are only wanting to see the church...as someone else mentioned in a previous review, you can get creative w/ taking a selfie w/ the beautiful ceiling. My hubby & I took our selfie pic while we were sitting in the pew and used a timer on our phone (see pic included). ---- visit early to avoid the crowds & to fully enjoy your experience at this church Avoid the crowds so you can really take in how detailed and beautiful the architecture and paintings are. Trust me, you'll enjoy your experience so much more w/ less people. ---- it's free to visit but do bring some money w/ you to give as an offering --- just a reminder to be respectful when visiting because it is a holy place Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola truly is something special and of the MANY Rome basilica's I've explored during my 2 visits to Rome, it is now my FAVORITE basilica thus far. Hope this info helps. :)) Rebecca visiting Rome, Italy from Austin, Texas (USA) 09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025

A Roman Catholic church in Rome, named after Saint Mary Magdalene…read more Located on the Via della Maddalena, one of the streets leading from the Piazza della Rotonda in the Campo Marzio area of historic Rome. The interior is architecturally complex, it has a Borrominesque elongated octagonal nave, with two chapels at each flank. To the right is the main chapel dedicated and holding the relics of Saint Camillus. In this Chapel the vault was frescoed by Sebastiano Conca. The church also has a Christ, Virgin, and St. Nicolas of Bari by Baciccia and a San Lorenzo Giustiniani with Infant Jesus by Luca Giordano.

This is an incredible church I stumbled across while meandering through the streets of rome this…read moreafternoon. The outside is very unassuming but inside it's breathtaking. There is so much gilded architecture every which way you turn, and even a mural painted by michaelangelo in a side room. The artwork here will blow your mind, don't miss out on this outstanding little church!

Being a Catholic I am obligated to give the chucrch 5 stars to keep from going to confession…read more LMAO. However, I'm not a practicing one. What I foud interesting of the chuch was the details of the architecture. The space is BEAUTIFUL. My highlight was seeing people of color featured in the time period. Most educated people understand the current pictures of Caucasian Christ are not time period accurate. It was a pleasure to see truth.

We peeked inside the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere while we were walking around Trastevere…read more It was smaller and less busy than most of the other churches we saw on our trip, more of your neighborhood 3rd century basilica. I guess it is one of the oldest churches in Rome. There's an inscription on the episcopal throne stating it was the first one dedicated to Jesus's mother Mary. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore says different. Perhaps a gang war is in order to sort things out. It's a beautiful church, anchoring its own lovely piazza (the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere). The exterior features a 13th century mosaic and a towering campanile from the 12th century, when most of the current version of the basilica was built. The interior is ornate and decked out in gold, with a ceiling that felt elaborate and expensive, even for Rome. For all this, the church was a quiet place. I'm sure many of the people sitting in the pews were in fact tourists, but the vibe was worshipful enough that we hung back from running up and gawking at the altar. If you're exploring the neighborhood, don't miss the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. It's a historically important church, and you can just walk in and look around without dealing with a crowd.

Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the most visited destinations in the world and you easily get this…read moresense via the crowds when you're here. As a second time visitor in April, this experience was very different than my first almost two decades ago. Previously the security and lines were much less organized. I recall a mad dash of several hundred people at the first entry time around 8:30 or 9am of tourists rushing towards the entrance of Saint Peter's--even though there were time slots back then, there were no cordoned areas, outdoor seating set up (the day I was there), or bag checks. Now there is a line that starts before you reach the Vatican threshold, along Via di Porta Angelica, where you go thru security and scan tickets for your timed entry. Plan accordingly because it takes about 30 minutes to get thru the line for most. They have a shortened queue for visitors needing special assistance and their caretakers, which is considerate. The initial 15 minutes of the line was not covered, the second section is under the outer columned area so there's some respite from the weather. Inside, I'd recommend an audio tour so you can wander at your own pace since it is always very crowded. The interiors are magnificent; left and right, floor to ceiling--the marble inset floors and walls, mosaics, sculptures and sheer magnitude of the interior is stunning. This time I made reservations to check out the dome, opting for the full climb of 551 steps* instead of paying for an elevator ticket that takes you partway past the first 231 steps. The interesting part of ascending which I hadn't anticipated was how tight the quarters were--there were sections where it was single file only, up curving, narrow walkways. A little claustrophobic and certainly warm with the number of bodies...it was a balmy 70ish degrees outside so I don't want to imagine what summer would be like. The dome was...BREATHTAKING. Being up close and personal to the colorful mosaics, peering down to the altar and nave below, really puts the size of the structure in perspective. Even looking up from the base of the dome, the height above was astounding. Then ascending to the dome top level--subtracting the intense crowds and confusing exit pathways which must be some sort of fire hazard--the sights for miles around the Vatican Gardens, Rome, were gorgeous. Just WOW. As so many have said before, I'll chime in with a --"if you have a chance to visit, take it!" For more info: https://basilicadisanpietro.com/blog/artistic-masterpieces-of-st-peter-s-basilica *which after walking over 20K steps a day in the Amalfi Coast the prior week I deeply questioned if I had thought this through before booking this ticket...lol at least I lived to tell the tale!

You don't have to be a believer or religious to visit this amazing Basilica…read more It is a must visit must see for the Art, Sculptures, and the top view at the Duomo. I went inside a d is over 500 steps to reach the top Duomo. I paid 15.oo Euros for the elevator which lifted me part of the way, and I had like 300 more steps to go up. Going up is a unique adventure of itself...it was hard, a bit scary, and you must be fit to do it. The stairs are small in a very thin hallway style going up...so small that both my elbows and arms touch the walls. If you are claustrophobic, this is not for you. Like I said, you must be in good health to go up. Once at the top, the views of Rome and Vatican City are Amazing and worth the steps. Gorgeous views with fresh Rome air. Once inside, you can take a closer look at the interior top of the Duomo. Have a closer look at the paintings on the roof amd the wall ceramic art. The Main floor have thr Piety and many more Sculptures. A few hours or a whole day is needed to enjoy and absorb all of this artistic, one of a kind Art.

My son, nephew and I stumbled upon this fantastic building on our last day visiting Rome. We were…read morewandering around after making an attempt to visit The Vatican Museums with no luck, the lines were literally around the block. We were on our way to The Pantheon. This place is awesome, not so much from the outside, yet once you enter..... it's absolutely gorgeous. I googled some information about it, to follow. "Santa Maria in Vallicella, also called Chiesa Nuova, is a church in Rome, Italy, which today faces onto the main thoroughfare of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It is the principal church of the Oratorians, a religious congregation of secular priests, founded by St Philip Neri in 1561 at a time in the 16th century when the Counter Reformation saw the emergence of a number of new religious organisations such as the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the Theatines and the Barnabites. Adjacent to the church is the Casa dei Filippini or the House of the Oratorians. There is a marked contrast between the pale travertine facade of the church and the brick built facade of the Casa. The Casa includes the Oratory designed by the Baroque architect, Francesco Borromini." Reference wikipedia It's located about .5Km from the Pantheon, and easily accessible via bus.

I have been to the Piazza Navona in Rome a dozen of times but can't figure out why I never thought…read moreabout going inside, I guess it's partly bc the tourist guide was always rushing us along but even in my own I didn't think about it until today. I went to catholic school for 7 years but I'm not a catholic yet I was completely enthralled by how beautiful n immaculate the massive church was so to all Catholics out there, you gotta visit this year amazing church in the heart if Rome behind the Piazza Navona. They had several rooms I had no time to visit bc the church closed at 1pm. I wish I came earlier as I'd love to listen to the massive organ they had as pictured, it was as big as the Crystal Cathedral one in Garddn Grove, California. If you stay in Rome they have some plays I didn't get a chance to ask for details but it didn't matter as I had to get back to the ship.

Rome never ceases to amaze, and this basilica is one of the most historically significant and and…read morearchitecturally impressive in town. Highly recommend a stop here! This is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas* and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches**. Located on Esquiline Hill, legend is that Virgin Mary appeared to an aristocrat Giovanni and his wife, who were seeking to donate their possessions to Saint Mary--and to the pontificate in charge at the time Pope Liberius--indicating in a vision that a church be built where snow would fall in Rome during the summer. This miraculous event occurred on Esquiline Hill in August and the church was erected where snow fell. To this day in August annually, a celebration of the church founding is marked by a dramatic showering of white rose petals from the ceiling during mass. In more accurate historical context, the building was built under Pope Celestine I (422-432) or less likely during the era of Pope Sixtus III (432-440), though he consecrated the basilica, and certainly not under Pope Liberius. Even before this, there were remains of a prior church and earlier building sites underneath excavations unearthed in the 20th century. There are references to the church being known as "Sancta Maria ad Praesepe" (Saint Mary of the Crib) since it contained (and still does) pieces of wood from the supposed holy crib or manger of Christ. The current exterior and facade are the result of modifications to a Baroque style in the -8th century. The church is located in a piazza (Piazza dell' Esquilino) with the Colonna della Pace (Column of Peace; see my sep review for that!) added in the 18th century. Inside the building retains its original 5th-century layout, a wide nave flanked by by marble columns on each side, with narrow side aisles, hemmed in by side chapels. In the 14th century a bell tower was added in the Romanesque style. The triumphal arch framing the front altar stands out with its colorful 5th century frescos, and the mosaics covering the other walls depict biblical scenes. The front altar, crypt and Sistine Chapel (not the one in the Vatican), are worth taking a closer look at while visiting. There is no admission charge, though donations are accepted. They open very early at 7am, and close 6:30pm daily. Notably eight popes as buried here, the latest being in 2025 of Pope Francis. For more info: https://www.basilicasantamariamaggiore.va/en/basilica/storia-e-arte.html *meaning according to google ;P it's one of the four highest-ranking churches in the Catholic Church, all located in Rome's diocese, which maintain a unique connection to the pope. Each papal basilica features a high altar and a papal throne that only the Pope (or someone he designates) may use to celebrate Mass. **a historic group of major and minor basilicas visited by devoted Catholic pilgrims to this day--it's a 25-kilometer (15-mile) walking trail around Rome popularized by Saint Philip Neri in the 16th century.

We arrived in Rome by train in the early evening, but we wanted to make the most of the remainder…read moreof our day. We took a bus over and ate a quick dinner nearby before getting in line for the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore 30 minutes before closing. Entrance is free. There is a security check before entering and the line moved pretty quickly. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four basilicas in Rome and it is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a wealthy Roman couple and Pope Liberius, instructing them to build a church where snow would miraculously fall in August. The next morning, August 5th snow reportedly blanketed the Esquiline Hill, marking the site of the basilica. Every August 5th, white rose petals are dropped from the ceiling to celebrate the "Miracle of the Snow." The interior was absolutely stunning. From the ceiling to the walls, and all of the paintings and sculptures were magnificent. This basilica houses some of the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary in art. It also holds the holy crib relic that contains pieces of the manger where Jesus was laid. This was the first basilica we visited in Rome and we also saw how there were multiple confession boxes with a Priest assigned and their language and hours. Very modern. I guess that helps with people of all ethnic backgrounds coming to Rome for their religious pilgrimages. I was so impressed by this basilica when we visited, but to be honest I am so glad we came here before seeing St Peter's Basilica because I would have been underwhelmed by compare if I went there first. I recommend coming here before going to St. Peter's Basilica so you can feel impressed here, and then even more impressed at St Peter's Basilica.

If you're in Rome wondering where all the medieval money went, look no further than San Luigi dei…read moreFrancesi. Built in 1589, this French national church is basically a guilt-covered gold box masquerading as a place of worship. Starving peasants? Check. Papal extravagance? Double check. Why feed the masses when you can build a church so shiny it needs its own sunglasses? Inside, you'll find Caravaggio's Saint Matthew trilogy. It's the only thing in here not trying to outshine the sun. Worth a visit? Absolutely. Just remember, this is what happens when you combine divine inspiration with zero chill.

Caravaggio, Medici and della Porta…read more San Luigi dei Francesi, the Church of Saint Louis of France, is a stunning Roman Catholic church filled with beautiful paintings, chapels and a rich history. The church was designed by Giacomo della Porta, built by Domenico Fontana and completed by the intervention of Catherine de' Medici, who as the wife of King Henry II of France, funded the construction. Originally, Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici (who later became Pope Clement VII) commissioned a church for the French community in 1518. When Rome was sacked in 1527, construction was halted. The church was finally completed in 1589 by Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta who changed the design completely. Giacomo della Porta created a façade as an independent piece of decorative work. This method was copied in other architectural projects later on. The facade features historical French figures such as Charlemagne and Saint Louis. The interior also has frescoes recounting French heroes and saints. It was nice to be able to read about the chapels. Information was displayed in French, Italian and English. The Contarelli Chapel is famous for three works by Baroque master Caravaggio. The three paintings depict the life of St. Matthew -"The Calling of Saint Matthew," "The Inspiration of Saint Matthew" and "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew." This was definitely the most crowded of the chapels. It was also interesting to see the school groups that were touring with their classes during our visit. It was the only church that we visited in Rome where this was noticeable.

Caravaggio, Medici and della Porta…read more San Luigi dei Francesi, the Church of Saint Louis of France, is a stunning Roman Catholic church filled with beautiful paintings, chapels and a rich history. The church was designed by Giacomo della Porta, built by Domenico Fontana and completed by the intervention of Catherine de' Medici, who as the wife of King Henry II of France, funded the construction. Originally, Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici (who later became Pope Clement VII) commissioned a church for the French community in 1518. When Rome was sacked in 1527, construction was halted. The church was finally completed in 1589 by Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta who changed the design completely. Giacomo della Porta created a façade as an independent piece of decorative work. This method was copied in other architectural projects later on. The facade features historical French figures such as Charlemagne and Saint Louis. The interior also has frescoes recounting French heroes and saints. It was nice to be able to read about the chapels. Information was displayed in French, Italian and English. The Contarelli Chapel is famous for three works by Baroque master Caravaggio. The three paintings depict the life of St. Matthew -"The Calling of Saint Matthew," "The Inspiration of Saint Matthew" and "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew." This was definitely the most crowded of the chapels. It was also interesting to see the school groups that were touring with their classes during our visit. It was the only church that we visited in Rome where this was noticeable.

Rome is basically bursting with churches and priceless artwork, but if you have half an hour to see…read moresomething special, spend it at Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, the Church of St. Louis of the French. It's a popular destination in central Rome, near Piazza Navona, free to enter for tourists and worshipers. We first tried to go when the church was closed, between noon and 2:30 on a Saturday (the hours are posted on the website and worth ascertaining before you visit). When we went back around 3:30, there was a robust line to get in, though it did move pretty quickly. I'd account for a bit of a wait, especially during peak season. The church has a lovely exterior, the building grand and baroque, completed in 1589. The good stuff, though, is on the inside. The interior is ornate and beautiful, decked out in gold and marble and a small museum's worth of important Italian paintings on the walls and ceiling. They're all worth looking at, but the main draw is the trio of Caravaggios, a cycle of works about the life of Saint Matthew, painted between 1599 and 1600. You'll know where they are from the crowd gathered in front of the Contarelli Chapel, where the paintings cover the left and right walls and the space above the altar. They are astounding works, easy to appreciate even while standing in a crowd of tourists taking pictures (I obviously took some of my own). The church has a small gift shop, where you can get prints of the Caravaggios and other souvenirs. We didn't end up buying anything, so this excursion cost us nothing but a meager outlay of our time. We left Rome with a new appreciation for Italian art, and a special love for Caravaggio. I'm glad we got to see Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, and I fully intend to visit again.

Wow I love the Campo de Fiori. The name means the field of flowers, because it used to be a field…read moreof flowers and vegetable gardens here before it became this square. Unfortunately from the 16th to 19th century this place became a public execution site. Yikes. The most famous execution was Giordano Bruno in 1600, in which there is now a statue in his honor for freedom of thought. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts. Pass forward to present day. This area is lively with the open air markets where you can find vendors selling produce, flowers, spices, cheese, and artisanal goods. My boyfriend and I came here to explore the live market and also to look for souvenirs to bring home. The vendors here are really aggressive and I would have enjoyed it more if they gave me space to look instead of hound me to buy buy buy. Like chill dude can I look at what I'm buying. Sigh. We were here til closing time and even get to see how the vendors efficiently and quickly packed up their stalls and belongings to wrap up for the day. And of course... a great area to enjoy some gelato.

We're at Campo de' Fiori, Rome's oldest market and possibly the most enthusiastic display of…read moretourist traps per square meter. Once a site for public executions (Bruno's brooding statue still watches over), it now specializes in overpriced pasta and garlic braids. It's more performance art than produce. Vendors heckle, truffle oil flows freely, and yes, someone will try to sell you limoncello in a boot. I walked through as part of a food tour, which felt like the right way to enjoy the chaos, briefly, and with snacks elsewhere. Not the best market in Rome, but definitely the most theatrical.