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

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.

There are churches on every corner in Rome and each one has so much art and history and so much to…read moresee This one is small inside compared to others but located down from the Spanish steps

Rome is a city of churches. If you see one that is open - go in and usually find treasures. This…read moreis a 17th century basilica church devoted to St. Andrew. This church was built over a pre-existing one that was erected in 1192. The apse, the dome and the bell tower are attributed to Borromini, who had worked on the building since 1653. The bell tower is truly amazing - don't forget to look up. Inside, two sculptures by Bernini are preserved: they are of the angels who carried out the Sant' Angelo bridge and that the pontiff wanted to shelter from the ravages of time. They represent "the Angel with the crown of thorns" and "the Angel with the cartouche," showing symbols of the Passion.

For me, this church punches up with the major basilicas. It's not as big, but it's stunning and…read moreit's also not nearly as crowded, so you might actually...you know...get to pray. Especially if you like the Jesuits at all, you have to stop here. The ceiling is alive with textures. The sculptures are on point. Intense focus on Christ, with a great crucifix and a Sacred Heart chapel, too. The place of repose of St. Ignatius himself. This church is a wonder.

Rome is the place to go if you like visiting churches. There are many and they are well maintained…read more The difficulty is selecting those you have time to visit. Chiesa del Gesu is one you probably don't want to miss because of the bizarre (to me) way the the tomb of Ignacio Loyola is displayed. The tomb is hidden behind a giant picture which at 5:30 in the afternoon is rolled back by some mechanical device to reveal the tomb behind. This is accompanied by loud music and lights and is accompanied by an audience of worshippers waving their arms. Pretty over the top. Don't miss it. The rest of the church is pretty over the top also. Early baroque as I understand. Much too ornate for my taste but certainly worth seeing. I personally prefer more austerity but the Chiesa del Gesu is something I won't forget.

Buy a ticket online before you come, since we went by several times and there was always a long…read moreline. If you already have your online ticket, there was a very short line to the left to get inside. The Pantheon was built originally as a Roman temple and later changed into a church in the 7th century, so it is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome. The Oculus, circular opening at the top of the dome lets in light and rain. The ceiling above is a work of art. Statues and art around the perimeter also delight the eyes. You can even pray at the pews in front of the altar. Inside, tombs of Raphael, Victor Emmanuel II, and Umberto I and others. Next to the Sistine Chapel, this was one of the most crowded places we visited.

While visiting Roma , this was one of our stops. No time to…read morevisit inside since our time was limited as our stop in Roma was during our Mediterranean cruise. Beautiful structure on the outside so grand, it's nice to see one of these days maybe next time we will be able to go inside.

Right next to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini (that rolls off the tongue…read morelike a Latin exam you didn't study for), this museum is part chapel, part crypt, and part humble brag for the Capuchin friars, the Franciscan branch known for vows of poverty, haircuts, and a surprising flair for interior bone design. Did we come to this museum to learn about the friars, Mmmmmm. Ok maybe. You'll walk through exhibits showing how these robed legends brewed up herbal potions, lived in literal caves, and humbly redefined the phrase less is more. We really came for the Caravaggio. Turn the corner, and there it is, the Caravaggio's "St. Francis in Meditation", just casually hanging there like it's no big deal. Spoiler: It is a big deal. This moody masterpiece punches you in the soul. Saint Francis looks like he's just remembered his iCloud password and is deeply not okay with it. Shadows engulf him, light hits him like a holy spotlight, and suddenly you're questioning all your life choices in front of a painting that's older than the United States. Caravaggio, ever the art world's tortured bad boy, painted like he lived, fast and bold, and usually on the run from the law. His contribution here adds gravitas to an already gravity-heavy museum, where death is literally the décor.

Also know as " The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks"…read more Absolutely creepy as hell, but worth every minute spent here. This place is fantastic. My wife, son and nephew and I thoroughly loved it. It can be a little hard to find, but all that's expected is a small donation and a promise not to take pictures. The ones that I've included are from their website and the Internet. Here's some additional information: "The crypt is located just under Santa Maria della Concezione, a church commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1626. The pope's brother, Cardinal Antonio Barberini, who was a member of the Capuchin order, in 1631 ordered the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars exhumed and transferred from the friary Via dei Lucchesi to the crypt. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as the bodies of poor Romans, whose tomb was under the floor of the present Mass chapel. Here the Capuchins would come to pray and reflect each evening before retiring for the night. The crypt, or ossuary, now contains the remains of 4,000 friars buried between 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches. The underground crypt is divided into five chapels, lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks, and small fluorescent lamps. The crypt walls are decorated with the remains in elaborate fashion, making this crypt a macabre work of art. Some of the skeletons are intact and draped with Franciscan habits, but for the most part, individual bones are used to create elaborate ornamental designs. The crypt originated at a period of a rich and creative cult for their dead; great spiritual masters meditated and preached with a skull in hand. A plaque in one of the chapels reads, in three languages, "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be." This is a memento mori." Thank you Wikipedia. Well worth the visit, and there are some excellent restaurants close as well.

The Santa Maria in Via church was founded in Rome during the dark ages, but it wasn't formally…read moreestablished as a parish church until 1205. Note that it is not the nearby church of Santa Maria in Via Lata. Santa Maria in Via is regularly translated into "Our Lady in the Street" in English; however, some historical documents gave the parish other names. The church gained fame on September 26, 1256 when the well in the yard of 13th-century Cardinal Pietro Capocci flooded and overflowed with a painted terracotta tablet of the "Blessed Virgin" miraculously floating in the water. From that event, the dedication of the church is to the Blessed Virgin Mary with a special title of Our Lady of the Well (Madonna del Pozzo). The first chapel on the right is the Cappella della Madonna del Pozzo (aka the Well Chapel) which was built in 1491-1513 on the orders of Pope Innocent VIII around the actual holy well from 1256. Upon completion in 1513, Pope Leo X granted the church to the Servite Order which still serves the church and parish. The chapel was constructed with funds from Monsignor Giovanni Battista Canobi whose memorial is on the left side of the chapel. The altarpiece in the Cappella della Madonna del Pozzo contains the original iconic 13th century tile after being framed in polychrome marble and alabaster in 1646 following a Papal decree. The building (including other chapels) we see today was completed between 1592-1609 under the supervision of Italian architects Francesco da Volterra and Carlo Lombardi. The travertine limestone façade was designed by the famous Italian Renaissance architect (and Michelangelo collaborator) Giacomo della Porta who worked on many beautiful fountains and churches throughout Roma including St. Peter's Basilica. The front wasn't actually completed under the direction of Baroque Italian architect Carlo Rainaldi in 1681. The Latin inscription on the front reads "Deo in hon Mariae virginis matris Dei, dd a MCCLVI" meaning "Dedicated to God in honor of the virgin mother, 1256 AD." The interior has single nave with four chapels on each side. Besides the chapel of the well, the right side has ornate chapels dedicated to St. Philip Benizi, the Annunciation, and the Holy Trinity. On the left are chapels to St. Andrew, the Sacred Heart or Jesus, the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, and St. Pellegrino Laziosi (patron of cancer sufferers). Obviously, the Santa Maria in Via church is more impressive than most churches in your hometown even though it is just one of 900 Catholic churches in Rome. The history and inspiration it offers shouldn't be discounted just because isn't ranked among the most influential in the city. In addition, it now serves as a national church in Rome for the devout Ecuadorian community. Except during mass, the church is open to visitors on weekdays from 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. September is a busy time in the church including the feast of the Madonna of the Holy Well on September 8 and a night vigil on September 26, the anniversary of the miracle of the well.

A little gem of a church, there are so many in Rome! Peered in for a peek when walking past…read more There's always something about the formal, austere exteriors that makes me wonder what's inside, and I'm usually awed by the ornate details within!* One could say a the majority of these churches have some resemblance to each other, similar cross shapes with a longer nave, then shorter arms at left and right towards the front altar, a number of smaller chapels along the sides. This one is no different. Colored marble in tones of grey and shallow crimson, Baroque architectural details, and a beautifully restored fresco on the nave ceiling. The story of this church pertains to a well located in the stables that once stood here, belonging to Cardinal Pietro Capocci, which one day in the 13th century overflowed carrying a stone slab with an image of the Virgin Mary. Following which Pope Alexander IV decreed a chapel be built in this location, dedicated to the Madonna. To this day there is a small tap in one of the chapels on the right after entry that allows parishioners to take a sip of this water from the ancient well below. Interesting storyline--it's like learning about the esoteric parts of history not in textbooks. Spent about 5 minutes looking around, a quick stop for sure! Free to enter and they are open pretty early and late too: 7:15am-7:45pm Tues-Sat 8:30am-9:30pm Sunday 7:15am-1pm and 4-7:45pm Monday For more info: https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/church-santa-maria-madonna-del-pozzo *Maybe it's because we have so much less of these type of medieval/gothic/classical/baroque/romanesque styles of architecture represented in the States, when I have the opportunity to walk past a church every so often in Europe, it behooves me to scratch that itch and see what's behind each doorway.

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!

lWe spent three nights at a hotel in the Piazza della Minerva and walked into this church because…read moreit was right there. After a week in Rome, we weren't surprised to find that this random neighborhood church was, in fact, an impressive basilica. Naturally, it has its own Wikipedia page. Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva, or the Basilica of Saint Mary above Minerva, is a minor basilica church, consecrated in 1370. It's a beautiful gothic church with a ton of art, including its own Michelangelo statue, the Cristo della Minerva. There was a helpful map showing where to find the art--though it was strangely bootleg, made with clipped print-outs and construction paper like a diligent child's school project. Unfortunately, the church was undergoing some kind of renovation when we went in, and a lot of the interior was inaccessible, including the area with the Michelangelo. The church was gorgeous, though, even with construction scaffolding all over the place. Lots of marble, which almost goes without saying, and a striking vaulted ceiling, painted bright blue with colorful religious figures and a sparkly smattering of gilded stars. We only went in for five to ten minutes, and I'm sure we missed plenty in this cursory visit. I'm glad we peeked in, though. It was a quick, rewarding thing to do on our last day of wandering around Rome. If you find yourself around Piazza della Minerva, the basilica is quiet and free and well worth checking out.

Absolutely must see if you're a fan of art and architecture…read more This spot is often overlooked because it's near the Pantheon. Not only does it have the famous elephant obelisk outside but inside it's amazing. It's the only church in Rome that's done in the gothic architecture style. Once inside, people often walk right past a genuine Michelangelo sculpture. Note- he did not cover Jesus up, that golden fabric looking part was later added due to the church wanting modesty.

Ancient peoples used to be more tolerant of reusing existing buildings for new purposes, instead of…read morethe tearing down and reconstructing using inferior techniques we see today, and this church is a prime example. At the behest of Pope Pius IV based on a request by Sicilian priest Antonio del Duca, this church was designed in 1562 with input from Michelangelo within the former frigidarium* of the Terme di Diocleziano ancient baths. Work continued after Michelangelo's passing through Giacomo Del Duca, Antonio's nephew and protege of Michelangelo. The works lasted until the middle of the 18th century with Luigi Vanvitelli undoing some of the modifications of his predecessors post Del Duca, and transferring some of the altarpieces from Saint Peter's Basilica here. The ornate interior of this basilica contrasts with its simple, comparatively anachronistic facade. It's really a sight to behold and very different inside with a soaring nave and transept of colored marble columns, vibrant frescoes, beautifully hewn patterned marble floors. A special feature of the dome is a stained glass lantern that seals the oculus, of which the original function during Roman days was a hole letting in rain water into the bathing pools below. Replacing the ones by Michelangelo and Del Duca due to inclement weather considerations, Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata's version is the one visible today. With a diameter of about two meters, it's partitioned into eight wedges with twenty-four multi-colored glass plates, inside which are three astronomical lenses placed at different heights, angled to concentrate the sun's rays downwards. Together they project a beam of light onto the floor of the basilica that reaches the exact center of the floor at noon daily. What a feat of mathematical engineering! Today this space is a functional Catholic parish, setting for special events like weddings or state funerals for public figures. Visitation is free of charge. Highly recommend a visit! *central classroom. Not refrigerator. Baths used to be centers of society and discourse in ancient Rome.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs can be easily missed. It doesn't look like…read moremuch from the outside but the interior is beautiful. It was built in the 16th century based on a design by Michelangelo. The basilica is a fantastic construction with beautiful frescoes, paintings and sculptures. It is well worth visiting, you won't be disappointed.