There must be so many lovely churches in Rome, but Chiesa Santa Maria is close to my idea of perfection. It was one of the first churches in which masses were openly celebrated in Rome. There has been a church here since 340 AD although the present church was built on the site in the 1140s.
It’s in main piazza of the old Trastevere quarter where you can stop for an after-dinner gelato in the evening when the piazza comes alive with street entertainers, bars and restaurants.
You enter through the cool portico adorned with broken marble plaques from ancient Roman tombs, written in Latin and Greek (did you notice the backpacker taking a nap when we were there?)
Inside the Chiesa Santa Maria
Inside the church is adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes and is full of colour. The columns that line the nave were plundered from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.
To the left of the altar is a 17th century chapel with the most beautiful painted frescos – look up and you’ll see the wonderful ceiling.
Make a prayer request
Despite all this magnificence, it still retains the feel of a neighbourhood church. If you have a particular prayer request, you can write it on the scraps of paper provided and leave it in the arms of St Anthony at one side of the church, or light a candle in the crimson side chapel.
Read more about Rome
Rome, where the small car is king
The view from the dome of St Peter’s
This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
Basil Watkins
Saturday 30th of July 2011
I linked your blog to the "Roman Churches Wiki" article on Santa Maria in Trastevere, which I think is the best online guide in English even though I say so myself (having written some of it).
Heather
Saturday 30th of July 2011
Basil - thanks so much, I appreciate it
Rome - where the small car is king | Heather on her travels
Saturday 24th of July 2010
[...] Related Posts Street entertainment in Piazza Navona – in Rome Ristorante Alle Fratte di Trastevere – in Rome Chiesa Santa Maria in Trastevere – in Rome [...]
Five peaceful sights to enjoy in Rome | Heather on her travels
Wednesday 21st of July 2010
[...] view from the dome of St Peter’s – in Rome Chiesa Santa Maria in Trastevere – in Rome Gelato on the island in the [...]
Ristorante Alle Fratte di Trastevere - in Rome : Heather on her travels
Friday 16th of January 2009
[...] Posts Perdinci bacco wine bar near the Vatican - in Rome Chiesa Santa Maria in Trastevere - in Rome Rome, where the small car is [...]