Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of the oldest churches in Rome
- Spectacular inside and out
Time required: 30 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 7:30am - 8pm |
Public transport:
- Bus nr: H, 23,271,280
Address: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Hopp
Things you need to know:
- Basilica di Santa Maria is Rome's oldest church dedicated to Virgin Mary
- The basic floor plan and wall structure date back to the 340s AD
- Legend has it, a miraculous oil font spouted here on the day Christ was born
- The amazing 'Life of the Virgin' mosaics (by Pietro Cavallini) illustrate this miracle. The mosaics cover the lower half of the apse
- The square in front of the church is a great place for people watching, as it seems to act as a common living room for the neighborhood
What to do there:
- Discover the impressive church both from the inside and outside
- Do not miss the Life of the Virgin' mosaics
