Churches and Cathedrals in Italy

"No visit to Rome is complete without briefly leaving Italy to light a candle in St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Almost all of the great Renaissance architects and artists had a hand in its design and it can be visited for free. There is a papal audience every Wednesday morning while on Sundays at noon the pope imparts his blessing on crowds for the Angelus."

"A breakfast buffet with Italian delicacies was served daily on the rooftop restaurant, that enjoys views of St Peter’s Basilica. The neighborhood was lovely with the Vatican and a metro stop just steps away. There was also a great choice of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby."

"Soaring columns, gleaming marble, sparkling stained glass, and magnificent statues astound visitors as soon as they cross the threshold here at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s said that the gold that glistens on the fabulous ceiling here was brought back by Columbus from the New World. Each year, on the 5th of August, the basilica plays host to the Miracle of the Snows celebration, which celebrates the legend of the church’s founding."

"The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome, which is to say, a crown jewel. The church contains an impressive array of artifacts and art that represent Rome’s Christian art civilization. Pilgrims from throughout the world come here to pay homage to the basilica, where every stained glass window, column or fresco has a religious history."

"Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome. Its 18th-century exterior conceals one of the best-preserved Byzantine interiors in the city. Travelers who are in Rome on August 5 may want to attend the Miracle of the Snows celebration when thousands of white petals are dropped from the ceiling."

"The Basilica of San Clemente is named after St. Clement, who was the third pope after St. Peter. Located just a few blocks from the Coliseum, the present church is built over four layers of buildings, including other churches, beginning with a Christian home that was destroyed in 64 during a fire most closely associated with the Emperor Nero. At one time, the church was a pagan temple; it also has been both an Augustinian and Dominican facility, and today is operated by Irish Dominicans."

"This is one of the lesser known churches in central Rome but is just as opulent and historical as the likes of St. Peter’s Basilica. Listed as a Basilica Minor, the church is actually split into three distinct sections that span a time frame of some two thousand years. The original basilica was created in the 2nd century and the current form was completed in 1123 AD."

"Despite being one of the most unique churches in Rome, this still remains one of the lesser visited ones. The 12th century basilica was built on top of the 4th century one; which in turn was built on top of a 1st century Pagan site. The church was used by Christians when being Christian was still outlawed in Rome."

"Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century. The church has impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries; it has been enlarged and restored over the years. Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated."

"If you’re strolling through the Trastevere neighbourhood, don’t miss out on the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere–one of the most beautiful and serene churches in Rome. Its initial construction dates back to 340 AD. Other decorations such as famous Byzantine mosaics were made later in the 11th century."

"Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere|©Jorg Hackemann/Shutterstock. Dating back to around 350 AD, Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most ancient churches in Rome. The church is famed for the dazzling Byzantine mosaics decorating the interior, which were created around the 12th century."

"Santa Maria della Vittoria is a church built during the seventeenth century after the victory of the Emperor Ferdinand II at the battle of White Mountain"

"Like the church of Santa Susanna across Piazza San Bernardo, this church was designed by Carlo Maderno, but this one is best known for…"

"Sant’Antonio dei Portoghesi is located less than a quarter mile west of the Piazza di Ponte Umberto I. You can walk there from the piazza by exiting south into Via dei Soldati, veering left into Via dell’Orso, and continuing onto Via dei Portoghesi. Sant’Antonio serves as a hub for the Portuguese community in Rome. It was originally built in the seventeenth century, and its interior is a loud Baroque celebration."

"Website | Via di Santa Dorotea, 2, 00153 Roma RM, Italy | +39 320 775 6277. La Boccaccia is deeply loved among Italians for its delicious pizza with over 15 different topping choices, and 10 types of pizza with a variety of topping combinations. Their pizza is cut by the slice, is sold by the pound, and is popularly praised by its famous chewy and crispy crust."

"In the last 5 years, I’ve tried sliced pizza in more than 40 street food shops. La Boccaccia goes in top 3: high quality, wide selection of pizzas, excellent service, and cheap price. Moreover, the quality of pizza they make is apparently better in compare to any other “Pizza al taglio” place."

"One of the top ten pizzeria in Rome is the La Gatta Mangiona. A neighborhood pizza place in origin and spirit, this place became popular in Rome thanks to their flavorsome, thick pizza base, and the good choice of toppings, ranging from classics to creative. In a relaxed and no frill atmosphere, you can taste traditional Margherita, Marinara, Capricciosa etc or try out innovative toppings such as ‘gateau pizza’ (mozzarella, potatoes, ham, stracchino, rosemary) or parmigiana (mozzarella, eggplant, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, basil) ."

"Before enjoying an excellent pie at La Gatta Mangiona you should also indulge in a little fried starter, properly made and seasoned with excellent ingredients. Classic; scampi and green apples with curry; pumpkin and caciocavallo; pork ribs; bollito… there are many options to choose from and which change according to season. Regardless of taste, quality is guaranteed!"

"Towering over green fields, this 2nd-century villa is one of Rome's unsung splendours. It was the luxurious abode of two consuls, the Quintili brothers, but its splendour was in fact their downfall. The emperor Commodus had them both killed, taking over the villa for himself. The emperor added to the complex and the ruins are fabulously impressive. The highlight is the well-preserved baths complex with a pool, caldarium (hot bath) and frigidarium (cold bath). There's also a small museum with good exhibits."

"This Botanical Garden takes its name from the Farnese family, which at the end of the 500 have bought almost the entire surface of the Palatine hill, transforming it into a splendid garden. The Farnese garden or Orti Farnesiani, was the way of affirming the political and institutional position of the noble family. The garden was considered to be the oldest in the western world."

"Few travelers venture south to Garbatella but with its neighborhood feel, charming architecture and great eateries, it’s a veritable diamond in the rough. Beer lovers visiting this area should head to HeyHop for a cold pint served with a lot of heart that can be enjoyed with an exclusively local crowd. HeyHop has an international selection of beers and just under a dozen beers on tap, as well as bottles for sale alongside tools to brew your own ale at home."

"Rome’s most famous speakeasy has been lauded as one of the top bars in the world thanks to its dedication to mixology. If you want to taste their one-of-a-kind concoctions, you first need to make a reservation, then check the website for the daily password before you arrive. Inside, the tiny bar is filled with Rome’s cool crowd, dressed in black and smoking while sipping on the cocktails made with the bar’s own bitters and specially imported liquors from all over the world."

"Bars are plentiful in Rome but there is one on the Rome nightlife scene that only makes a mean cocktail but provides for a truly unique night out. The Jerry Thomas Project is a speakeasy bar located in the historic center of Rome, right by Piazza Navona. You need a booking and a password to get in but the effort is truly worth its weight in gold."

"It's hard to know when, or whether, the gents behind Jerry Thomas Speakeasy veer into self-parody; but it hardly matters. Theatricality's the appeal. The room's small and smoky, the decor's 1920s Prohibition-era chic (floral wallpaper, tasseled lamps, velvet couches)."