Rome is so immensely fascinating with hundreds of monuments, masterpieces all over,magnificent churches, frescoes,sculptures, art and architecture, it is a dreamworld for anyone who enjoys history, historical sites,can remain immersed in centuries old stories.
While I was in awe of the monuments and the brilliance of centuries old architectural genius, the inconceivable artistry and interiors of the magnificent churches captivated me .
There are close to 1000 (or more) churches in Rome and with 5 days in hand in the eternal city I could only wish for more hours in a day.
Here are few images from the churches and Basilicas I was able to visit during my stay and would urge anyone visiting Rome to explore some of the churches.
1. Basilica Di San Pietro in Vaticano / St.Peter's Basilica in the Vatican - The most popular ,the most significant and perhaps the most visited from all over the world. One of the four Major Basilicas in Rome, it took 120 years to build this marvel. Michelangelo,Bernini,Raphael and several other renowned artists from the 16th & 17th century were involved and contributed to the art,design and architecture during it's construction. Sure is one hell of a Masterpiece !
2. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - Another Major Basilica out of the four and I was fortunate to be able to visit 2 of them. The original church was built in the 5th century and many additions were made in the later centuries. As per popular legend, Pope Liberius and his wife who vowed to donate all their possessions to Virgin Mary, had prayed to know how they should dispose their wealth. Apparently it snowed on the night of 5th August in the peak of summer and Pope Liberius had the vision that a Basilica be built on the same spot where it snowed and the Basilica stands on the same spot today.
Some very ancient mosaics adorn the arch and the walls, with Gold coffered ceiling. Gian Lorenzo Bernini is buried here and a plaque embedded on the floor marks the spot.
Basilica di San Clemente - a multi tiered church, the present day church is built above ancient churches dating back to 1st and 4th century. An underground tour is also available.
While I was in awe of the monuments and the brilliance of centuries old architectural genius, the inconceivable artistry and interiors of the magnificent churches captivated me .
There are close to 1000 (or more) churches in Rome and with 5 days in hand in the eternal city I could only wish for more hours in a day.
Here are few images from the churches and Basilicas I was able to visit during my stay and would urge anyone visiting Rome to explore some of the churches.
1. Basilica Di San Pietro in Vaticano / St.Peter's Basilica in the Vatican - The most popular ,the most significant and perhaps the most visited from all over the world. One of the four Major Basilicas in Rome, it took 120 years to build this marvel. Michelangelo,Bernini,Raphael and several other renowned artists from the 16th & 17th century were involved and contributed to the art,design and architecture during it's construction. Sure is one hell of a Masterpiece !
2. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - Another Major Basilica out of the four and I was fortunate to be able to visit 2 of them. The original church was built in the 5th century and many additions were made in the later centuries. As per popular legend, Pope Liberius and his wife who vowed to donate all their possessions to Virgin Mary, had prayed to know how they should dispose their wealth. Apparently it snowed on the night of 5th August in the peak of summer and Pope Liberius had the vision that a Basilica be built on the same spot where it snowed and the Basilica stands on the same spot today.
Some very ancient mosaics adorn the arch and the walls, with Gold coffered ceiling. Gian Lorenzo Bernini is buried here and a plaque embedded on the floor marks the spot.
3. Pantheon - Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was originally built as a Roman Temple in 29-19 BC. It was completed by Hadrian around 125 AD and was converted to a Church only in the 7th century.One of the best preserved ancient structures in Rome,the sheer scale of this structure,age and the complex history that it has stood through,is intriguing to say the least. As you enter through the door the vast circular space opens up to you. The Oculus, the eye on the Dome of the Pantheon is the only source of light and it's an open circular hole. The columns of the Pantheon were imported from Egypt and the floor is still the original ancient floor.
4. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere - One of the oldest churches in Rome. The original floor plan and structure dates back to 4th century, however most of the present day structure was completed in 12th century . Richly decorated with beautiful mosaics by Cavallini and the facade is equally impressive.
5. Santa Maria Degli e dei Martiri - This is the first church I visited on my first day in Rome. And completely amazed by the grand interiors.
6. Basilica of San Vitale - A minor basilica, built in 400 AD,5th century and then restored several times over the centuries. Slightly modest in scale and interiors when compared to the others,but nonetheless, beautiful and when I visited, the church was all to myself, very quiet with no other visitor. That was special
Few other prominent Basilicas/Churches -
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano - one of the oldest and a major Basilica
