Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

Beautiful church with amazing inner decorations and outside elements with a rich history. Especially in the apsis and the paintings are amazing. Nice place to visit and visit before an aperitif in the area for example. One can read little bit about the history however there is also much information on the internet.

Beautiful basilica. Definitely a must-see hidden bizantine / medieval gem in the inside of the trastevere. The mosaics are truly unique, topped with the wooden painted ceilings. Entrance is free, but you must have your knees and shoulders covered, and not wear flip flops or open sandals. Silence is mandatory.

What a beautiful gem we found while wandering through the narrow cobbled stone streets of Trastevere! Just sat and enjoyed the magnificence of this awesome Basilica in this 3rd week of Advent, Dec 2024. Buona festa!

Stunning basilica! My partner and I loved the 12th-century mosaics depicting Mary and Jesus. It’s one of the oldest churches in Rome, built over a 4th-century foundation. A true Trastevere gem!

Visiting Santa Maria in Trastevere was one of the most enchanting experiences we had in Rome. As one of the oldest churches in the city, dating back to the 4th century, it feels like stepping into a piece of living history. From the moment we entered, we were captivated by the golden glow of the mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, which shimmer in the soft light and tell the story of the Virgin Mary in breathtaking detail. The atmosphere inside is peaceful, a world away from the bustling streets outside. The intricately carved columns, said to have been repurposed from ancient Roman buildings, add to the sense of timelessness. We especially loved the Cosmatesque floors, which are works of art in themselves, and the stunning gilded ceiling designed by Domenichino. Stepping back outside into Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, with the fountain at its center and the square slowly filling with life as evening set in, was the perfect way to end our visit. If you’re in Rome, don’t just pass through Trastevere—step inside this church and take a moment to soak in its beauty and history.

While not as impressive as some other basilicas, the whole area is special. Busy and yet quiet compared to the other side of the river, beautiful real world old buildings, graffiti and restaurants.

Walking through Trastevere at night, I came upon the glowing Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, its golden mosaics shimmering like a beacon in the quiet piazza. One of Rome’s oldest churches, it dates back to the 4th century, built on the site of a miraculous oil spring said to have flowed in 38 BCE—a prophecy of Christ’s birth. Later rebuilt by Pope Innocent II in the 12th century, the basilica became a masterpiece of medieval art. Inside, the splendor continues with the mosaics of Pietro Cavallini, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. These works, blending Byzantine tradition with a proto-Renaissance style, are breathtaking in their depth and grace. The Coronation of the Virgin, in particular, feels like a bridge between heaven and earth. Standing in the piazza, under the glow of the facade and its ancient bell tower, I felt the profound harmony of this place—where legend, faith, and artistic genius have converged for centuries.

During the time we were here, the square is under renovation. 😢 else it would be a great view. The basilica looks amazing with that little tower on top. We didn’t get the opportunity to enter which is a miss. 😔