Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo

Catholic church · Campo Marzio

Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo

Catholic church · Campo Marzio

Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Highlights

Masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini await

Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Get directions

santamariadelpopoloroma.it

@travelleisure

20 Best Things to Do in Rome, According to Locals

"Identified as another church that houses Caravaggio paintings, serving as a stop for visitors tracing the artist’s religious commissions across Rome." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-things-to-do-in-rome-8653356

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@cntraveler

The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

"Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar." - Katie Parla, Maresa Manara

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-rome

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@itstherealjeff

Rome 2024

View Postcard for Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo

Kirk Belmont

Google

The Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome is a stunning and historically rich church that my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting. Built in the late 15th century on the site of a feared tomb of Emperor Nero—where legend held his spirit lingered—it was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV to exorcise the area and replace the haunted tree with a sacred structure. The basilica is a treasure trove of Renaissance and Baroque art, most notably housing two Caravaggio masterpieces: The Conversion of Saint Paul and The Crucifixion of Saint Peter, both displayed in the Cerasi Chapel. The church also features works by Raphael, Bernini, Pinturicchio, and Bramante, making it an extraordinary display of artistic genius. Among its sacred relics are bones of several martyrs, including Saint Valerian and Saint Maximus, as well as a fragment of the Holy Cross. The interior chapels are each unique and richly adorned, particularly the Chigi Chapel, designed by Raphael and later completed by Bernini. A visit to this basilica is both spiritually and artistically rewarding, offering a window into centuries of Roman devotion and creativity.

Lucas Tan

Google

Note the opening hours as I came in the afternoon but it was not opened. Nonetheless, this basilica is one of the more important ones in this area. Do drop by in your visit at the Piazza del popolo along with the other basilicas and churches. There is a McDonald here for your rest, brunch or meals should you like.

HERM PAZ

Google

Full renovation going on inside the basilica, so there was unfortunately very little to be seen - including Caravaggio's 2 large works, 90% hidden by scaffolding. (I fail to comprehend -unless what I saw was a real-size photo reproduction- how, under so much dirt and dust, these invaluable paintings could have been left in their usual locations, not even covered!!!)

Percy Chang

Google

It is situated near the metro station. The interior is splendid. Paintings are fabulous. Pipe organs are nicely decorated.

原香織

Google

The art was beautiful, but unfortunately the staff were extremely rude. One Hispanic staff member refused to let us look around, saying it was closed before 6 pm, but gave no explanation for why it was closing early, and spoke to us in a very sarcastic tone. This was my fifth time visiting Rome, but honestly, it was the worst experience I’ve ever had here.

Manasa Maria

Google

Such a beautiful masterpiece,must visit the entrance is free and the famous Caravaggio paintings are on display

J. Vries

Google

Beautifully decorated small church. Is not open the whole day, so if you you're planning to pay a visit, keep in mind what the opening hours are.

A R

Google

The basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a very beautiful basilica. Beautiful mosaic and marble carvings are all over the church. The ceilings and the walls are extremely exquisite and elegant. There are a couple of chapels inside as well. Worth a visit and highly recommend.