The 3 “Santa Maria” Churches you Must See in Rome (plus a bonus)
With a church on every street corner in Rome, it can be overwhelming and confusing deciding which ones are worth going out of your way to see and spend time in. A lot of them have similar names and are easy to confuse, especially for non-Catholics like me! Some of my favorite churches are all named for the same Saint — Maria — and while I may not understand all of their religious significance, I certainly understand their artistic value and beauty!
These three “Santa Maria” churches are must-sees for those who love art and history.
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Santa Maria Della Vittoria
This is my favorite church in Italy, and yes I am including the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica in that list. Santa Maria Della Vittoria is a small, unassuming church from the outside, covered in stunning opulence on every square inch, none more remarkable than the marble masterpieces by Bernini on either side near the alter. The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa on the left side is arguable his most impressive work ever. Be sure to stop by from 11-12 so you can see how the sun hitting the gold causes the statues to light up and practically glow.
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Santa Maria Del Popolo
On the north side of Piazza del Popolo, one of the most famous squares in the city, Santa Maria Del Popolo is an unassuming church from the outside but has a lot to see inside. While this church has her own share of Bernini’s work, what you are really going here to see are they two Caravaggio masterpieces. It’s 2 euro to turn the lights on over the works but trust me, someone will keep paying.
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Santa Maria Della Concezione
Santa Maria Della Concezione is more of a museum than the first two and the only one you have to pay to enter (8 euro pp). The museum goes through the history of the Friars who lived there and started the Capuchin Order. More interesting than that is the beautiful Caravaggio piece they have of the friar with the skull. the details and shadowing are truly stunning. After that, you will enter the ossuary, the main reason for the visit. Here, a monk took the bones of about 3,700 other monks and created the most interesting (and creepy perhaps) art you will see. No photos allowed (I got yelled at for holding my phone and the guy made someone else delete their photos in front of him) but it is SOO interesting to look at!
Bonus Santa Maria
Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
We stumbled upon this church randomly but the unique outside drew us in. Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri looks partially built into rock, partially ancient, and pieces of modern. Inside is made of several massive domes, giving it a much airier feel than the first three churches here. The art is beautiful but nothing remarkable. One thing interesting is there is a very small hole in a sculpture that creates a spot on the floor, that if you stand in just the right place looks like the shadow of someones head with a halo on the floor.
After a while, a lot of churches blend together, but if you hit these 3 (or 4) churches after the Vatican and you won’t be disappointed! No need to hit every church looking to be wow’d – these 3 Santa-Marias will leave you feeling complete!
Happy travels!
Xx
Kali