Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome
Santa Maria in Trastevere by night. Photo by MnGyver.
Facade of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Photo © Paradoxplace.com.
Detail of the facade, with faded mosaics and statues. Photo by mykaul.
Fragments from the catacombs in the portico. Photo by Ex novo.
The nave, looking towards the apse. Photo by Francesco Gasparetti.
View of the altar and apse from the nave. Photo by Eugenia and Julian.
A closer look at the apse mosaics and frescoes. Photo by MnGyver.
Dating from the 4th century AD, Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, Santa Maria in Trastevere's long history and dazzling 12th-century mosaics make it well worth a visit.
The atmospheric piazza out front is enhanced by the glow of the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its bell tower are illuminated.
History
Santa Maria in Trastevere was probably built around 350 AD, although legend says it was founded by Pope Callixtus even earlier, in the 3rd century.
The church was later rebuilt in the 12th century, and most of the present building dates from this era. The 22 granite columns in the nave came from the ruins of ancient Roman buildings.
The faded mosaics on the façade are from the 12th or 13th centuries. In the 18th century, a portico was added and the façade was restored by Carlo Fontana.
What to See
Inside the church are a number of mosaics by Pietro Cavallini on the subject of the Life of the Virgin (1291), as well as a fresco by Domenichino, Assumption of the Virgin. The restored mosaics on the apse date from around 1140.
In the Nativity scene in the Life of the Virgin, note the little building just under the figure of Mary with a stream of oil flowing from it. It recalls the legend that on the day Christ was born, a stream of pure oil flowed from the earth on the site of the piazza, signifying the coming of the grace of God. Off the north side of the piazza, there's a little street called Via delle Fonte dell'Olio in honor of this miracle.
The church keeps a relic of Saint Apollonia (her head) and a portion of the Holy Sponge. Buried in the church are Pope Callixtus I and Lorenzo Cardinal Campeggio.
The octagonal fountain in the piazza is an ancient Roman original that was restored and added to in the 17th century by Carlo Fontana. In the evenings, the fountain is a popular gathering place for locals to eat gelato and chat.
Quick Facts
| Name: | Santa Maria in Trastevere |
| Date: | c.350 AD |
| Location: | Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome |
| Phone: | 06-5814802 |
| Bus: | 44, 75, 170, or 181 |
| Hours: | Daily 7:30am-8pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
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More Information
- Reviews of Santa Maria in Trastevere - TripAdvisor traveler reviews
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