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Santa Maria in Trastevere
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Address: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Zone: Castel S. Angelo - Piazza Navona
Ticket: Gratis
Phone: 065814802
It is the most ancient basilica in Rome: in fact, it was built in 222 A.D. by order of Pope San Callisto. Later on, it was reconstructed in the XII century according to Innocenzo II's will.
Location and History
It faces the square to which gives its name and represents the heart of one of the most typical quarters in Rome and the centre of the night life in Trastevere.
In 1450 it was restored, by order of Nicola V, by the architect Bernardino Rossellini and in 1702 Clemente XI had the porch added according to Carlo Fontana's plan.
Description
You can admire the interesting façade, decorated with a splendid mosaic representing the Madonna in throne, and the porch, erected by Carlo Fontana in the XVIII century according to Papa Clemente XI's will. A balustrade with four pontifices' statues overhangs the porch. At the church's side you can see the beautiful Romanesque bell tower which dates back to the XII century.
The internal structure consists of three aisles divided by 22 ancient granite columns coming from pagan monuments. The beautiful floor, which recalls the style of the Cosmati Family, and the lacunar ceiling painted according to Domenichino's designs, are very interesting. Amid the windows you can admire the valuable mosaics by Cavallini representing the life of the Madonna.
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