Rome: early churches with layers of history
Rome's oldest churches were rarely built once. Many stand on older buildings, were rebuilt over the centuries and still carry mosaics, doors and foundations from very different eras. Four places to start.
Basilica di Santa Sabina all'Aventino
CatholicRoma, Lazio, Italy
An early Christian basilica built around 422-432 on the Aventine Hill, famous for its carved cypress-wood doors.
Open the page →Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
CatholicRoma, Lazio, Italy
A 12th-century church built above a 4th-century basilica, which stands over Roman buildings and a Mithraic temple.
Open the page →Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
CatholicRoma, Lazio, Italy
One of the oldest churches in Rome dedicated to Mary, rebuilt around 1140 and known for its apse mosaics.
Open the page →Santa Maria Maggiore Bazilikası
CatholicRoma, Lazio, Italy
One of Rome's four papal major basilicas, first built in the 5th century.
Open the page →If you have a photo or a correction for one of these churches, open its page and add it. Contributions are reviewed and credited by name. Open the map →