The principles of construction of temples in Ancient Rome before the adoption of Christianity were based on Etruscan traditions.
Types of temples of Ancient Rome
Architectural monuments of Ancient Rome were divided into two categories according to the purposes of use:
- Basilicas and temples for religious ceremonies.
- Amphitheatres, aqueducts and other buildings for social, defensive and political purposes.
Let's focus on the first group of buildings - temples of Rome.
The pagan religion was borrowed by the Romans from the Etruscans, along with the system of government. One of the oldest examples of buildings for performing ritual ceremonies is the Tuscan Temple, described in the writings of Vitruvius.
The plan of the building corresponded to the canons of a Greek temple. The entrance to the halls was decorated with a double row of columns with terracotta elements characteristic of the Dorian style. According to this scheme, the Temple of Jupiter Capitalius was also built, the story of the construction of which is contained in the writings of Dionysius of Halicarnassus.
The rest of the temple of ancient Rome has modified features of Greek construction traditions. During the consular era, three orders were accepted:
- Ionian - Temple of Fortuna Virilis.
- Dorian - Temple of Piety.
- Corinthian - all temples from the reign of Tiberius to Diocletian. The style was used to create facades.
Temples of ancient Greece and Rome: differences
Roman temples of the late period were distinguished from Greek ones by several elements:
- The depth of the building's portico was much greater among the Romans;
- the rule about surrounding a building with steps, characteristic of, was ignored in Rome;
- in the front part, a base with a platform was erected, which was rather an exception in Greek culture.
The standard shape of a circle gave uniformity to Greek and Roman temples. The Temple of Vesta and the largest building in Rome, the Pantheon Temple, were built according to this model. The cella in it is covered with a dome more than 43 m high.
For a long time, the creation was considered to be the merit of Agrippa. After Shedan's discovery, it was possible to establish that architectural elements were created at different times. The circular shaped cella was built during the Antonine era, from 100 to 125 AD. Before the reign of Agrippa, the Pantheon consisted of 10 columns; after the emperor took office, their number was reduced to eight. This is how the temple of Rome can be seen today.
The temples of Roma and Venus have an elongated cella with a vault, which was rare in the architecture of the empire.
Basilica Pantheon, Rome Civil temples of ancient Rome: basilicas
Basilicas, which were buildings for religious purposes, were used in Rome for civil purposes.
Basilicas were intended for conducting legal proceedings, covering political and social events, and holding public meetings. Previously, state negotiations were conducted in the open space of the Roman forums.
The construction of the first basilica dates back to 180 BC. the time of Cato. The construction scheme was borrowed from ancient Greece.
Basilica Pantheon, Rome The following features were characteristic of Roman basilicas:
- three naves - central and two on the side;
- the side naves were built on two floors;
- wooden rafters were necessarily located above the building;
- the width was from 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the building;
- the presence of transverse nephv;
- the building was divided in width into five parts: two parts were occupied by the side naves, the other three by the middle nave;
- the columns were built in 2 tiers: one 1/4 higher than the other;
- the lower floor was used for business meetings, the upper floor was for walking;
- the tiers were separated by a stylobate, which was just below the upper tier.
Capital Hill, Rome The most famous basilicas of Rome:
- Ulpia, built at the end of the Forum of Trajan according to the sketch of the architecture of Apollodorus.
- Basilicas in Pergamon and Trier, the construction of which is attributed to.
- Well-preserved Roman basilicas in: Mousmiye, Sanamen, Constantine.
Based on the buildings of the Republican period, one can speak of the deep religiosity of the Romans. There were more temples and basilicas in cities than buildings for secular purposes.
Pantheon of Rome served as a place of worship for the cults of Jupiter (), Mars (Greek Ares, patron of war) and Quirinus (symbol of royal power in the tradition of ancient Greece). The religious basis of the trinity was laid down in the system of distribution of functions in the state apparatus of Rome: religious, social and military.
Important historical events are associated with the Temple of Portuna, located next to the cattle market in the Boar Forum. In 390 BC. Rome was attacked by the Gauls. Local residents had to take refuge on Capitol Hill, the Roman army was defeated.
The Gauls then imposed a tribute calculated in gold. After 800 years, the Goths will attempt to capture the capital of the ancient world, after which the Romans will begin an extensive campaign to capture neighboring states.
Later buildings of religious significance combine the religious traditions of the conquered territories of the Sabines, Latins and Etruscans. Thus, the Romans tried to reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the new center of intersection of interests of ancient peoples.
Temples of ancient Rome: presentation
Basilica of Pergamon, Rome The only square in Rome that does not have a church is Campo de' Fiori. All other squares are decorated with one, or even two churches at once, so there are a great many churches in Rome.
Basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata
Basilica di Santa Maria in via Lata. Tradition says that the church was built on the site of the house in which the Apostle Paul spent two years in custody. The basilica was rebuilt in the 15th and 17th centuries, its current façade was designed by Pietro da Cortona (1660).
In the altar of the church there is a Byzantine miraculous icon Our Lady of the Intercessors (13th century), and in the crypt there are preserved fragments of an ancient temple with frescoes.
Church of San Marcello al Corso
Chiesa di San Marcello al Corso- dedicated to Pope Marcellus I (308-309). In the 16th century, the church was rebuilt by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, and a century later Carlo Fontana built the façade in the Baroque style. In the interior, the altar with mosaic 12th century and coffered ceiling(XVI century). In the third chapel on the right you can see a 14th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.
Basilica of Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso
(Basilica di Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso) with a dome by Pietro da Cortona (1668). The church is dedicated to the main saints of Milan, Ambrose of Milan and Carlo Borromeo, whose heart is preserved in the church reliquary.
Church of Trinita dei Monti
Chiesa di Trinita dei Monti, XVI century. It is notable for its unusual design for Italy (two paired bell towers), as well as for the paintings of Michelangelo’s student Daniele da Volterra.
Basilica of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte
Basilica di Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte, XII century, later reconstructions. When they began to build the church, the city border passed in this place and the forest grew. This is where the name of the basilica comes from (Italian. fratta- “thorny bush”) In the 17th century, the roof, dome and bell tower were rebuilt by Francesco Borromini.
Church of Sant'Atanasio dei Greci
Chiesa di Sant’ Atanasio dei Greci, Giacomo della Porta, 1572-1585. On the facade of this Catholic church you can see inscriptions in Greek and Latin dedicated to Athanasius the Great.
Churches of Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli
The convergence points of avenues decorate baroque churches Santa Maria di Montesanto(Chiesa di Santa Maria di Montesanto), located between via del Babuino And via del Corso, And Santa Maria dei Miracoli(Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli) between via del Corso And via di Ripetta. They were built in the 17th century according to the design of Carlo Rainaldi, who managed to achieve the illusion of symmetry, despite the fact that Santa Maria dei Miracoli is round in plan, and Santa Maria di Montesanto is oval, because the architect was forced to build building into the existing ensemble.
Church of San Carlo alle Cuatro Fontane
Square piazza delle Quattro Fontane decorates Church of San Carlo alle Cuatro Fontane (Chiesa di San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Francesco Borromini, XVIII century), or, as the Romans call it, San Carlino.
The diminutive name reflects the size of this church - its area is no more than the area of the pylon. The facade of the church is distinguished by smooth lines and cut corners. The sculptures above the entrance depict St. Charles Borromeo, as well as Jean de Mat and Felix de Valois, founders of the Trinitarian order, to which the church belongs.
Church of Sant Andrna al Quirinale
Chiesa di Sant’ Andrea al Quirinale, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini and Mattia de Rossi, 1671, belongs to the Jesuit order and is located on a hill.
They say that Bernini did not take any money for this work and considered this church his only perfect creation.
In plan, the church is an oval, around the perimeter of which there are eight chapels. The central altar is decorated with the figure of St. Andrew the First-Called Ascending into Heaven (Antonio Raggi, 1660).
It is generally accepted that the primitive buildings of Rome came from the Etruscan people, perhaps even erected by them. This was logically a continuation of the line of Greek architecture. The buildings of the Roman Empire retained the basis of Etruscan architecture - the circular arch. A circular arch is a rounded stone covering that connected the abutments to each other. This helped to arrange the stones in a radius circle for even pressure on them. By using new building techniques, the Romans were able to inject creativity into new buildings. New theoretical knowledge helped to build large temples and the ability to erect multi-story houses and buildings. In terms of the introduction of cross vaults and box vaults, the Romans succeeded over the Greeks and made more sophisticated buildings.
In order for the arches to stand securely, columns, which were previously popular, were no longer used. Roman architects began to build huge walls and pilasters, and columns became simply decorative decorations. This was used almost everywhere, but there were also buildings in which the use of columns was more appropriate. The styles of the columns remained virtually unchanged; the Romans settled on the standard Greek version.
In general, Roman architecture was directly dependent on the Greek trends in architecture. However, the Romans tried more to emphasize their strength and independence to intimidate and suppress foreign peoples. They spared no expense in decorating their buildings; each structure was magnificent and richly decorated. At the same time, from the architect’s point of view, they tried to make each structure exemplary. Mostly buildings were built for practical needs, but temples also occupied an important place among the buildings.
History of the architecture of Ancient Rome
As an independent branch of world art, the architecture of Ancient Rome took a very long time to form, around the 4th-1st centuries. BC e. Despite the fact that many buildings of those times have already crumbled, they continue to fascinate with their remains and individual elements. The Roman Empire was one of the great, if not the greatest, which laid the foundation for a new era. Public places of that time could accommodate tens of thousands of people (basilicas, amphitheaters, shopping markets), and there was always something to strive for. Religion also did not fade into the background; the list of building structures in Rome included temples, altars, and tombs.
Comparing with the whole world, even historians came to the conclusion that it was difficult or simply impossible to find equal rivals for the architecture of Rome and Roman engineering. Aqueducts, bridges, roads, fortresses, canals as architectural objects are only a small part of the list of what they used on all fronts. They changed the principles of ancient Greek architecture, primarily the order system: they combined the order with an arched structure.
Great importance in the formation of Roman culture was given to the style of the Hellenes, who were supporters of architecture on a huge scale and the development of urban centers. But humanism and the ability to inherit the harmonious Greek style were omitted in Rome, giving preference to the exaltation of powerful emperors. They sharply emphasized the power of the army. Hence all the pathos, which was the basis of many decorations of buildings and structures.
The variety of structures and the general scale of buildings in Rome are much higher than in Greece. The construction of huge buildings became possible thanks to changes in the technical principles of construction. This is how new brick and concrete structures appear. They made it possible to cover large spans, speeding up the construction process. It was also important that with the use of such construction methods, professional craftsmen were increasingly abandoned, and slaves and unskilled workers were trusted. This significantly reduced construction costs.
Stages of development of Roman architecture
1st period
The stages of development of Roman architecture can be divided into 4 periods. The first and shortest begins from the founding of ancient Rome and ends in the 2nd century. BC e. This period is not rich in architectural monuments, and those that appeared were the heritage of the Etruscans. Almost everything that was built during this period was publicly accessible. It brought collective benefits to the settlements. This category included canals for cleansing the city of sewage, which through them fell into the Tiber. The Mamertine prison and the first basilicas can also be attributed to buildings that were useful.
II period
The second stage is usually called “Greek”. From the middle of the 2nd century, a serious influence of Greek architecture on Roman architecture began. Strong influence remained until the end of republican rule (31 BC). It is believed that at this time the first marble temples began to appear, replacing the usual types of stones and travertines. In their design they were very similar to the Greek ones, but the architects tried to make noticeable differences.
Roman temples throughout these years looked oblong with 4 corners. The foundation was usually high, with an attached staircase along the front side. Climbing the stairs, you find yourself next to the columns. Going a little deeper, there is a door that leads to the main hall. The main lighting comes through this door, so it is often open.
Along with such temples of the ancient Greek type, the Romans erected round-shaped temples in honor of the Gods. These were mainly their own ideas using Greek elements. One of these can be considered the Temple of Portunus; surrounded by 20 columns, this historical object has survived to this day. The cone-shaped marble roof is a good example of the Roman individual style.
The number of communities of buildings included not only buildings associated with religion, but also many others:
- Tabularium - a huge building designed to preserve archives;
- The wooden theater of Scaurus is one of the most interesting buildings of this period. Includes over three hundred marble columns and bronze statues, could accommodate 80,000 visitors;
- The first stone theater was built in honor of the goddess Venus.
All history about them disappeared with them. However, it is worth noting that using modern three-dimensional modeling technologies, it was proven that these structures were built very competently. For example, the “Stone Theater” was located in such a way that the stage faced the northeast. Since under Augustus traditionally performances and celebrations were held in the morning, all the sun's rays fell on the stage and not on the theater visitors.
III period
In terms of significance, the most effective period in the history of Roman architecture. The beginning is considered from the time of Augustus's accession to the republican throne and ends in 138 AD. e.
The technologies of the Romans began to actively use concrete. A new stage in the construction of basilicas, circuses, and libraries begins. Trials were held there to identify the best chariot riders. A new type of monumental art is gaining popularity - the triumphal arch. At the same time, the technology was constantly improved with the help of new constructions dedicated to new victories of the future empire.
Roman art was not as elegant as Greek structures, but the technical skill of construction remained at the highest level throughout the centuries. The Colosseum (the largest amphitheater of antiquity) and the Pantheon Temple (built in the name of the Gods) are famous throughout the world.
The introduction of Greek architectural features gained mass popularity and continued to spread to the western and northern regions of Europe. Most Greek architects became famous with the help of the Romans, who commissioned Greek copies that were better preserved than the originals. The Romans, unlike the Greeks, adhered to their concept of sculptural traditions. They made busts of their ancestors to show prototypes of their family. The Greeks used such sculptures as works of art in the home. This simplicity and bright individuality of Roman portrait art shows it from a new side for us.
Over the course of this period, all architectural structures go through stages of development, improvement and increase the level of majesty. Elements of luxury are widely used and for the first time the features of oriental art begin to creep in.
IV period
After Hadrian's departure from power, Roman architectural art quickly began its decline. All those decorations that were previously used begin to seem unnecessary and inappropriate, and their use is less and less correct. This period continues until the complete establishment of Christianity and the retreat of paganism into the background. The period of decline is characterized by the fact that every ruler wants to go down in history with the help of majestic buildings.
This period also continues to be distinguished by oriental elements, which are increasingly visible in architectural art. They begin to dominate the classics of the genre. Constructions under the last rulers of the empire in such remote areas of dominion as Syria and Arabia testify especially eloquently to this. This was noticeable in the change in the swelling of the roof surface and the abundance of unnecessary accessories. Often mysterious, fantastic forms were erected, which were considered symbols of the eastern direction of architecture.
The Greatness of Rome in the Temples
One of the first structures erected by Augustus, dedicated to the deified idol of Julius Caesar. Built in 29 BC. The temple was created in the modest style of the Ionic order. The site of Caesar's cremation was located separately. The decorated hall has designated places for speakers, which replaced the tribunal that existed here, concentrated for many years in the western part.
Altar of Peace
A monumental building of ancient Rome, which wrote into history the victory of Augustus over the Spaniards and Gauls. It was built in 13 BC. e. In appearance, it looked like a fence with right angles, 6 m high, in the center of which there was a step with an altar. Along the perimeter of the fence there were 2 through passages, through which one could approach the altar. On the opposite walls were depicted the processions of Augustus to offer sacrifice to the altar.
The monument embodied particles of all the cultures that preceded Roman architecture. By the type of construction one can judge the Italian style, and by the arrangement of the ornament on the bottoms and tops one can judge the Etruscan principles. The exquisite craftsmanship of the relief of the altar speaks of a strong Greek influence.
Temple of Mars Ultor
One of the largest temples in Rome. The width of the façade alone is about 35 m. The columns rise up to 18 m. The interior decoration was mainly made of marble with wooden ceilings. Having a solemn appearance inside, the temple evoked a feeling of delight among the people present in it. The date of creation of this historical monument is considered to be 2 BC. e. Greek elements can be traced in almost all stages of architecture.
Pantheon
The Pantheon Temple can be called a special place in Rome. The second name is “Temple of All Gods”. A lot of temples of ancient times were built by order of emperors, and the Pantheon was no exception. The Pantheon was dedicated primarily to the two gods Venus and Mars; they were considered the guardians of the Julian family. The building consisted of three parts, which were intertwined with each other. It was named after the architect who carried out the work, but it is believed that the Pantheon was his pseudonym. The Pantheon was built in 118-128, and over the years it was restored several times. Today, only a small part of it remains, which does not allow one to enjoy the full majesty of the temple of that period.
Ancient Rome sculpture
The monumental art of the ancient Romans was significantly inferior to the Greeks. The Romans never managed to create the greatest sculptural monuments and compete with the Greeks on these frontiers. But it was still possible to enrich plastic with its elements.
The best results were achieved in portrait art. The Roman people transferred their observation to every feature of man and his unique individuality. Ideal portraits were created, as well as portraits in which one could see the human negative and the realism of the artistic form. With the help of sculptures, they first launched propaganda for the culturalization of society. They built monuments to famous personalities and made structures of triumph.
The Trinita dei Monti church was built with money from the French crown donated by Ludwig XII. Construction of the church lasted from 1502 to 1585. By erecting the monastery, the French king wanted to celebrate the victory of the French in Naples. During the occupation of Rome by Napoleon, the church was attacked and completely looted. At the beginning of the 19th century, restoration of the temple began.
The façade of the church is designed in a strict classical style by the architect Carlo Maderna. It is decorated with a wide portal framed by columns, and is also crowned with an attic with a large balustrade. An equally significant attraction of the cathedral is the staircase of the famous Domenico Fontana, decorated with antique capitals and bas-reliefs.
The interior decoration of the temple is dominated by an amazing image of the Mother of God, which is called “Mater Admirabilis”.
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo
In Italian, populus means poplar. The chapel that preceded the temple was built near a poplar tree, hence the name. The current church building was built in 1472-1477; under Alexander VII, the interior was significantly updated according to Bernini's design.
Of greatest interest from an artistic point of view are the five chapels of the church, built as family tombs of the Roman nobility, as well as church dignitaries. The author of the Chigi Chapel project was the famous artist Raphael, who performed this work for his patron Agostino Chigi. The mosaic decor of the chapel was created by Raphael, the paintings in the altar space were created by Sebastiano del Piombo.
In the Cerasi Chapel there are paintings by Caravaggio and other early Baroque masters. It is worth noting that the canvases created by Caravaggio depict scenes from the life of St. Petra are among the outstanding works of Italian painting of the 17th century.
Church of Sant Agnese in Agone
The church in Piazza Navona is dedicated to the martyr Agnes, one of the most revered saints in Rome.
There is a legend according to which the Christian Agnes was exposed naked in front of a crowd of pagans in the stadium of Domitian, but her hair was instantly grown back and her nakedness was hidden.
The head of the saint, stabbed with a dagger, is kept in the crypt of the church.
Church of the Merciful Father God
The Church of the Merciful God the Father or Jubilee Church is located in Rome, Italy. It was built in 1996-2003 and designed by architect Richard Meier. It was built by order of the Roman diocese. This titular church is the social center of Rome.
The church symbolizes a ship with three sails. Three sails are a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
On the south side of the church are three curved precast concrete segments of varying heights. To preserve the white color of the church walls, they contain titanium dioxide.
Church of San Tomaso di Villanova
The Church of San Tomaso di Villanova is located in the center of the Italian city of Castel Gandolfo. It is dedicated to Saint Thomas Villanova and was built at the end of the seventeenth century. Lorenzo Bernini himself worked on its architecture for three years. The church has a square shape. In its center is the Crucifixion of Christ. It is considered the main treasure of the church. The famous master Pietro da Cortona worked on it.
At its base the church has a Greek cross. The best craftsmen did the finishing work in the temple. Thus, the ceiling painting was done by the famous Italian artist Antonio Raggi.
Despite the fact that the outside appearance of the church is not entirely attractive (the building does not stand out from the rest in its color and architecture), inside it is cozy and bright. In addition to the Crucifixion of Christ, the church contains ancient icons.
Church of St. Mary della Vittoria
Santa Maria della Vittoria is a church located in the eastern part of Rome. Its construction began in 1605 - the initiators of the construction were members of the Discalced Carmelite Order. At the end of the Battle of White Mountain, which took place in 1620, the temple was re-dedicated in honor of the Virgin Mary and the victory of Catholics over the “enemies of the faith.”
The relatively small church became famous for the emphatically theatrical decoration of the chapel called Cornaro, in particular for the sculpture “The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa” by Bernini, which is an ideal example of the Baroque style. The sculpture depicts Saint Teresa, to whom an angel appeared and pierced her with a golden arrow with a fiery end, from which Teresa fell into a state of spiritual illumination.
The temple amazes with its ceiling paintings and overall design style.
Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, also called the Church of St. Mary of the Tiber, is considered the oldest temple in Rome, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Construction of the temple began in 340, and its construction was completed under Pope Julius I. Despite numerous restorations, the church has retained its original appearance.
The final appearance of the church took shape in the 12th century under Pope Innocent II. At the same time, the interior was decorated with mosaics made in the Byzantine style. The triumphal arch depicts the symbols of the apostle-evangelists, and at the end of the apse there is a scene of the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The frieze depicts Christ the angel surrounded by his flock. During restoration work carried out in the 18th century. At the request of Pope Clement VII, a high tympanum (the inner field of the pediment) appeared in front of the façade of the church, as well as portals richly decorated with decorative elements.
The interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Transtevere consists of three parts with columns of different sizes and an apse decorated with mosaics by the artist Pietro Cavallini. These elements appeared in the middle of the 12th century. Under the mosaic there is an inscription in Latin: “He, the Child and the eternal Father, as an equal to us, as a contemporary, was born among us. We believe that myrrh flows from here like the waves of the Tiber.”
Near the temple, the bell tower, made in the Romanesque style, proudly rises. For many centuries, the sound of an ancient bell has been heard from here.
Sights of Rome
There are more than 900 churches in Rome. It is, of course, impossible for a tourist to visit them all, but there are those that are included in the obligatory “classical” program: St. Peter's Cathedral, the Pantheon (Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs), pilgrimage basilicas, some churches of the Baroque masters. Even if you are not a religious person, the churches of Rome are definitely worthy of your attention, because many of them are masterpieces of architecture and at the same time museums housing priceless treasures of world art.
In this article we will talk about those Roman churches that stand out from the general background - due to their architectural style, history or the presence of an unusual museum.
1. Santa Maria sopra Minerva /Santa Maria sopra Minerva
The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a church of the Dominican order, built between 1280-1453. in the image of the Florentine church of Santa Maria Novella. The rather nondescript façade of the basilica hides a real gem - a magnificent Gothic-style interior with blue pointed arches decorated with golden stars. This the only original example of the medieval Gothic style in Rome(Baroque style predominates in Roman churches).
The church received its unusual name “St. Mary over Minerva” due to the fact that in its place there was once a temple of the Egyptian goddess Isis, mistakenly mistaken in the Middle Ages for the temple of Minerva. The main treasures of the church are statue of Jesus Christ with a cross by Michelangelo(to the left of the altar) and a tomb with the relics of the patroness of Italy, Catherine of Siena. The outstanding Early Renaissance artist Fra Angelico is also buried in the church.
The headquarters of the Inquisition was located in the Dominican monastery (in the building to the left of the basilica). It was within these walls that Giordano Bruno’s death sentence was read out, and the famous trial of Galileo Galilei, during which he had to renounce his views on the heliocentric system of the world.
The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a couple of minutes' walk from the Pantheon in an area known as the Campo Marzio. The beacon of the church's location is egyptian obelisk, mounted on the back of a baby elephant, designed by the Baroque genius Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini.
The most convenient way to get to the church is by arriving at the bus or tram stop in Piazza Venezia. Nearest metro stations: Barberini (line A), Colosseo (line B). Basilica address: Piazza della Minerva, 42.
2. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati / Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio in Prati
If Santa Maria sopra Minerva is an example of the medieval Gothic style, then the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati is already neo-Gothic, which is also very unusual for Rome. The church is small, but stands out on the Tiber embankment with its appearance, which was inspired by the architecture of Northern Italy, in particular the Duomo of Milan.
The uniqueness of the church is not only in its appearance. In the sacristy there is a rather unusual museum, the only one of its kind - Museum of Souls in Purgatory(museo delle Anime del Purgatorio). There was a fire in the first building of the church, during which the priest Victor Jouet noticed that a sad human face appeared behind the altar. The priest decided that this is how the soul imprisoned in purgatory is trying to get in touch with someone living. According to Catholics, if a soul is fervently prayed for on Earth, this makes it easier for it to go to heaven.
Victor Jouet began to collect evidence and facts of this phenomenon - attempts of the dead to contact the living. This is how an unusual museum appeared, where exhibits such as, for example, a book with a mark as if left by a burnt hand, or a pillowcase with the face of a nun appearing, are collected. So the soul from Purgatory tried to send a message to its sisters asking them to pray harder for it.
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati is located on the Tiber promenade Lungotevere, a 10-minute walk from the castle. Nearest metro stations: Lepanto (line A), Spagna (line A). Church address: Lungotevere Prati, 12.
3. Church of St. Ignatius / Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Campo Marzio
The Church of St. Ignatius is a typical example of Baroque architecture, the most common architectural style in Rome. The church was built between 1626-1650. and dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order.
What is remarkable about the Church of St. Ignatius? In addition to the rich baroque interior, attention is drawn to the ceiling, decorated with a magnificent fresco of the Triumph of St. Ignatius by Andrea Pozzo. This is one of the largest ceiling frescoes in the world. To make it more convenient for visitors to look at its details, a large mirror is installed in front of the entrance, aimed at the ceiling.
Even more amazing is the “false dome” of the church - this is the plane in front of the altar, on which a painting is applied, creating the illusion of volume. The reason for the appearance of the pseudo-dome is prosaic: there were not enough funds to build a real one. But the brilliant Andrea Pozzo found a way out of the situation and created 3D graphics, which in the 17th century. made a great impression on her contemporaries.
"False dome" of the Church of St. Ignatius 
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of San Ignatius is a couple of minutes' walk from the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in the Campo Marzio area. The most convenient way to get there is to arrive at the bus or tram stop in Piazza Venezia. Nearest metro stations: Barberini (line A), Colosseo (line B). Church address: Via del Caravita, 8a.
4. Church of San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane / Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane
The church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, also called San Carlino, was designed by Francesco Borromini, a Baroque genius whose rivalry with Gian Lorenzo Bernini was reminiscent of Mozart and Salieri. Interestingly, very close to the Church of San Carlino is Sant’Andrea al Quirinale, a church designed by Bernini, which the master himself considered his most perfect creation and often came here in his old age to attend mass.
The Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane was built by order of the Trinitarian order, which was engaged in the ransom of captured Christian slaves. Financial support for the construction was provided by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, whose palace was located across the road.
The church is very small and compact, but is considered the standard of the Baroque style and its first full-fledged “swallow”. In plan, the church has an unusual oval shape, and the undulating lines of the interior create a feeling of constant flow and movement. Behind these wavy lines lie complex mathematical calculations: at one time, the seemingly impossible architecture of the church created a real sensation.
It is also interesting where the church is located - at a crossroads, at the corners of which there are 4 fountains, symbolizing the Tiber and Arno rivers, the goddesses Diana and Juno.
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is located near the Quirinale Palace and the Barberini Palace. Nearest metro stations: Barberini (line A), Repubblica (line A). Church address: Via del Quirinale, 23.
B asilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli i dei Martiri was rebuilt from the ruins of the baths of Emperor Diocletian, which were the largest in Rome. Therefore, its appearance is significantly different from churches built from scratch. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the “queen of angels,” as she is often called, and the intercessor of the Christian slave martyrs who died during the construction of the baths. The reconstruction project was entrusted to Michelangelo himself, and this church is his last work before his death.
Behind the not very remarkable, almost ascetic facade of the basilica, it is very difficult to guess the majestic and lush interior, decorated with sculptures, frescoes and marble columns. But the most interesting thing is not on the walls and ceiling, but on the floor of the basilica.
Not everyone knows that it was the Popes who were at the origins of the calendar that we use today and were involved in financing astronomical projects. Thus, on the floor of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli i dei Martiri, by order of Pope Clement XI in 1702, a meridian line (Linea Clementina) 44 m long, created by the philosopher, mathematician and astronomer Francesco Bianchini, appeared.
The line was needed to dispel doubts about the accuracy of the new Gregorian calendar, which the Catholic world had switched to a century earlier. This is a sundial and calendar, which could be used to determine (with the help of a sunbeam falling on the floor from a hole in the wall) the days of the solstices and equinoxes. Along the entire meridian line there are various zodiac constellations made of marble. On the right side of the line there are summer and autumn constellations, on the left - spring and winter. Along the meridian you can also see yellow stars, indicating the position of some of the most important stars and their names.
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli i dei Martiri is located in Piazza della Repubblica. Nearest metro station: Repubblica (line A). Church address: Piazza della Repubblica, 00185.
6. Church of Saints Peter and Paul in the quarterEUR/ Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, dedicated to the patron apostles of the Eternal City, is one of the most significant examples of modern architecture in Rome. The history of this church is unusual, because it was built as part of a complex of buildings in the new quarter EUR(Esposizione Universale Roma) - an architectural project of the fascist regime, inspired by the legacy of imperial Rome with its exaltation of the role of the state and rulers.
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul turned out to be very monumental, a sort of rethinking of St. Peter's Cathedral (Michelangelo's design was actually adopted by the architects), just as the Palace of Italian Civilization (the "square" Colosseum) became a rethinking of the Colosseum. It is located on a hill overlooking the Tiber, which is why, as locals joke, some uninformed tourists on the way from Fiumicino to the center even mistake it for the original St. Peter's Basilica.
The basilica is approached by a stepped ramp, which is topped by giant statues of Saints Peter and Paul (as in St. Peter's Basilica). The facade of the church is lined with travertine - the most popular material in Rome, which was used, for example, in the construction of the Colosseum.
Where is it and how to get there
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is located in the EUR quarter in southwest Rome. Not far from the church is the most famous example of architecture from Benito Mussolini's regime - the “square” Colosseum. Nearest metro station: EUR Palasport (line B). Church address: Piazzale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, 8.
