The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Standing in the heart of Trastevere, the church of Santa Maria was probably the oldest church in Rome. Indeed, Santa Maria in Trastevere was founded in the 3rd century by Pope Callixtus III on the site of a miracle reported in 38 BC: a spring of oil is said to have gushed forth here, announcing the arrival of Christianity pouring out over the world. This church is also the first dedicated to the Virgin.

Getting there : By tram to Trastevere, lines 3 (Induno stop) or 8 (Belli stop), or by bus with lines nos. 23, 125, 280, …

Address : Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Opening hours : every day from 7:30 to 20:30. Saturday and Sunday, closing at 20:00.

Ticket prices: free admission.

The present church, which has the status of a minor basilica, was rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the 12th century by Pope Innocent II. A few additions were made in the 18th century, but without altering the medieval structure.

Santa Maria in Trastevere stands on a fine, lively square.

The upper part of the façade has a mosaic frieze depicting a Virgin and Child surrounded by 10 women holding lamps, probably a representation of the wise virgins.
The lower part of the façade consists of a Baroque portico, added at the beginning of the 18th century by Carlo Fontana (an important architect of the period).
A Romanesque campanile crowns the whole.

The interior of the church has kept its 12th-century basilica structure with three aisles. The aisles are separated by antique Ionic columns. The Cosmatesque floor is magnificent.
But it is the superb mosaics of the 12th and 13th centuries that make the reputation of Santa Maria in Trastevere. On the mosaics of the arch the evangelists are shown surrounding the symbol of the cross.

In the apse vault Christ and the Virgin are shown enthroned, surrounded by saints. At the far left, holding a model of the church, you will find the patron of the church, Pope Innocent II. The 12 sheep represent the apostles surrounding Christ. At the ends are representations of the holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Below, a mosaic frieze is devoted to the life of the Virgin in 6 panels.

You can also admire the baldachin with porphyry columns over the altar, the gilded coffered ceiling and the very fine Altemps Chapel.