One of the oldest churches in Rome

The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome and, by tradition, one of the first where Christian worship was celebrated openly. It rises at the heart of the neighbourhood, on the scenic Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, and is famous above all for its golden mosaics, which gleam on the facade and inside. Admission is free, as in most Roman churches.

The square and Rome's oldest fountain

Before you even step inside, the square is worth a pause: at its centre stands what is considered the oldest fountain in Rome, restored over the centuries by some of the greatest architects. This is the neighbourhood's living room, busy at every hour, and by night it becomes one of the most atmospheric spots in Trastevere.

The facade mosaics

The facade is crowned by a large medieval mosaic depicting the Madonna and Child amid a procession of female figures. Lit by the sun or, after dark, by floodlights, it is one of the most captivating exteriors in Rome: an open invitation to step inside and discover what it holds.

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Inside: the gold of the apse

The interior stuns with its coffered ceiling and ancient columns, but it is the apse that takes your breath away: the mosaics that adorn it, with the Coronation of the Virgin and, lower down, the celebrated scenes of the Life of the Virgin by Pietro Cavallini, rank among the masterpieces of medieval Roman art. The golden light they radiate makes the atmosphere feel almost suspended in time.

Tips for your visit

  • Free admission, as in Rome's churches (respect any services in progress).
  • Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered.
  • Go with the right light: mornings for the facade mosaics, evenings for the buzz of the square.
  • Binoculars: handy for the fine details of the apse mosaics.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Santa Maria in Trastevere? Admission to the basilica is free, as in most Roman churches. All that's asked is modest dress and respect for any services in progress.

What makes Santa Maria in Trastevere famous? It's one of the oldest churches in Rome, renowned for the golden mosaics on its facade and in its apse, including the scenes of the Life of the Virgin by Pietro Cavallini.

Who created the apse mosaics? The most celebrated part, the scenes of the Life of the Virgin, is the work of Pietro Cavallini, a master of medieval Roman painting and mosaic.

Is it true that the square has the oldest fountain in Rome? Yes, the fountain in Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is considered the oldest in the city, restored over the centuries by various architects.

When is the best time to visit? Mornings to admire the facade mosaics in the sunlight; evenings to soak up the atmosphere of the square, one of the loveliest in Trastevere.

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Article #296 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026