Venere Travel Blog - It's our business where you sleep!

After a recent visit to Rome here is a must see list of “Places of Worship.” Each has a special flare sure to make your time extra special.

1. Basilica di S. Giovanni in Laterano

S. Giovanni is located inside the city’s wall on the southeast side. It is one of the four major Basilicas in Rome. Here you will find the oldest doors in Rome, taken from the Roman Senate. There’s also the Scala Santa or Holy Stairs. You can climb them on your knees. It’s said to be that the stairs were sanctified by Jesus Christ’s footsteps before his crucifixion.

2. Sant’Ignazio

Andrea Pozzo painted the entire ceiling of the nave in the “trompe l’oeil” (French for “trick the eye”) technique. Starting at the entrance and strolling through the center aisle, the church’s ceiling reveals a story with movement and illusion. The church is located in the Piazza Sant’Ignazio, between off of Via del Corso and Piazza della Rotonda.

3. Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Another one of the four Basilicas in Rome, Santa Maria was built inside the Roman baths near the Piazza della Repubblica. The unique feature of Santa Maria is the meridian line that tells time during “solar noon,” when the sun shines through the tiny hole in the upper right hand corner after the entrance.

4. Trinità dei Monti

This church is at the top of the Spanish Steps. A popular landmark, it may have one of the best views for people watching and picture taking.

5. Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel)

Of course the Sistine Chapel had to be on the list. One piece of advice to enjoy it fully- try your hardest to go on a “off-day.” Those are hard to come by, but try to go later rather than earlier. The tour groups crowd Vatican City in the morning.