To think, I almost avoided visiting this STUNNING 17th-century church - Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di…read moreLoyola, when visiting Rome, Italy (09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025) because it is Tik-Tok and IG "famous" for being the "mirrored church" to take an iconic selfie... yes, you read that correctly..iconic selfie. I was for sure it was going to be crowded w/ social media influencers and I was correct..it was crowded but don't let that deter you from seeing this historical beauty! Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola is known as the "mirrored church" because it has a mirror strategically placed to see the beautiful painted ceiling fresco. (see pics & videos included in this review from my visit on Tuesday 09/30/2025 - at 10:56am) It also has a painted illusion of having a real soaring dome on a flat ceiling - very cool for sure and does make you look twice just to confirm it's indeed an illusion! Here are a few helpful fyi(s) that I wanted to pass along: --- - long line for the mirror right as you enter the church - if there is a line of people waiting for the mirror, you don't have to wait in that line if you don't want to take a selfie w/ the mirror and are only wanting to see the church...as someone else mentioned in a previous review, you can get creative w/ taking a selfie w/ the beautiful ceiling. My hubby & I took our selfie pic while we were sitting in the pew and used a timer on our phone (see pic included). ---- visit early to avoid the crowds & to fully enjoy your experience at this church Avoid the crowds so you can really take in how detailed and beautiful the architecture and paintings are. Trust me, you'll enjoy your experience so much more w/ less people. ---- it's free to visit but do bring some money w/ you to give as an offering --- just a reminder to be respectful when visiting because it is a holy place Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola truly is something special and of the MANY Rome basilica's I've explored during my 2 visits to Rome, it is now my FAVORITE basilica thus far. Hope this info helps. :)) Rebecca visiting Rome, Italy from Austin, Texas (USA) 09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025

Honestly, save your time and your one euro coin. The church…read moreitself is beautiful, but the entire experience has been completely ruined by social media hype. We waited in line for a literal hour just to reach the famous "selfie mirror" to get a photo with the ceiling fresco. When you finally get to the front, you have to pay 1 euro, and you're rushed through it so fast you can barely even check if the photo turned out.

Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the most visited destinations in the world and you easily get this…read moresense via the crowds when you're here. As a second time visitor in April, this experience was very different than my first almost two decades ago. Previously the security and lines were much less organized. I recall a mad dash of several hundred people at the first entry time around 8:30 or 9am of tourists rushing towards the entrance of Saint Peter's--even though there were time slots back then, there were no cordoned areas, outdoor seating set up (the day I was there), or bag checks. Now there is a line that starts before you reach the Vatican threshold, along Via di Porta Angelica, where you go thru security and scan tickets for your timed entry. Plan accordingly because it takes about 30 minutes to get thru the line for most. They have a shortened queue for visitors needing special assistance and their caretakers, which is considerate. The initial 15 minutes of the line was not covered, the second section is under the outer columned area so there's some respite from the weather. Inside, I'd recommend an audio tour so you can wander at your own pace since it is always very crowded. The interiors are magnificent; left and right, floor to ceiling--the marble inset floors and walls, mosaics, sculptures and sheer magnitude of the interior is stunning. This time I made reservations to check out the dome, opting for the full climb of 551 steps* instead of paying for an elevator ticket that takes you partway past the first 231 steps. The interesting part of ascending which I hadn't anticipated was how tight the quarters were--there were sections where it was single file only, up curving, narrow walkways. A little claustrophobic and certainly warm with the number of bodies...it was a balmy 70ish degrees outside so I don't want to imagine what summer would be like. The dome was...BREATHTAKING. Being up close and personal to the colorful mosaics, peering down to the altar and nave below, really puts the size of the structure in perspective. Even looking up from the base of the dome, the height above was astounding. Then ascending to the dome top level--subtracting the intense crowds and confusing exit pathways which must be some sort of fire hazard--the sights for miles around the Vatican Gardens, Rome, were gorgeous. Just WOW. As so many have said before, I'll chime in with a --"if you have a chance to visit, take it!" For more info: https://basilicadisanpietro.com/blog/artistic-masterpieces-of-st-peter-s-basilica *which after walking over 20K steps a day in the Amalfi Coast the prior week I deeply questioned if I had thought this through before booking this ticket...lol at least I lived to tell the tale!

You don't have to be a believer or religious to visit this amazing Basilica…read more It is a must visit must see for the Art, Sculptures, and the top view at the Duomo. I went inside a d is over 500 steps to reach the top Duomo. I paid 15.oo Euros for the elevator which lifted me part of the way, and I had like 300 more steps to go up. Going up is a unique adventure of itself...it was hard, a bit scary, and you must be fit to do it. The stairs are small in a very thin hallway style going up...so small that both my elbows and arms touch the walls. If you are claustrophobic, this is not for you. Like I said, you must be in good health to go up. Once at the top, the views of Rome and Vatican City are Amazing and worth the steps. Gorgeous views with fresh Rome air. Once inside, you can take a closer look at the interior top of the Duomo. Have a closer look at the paintings on the roof amd the wall ceramic art. The Main floor have thr Piety and many more Sculptures. A few hours or a whole day is needed to enjoy and absorb all of this artistic, one of a kind Art.

Rome never ceases to amaze, and this basilica is one of the most historically significant and and…read morearchitecturally impressive in town. Highly recommend a stop here! This is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas* and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches**. Located on Esquiline Hill, legend is that Virgin Mary appeared to an aristocrat Giovanni and his wife, who were seeking to donate their possessions to Saint Mary--and to the pontificate in charge at the time Pope Liberius--indicating in a vision that a church be built where snow would fall in Rome during the summer. This miraculous event occurred on Esquiline Hill in August and the church was erected where snow fell. To this day in August annually, a celebration of the church founding is marked by a dramatic showering of white rose petals from the ceiling during mass. In more accurate historical context, the building was built under Pope Celestine I (422-432) or less likely during the era of Pope Sixtus III (432-440), though he consecrated the basilica, and certainly not under Pope Liberius. Even before this, there were remains of a prior church and earlier building sites underneath excavations unearthed in the 20th century. There are references to the church being known as "Sancta Maria ad Praesepe" (Saint Mary of the Crib) since it contained (and still does) pieces of wood from the supposed holy crib or manger of Christ. The current exterior and facade are the result of modifications to a Baroque style in the -8th century. The church is located in a piazza (Piazza dell' Esquilino) with the Colonna della Pace (Column of Peace; see my sep review for that!) added in the 18th century. Inside the building retains its original 5th-century layout, a wide nave flanked by by marble columns on each side, with narrow side aisles, hemmed in by side chapels. In the 14th century a bell tower was added in the Romanesque style. The triumphal arch framing the front altar stands out with its colorful 5th century frescos, and the mosaics covering the other walls depict biblical scenes. The front altar, crypt and Sistine Chapel (not the one in the Vatican), are worth taking a closer look at while visiting. There is no admission charge, though donations are accepted. They open very early at 7am, and close 6:30pm daily. Notably eight popes as buried here, the latest being in 2025 of Pope Francis. For more info: https://www.basilicasantamariamaggiore.va/en/basilica/storia-e-arte.html *meaning according to google ;P it's one of the four highest-ranking churches in the Catholic Church, all located in Rome's diocese, which maintain a unique connection to the pope. Each papal basilica features a high altar and a papal throne that only the Pope (or someone he designates) may use to celebrate Mass. **a historic group of major and minor basilicas visited by devoted Catholic pilgrims to this day--it's a 25-kilometer (15-mile) walking trail around Rome popularized by Saint Philip Neri in the 16th century.

We arrived in Rome by train in the early evening, but we wanted to make the most of the remainder…read moreof our day. We took a bus over and ate a quick dinner nearby before getting in line for the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore 30 minutes before closing. Entrance is free. There is a security check before entering and the line moved pretty quickly. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four basilicas in Rome and it is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a wealthy Roman couple and Pope Liberius, instructing them to build a church where snow would miraculously fall in August. The next morning, August 5th snow reportedly blanketed the Esquiline Hill, marking the site of the basilica. Every August 5th, white rose petals are dropped from the ceiling to celebrate the "Miracle of the Snow." The interior was absolutely stunning. From the ceiling to the walls, and all of the paintings and sculptures were magnificent. This basilica houses some of the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary in art. It also holds the holy crib relic that contains pieces of the manger where Jesus was laid. This was the first basilica we visited in Rome and we also saw how there were multiple confession boxes with a Priest assigned and their language and hours. Very modern. I guess that helps with people of all ethnic backgrounds coming to Rome for their religious pilgrimages. I was so impressed by this basilica when we visited, but to be honest I am so glad we came here before seeing St Peter's Basilica because I would have been underwhelmed by compare if I went there first. I recommend coming here before going to St. Peter's Basilica so you can feel impressed here, and then even more impressed at St Peter's Basilica.

Being a Catholic I am obligated to give the chucrch 5 stars to keep from going to confession…read more LMAO. However, I'm not a practicing one. What I foud interesting of the chuch was the details of the architecture. The space is BEAUTIFUL. My highlight was seeing people of color featured in the time period. Most educated people understand the current pictures of Caucasian Christ are not time period accurate. It was a pleasure to see truth.

We peeked inside the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere while we were walking around Trastevere…read more It was smaller and less busy than most of the other churches we saw on our trip, more of your neighborhood 3rd century basilica. I guess it is one of the oldest churches in Rome. There's an inscription on the episcopal throne stating it was the first one dedicated to Jesus's mother Mary. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore says different. Perhaps a gang war is in order to sort things out. It's a beautiful church, anchoring its own lovely piazza (the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere). The exterior features a 13th century mosaic and a towering campanile from the 12th century, when most of the current version of the basilica was built. The interior is ornate and decked out in gold, with a ceiling that felt elaborate and expensive, even for Rome. For all this, the church was a quiet place. I'm sure many of the people sitting in the pews were in fact tourists, but the vibe was worshipful enough that we hung back from running up and gawking at the altar. If you're exploring the neighborhood, don't miss the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. It's a historically important church, and you can just walk in and look around without dealing with a crowd.

amazing! get your tickets early, the heat is no joke. once in a lifetime. i was in awe the whole…read moretime.

To visit the Capella Sistina, or Sistine Chapel, you would have to go to the Vatican Museum. My…read moreboyfriend and I purchased time entry tickets to the Vatican Museum at one of the earliest time slots in the day, and still the museum was unbearably crowded. Th Sistine Chapel is a central place of worship for the Roman Catholic Church. Is it the site where new popes are elected, making it a key location for the continuity of Catholicism. From an artistic point of view, this chapel is also famous for the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. This is one of the greatest piece of artworks in the world capturing the height of Renaissance art. This piece of art shows complex compositions, dramatic expressions, and the intricacies of the human anatomy. On the walls of the Sistine Chapel, you can see the works of Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio. With its' religious and artistic significance, the museum saves it for last on their museum route, and you have to go through everything else to get to this insanely crowded room of tour groups and staff supervision. This was the room with the most museum staff supervision telling people to move along, or pull to the center of the room. It's really mixed feelings because it's stunning but while you're trying to look up and take in the sights, a bunch of people are bumping into you and being extremely inconsiderate. I don't feel like I fully absorbed its' elegance profound deep features. My rating is rounded up in respect for the artistic significance but the experience wasn't too enjoyable. I don't think taking a tour would help either because those folks are stuck with their groups, and stuck in the same crowded room. I prefer the freedom of moving on when I'm over it.

For me, this church punches up with the major basilicas. It's not as big, but it's stunning and…read moreit's also not nearly as crowded, so you might actually...you know...get to pray. Especially if you like the Jesuits at all, you have to stop here. The ceiling is alive with textures. The sculptures are on point. Intense focus on Christ, with a great crucifix and a Sacred Heart chapel, too. The place of repose of St. Ignatius himself. This church is a wonder.

Rome is the place to go if you like visiting churches. There are many and they are well maintained…read more The difficulty is selecting those you have time to visit. Chiesa del Gesu is one you probably don't want to miss because of the bizarre (to me) way the the tomb of Ignacio Loyola is displayed. The tomb is hidden behind a giant picture which at 5:30 in the afternoon is rolled back by some mechanical device to reveal the tomb behind. This is accompanied by loud music and lights and is accompanied by an audience of worshippers waving their arms. Pretty over the top. Don't miss it. The rest of the church is pretty over the top also. Early baroque as I understand. Much too ornate for my taste but certainly worth seeing. I personally prefer more austerity but the Chiesa del Gesu is something I won't forget.

Right next to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini (that rolls off the tongue…read morelike a Latin exam you didn't study for), this museum is part chapel, part crypt, and part humble brag for the Capuchin friars, the Franciscan branch known for vows of poverty, haircuts, and a surprising flair for interior bone design. Did we come to this museum to learn about the friars, Mmmmmm. Ok maybe. You'll walk through exhibits showing how these robed legends brewed up herbal potions, lived in literal caves, and humbly redefined the phrase less is more. We really came for the Caravaggio. Turn the corner, and there it is, the Caravaggio's "St. Francis in Meditation", just casually hanging there like it's no big deal. Spoiler: It is a big deal. This moody masterpiece punches you in the soul. Saint Francis looks like he's just remembered his iCloud password and is deeply not okay with it. Shadows engulf him, light hits him like a holy spotlight, and suddenly you're questioning all your life choices in front of a painting that's older than the United States. Caravaggio, ever the art world's tortured bad boy, painted like he lived, fast and bold, and usually on the run from the law. His contribution here adds gravitas to an already gravity-heavy museum, where death is literally the décor.

Also know as " The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks"…read more Absolutely creepy as hell, but worth every minute spent here. This place is fantastic. My wife, son and nephew and I thoroughly loved it. It can be a little hard to find, but all that's expected is a small donation and a promise not to take pictures. The ones that I've included are from their website and the Internet. Here's some additional information: "The crypt is located just under Santa Maria della Concezione, a church commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1626. The pope's brother, Cardinal Antonio Barberini, who was a member of the Capuchin order, in 1631 ordered the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars exhumed and transferred from the friary Via dei Lucchesi to the crypt. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as the bodies of poor Romans, whose tomb was under the floor of the present Mass chapel. Here the Capuchins would come to pray and reflect each evening before retiring for the night. The crypt, or ossuary, now contains the remains of 4,000 friars buried between 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches. The underground crypt is divided into five chapels, lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks, and small fluorescent lamps. The crypt walls are decorated with the remains in elaborate fashion, making this crypt a macabre work of art. Some of the skeletons are intact and draped with Franciscan habits, but for the most part, individual bones are used to create elaborate ornamental designs. The crypt originated at a period of a rich and creative cult for their dead; great spiritual masters meditated and preached with a skull in hand. A plaque in one of the chapels reads, in three languages, "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be." This is a memento mori." Thank you Wikipedia. Well worth the visit, and there are some excellent restaurants close as well.

I have been to the Piazza Navona in Rome a dozen of times but can't figure out why I never thought…read moreabout going inside, I guess it's partly bc the tourist guide was always rushing us along but even in my own I didn't think about it until today. I went to catholic school for 7 years but I'm not a catholic yet I was completely enthralled by how beautiful n immaculate the massive church was so to all Catholics out there, you gotta visit this year amazing church in the heart if Rome behind the Piazza Navona. They had several rooms I had no time to visit bc the church closed at 1pm. I wish I came earlier as I'd love to listen to the massive organ they had as pictured, it was as big as the Crystal Cathedral one in Garddn Grove, California. If you stay in Rome they have some plays I didn't get a chance to ask for details but it didn't matter as I had to get back to the ship.