Santa Maria in Trastevere

Founded in the 3rd Century by Pope Callixtus I, and likely completed in the 4th century after his death, Santa Maria in Trastevere, according to legend, is the location in which, on the day Jesus Christ was born, a stream of pure oil flowed out of the earth, signifying the coming of the grace of God.

The church has been restored multiple times, and then completely rebuilt in the 12th Century. The fragments that now decorate the portico were found under the floor during the 12th century excavations. The relics housed here are the head of Saint Apollonia and a small portion of the Holy Sponge (the sponge which was dipped in vinegar and offered to Christ to drink during the Crucifixion).

Inside the church you will find columns taken from the Baths of Caracalla, and beautiful gold mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. There is a column to the right of the altar with the inscription FONS OLEI which marks the spot of the oil flow upon the birth of Christ. At the entrance to the left nave is a sculpture of San Antonio, many people leave requests here asking the saint to grant wishes. The stunning marble floors and the gold coffered ceiling help to highlight the beauty of the gold mosaics in the apse.

Located in the heart of Trastevere, when you enter the piazza of Santa Maria in Trastevere you are immediately struck by the façade of the church, with its gold mosaics and beautiful bell tower. The fountain in the piazza is a place where tourists and locals alike sit to rest or meet with friends. There are plenty of cafés to sit and enjoy a coffee or an aperitivo and take in the beauty of the church and the splendor of the piazza.

The Basilica is open daily from 7:30am to 9pm

There is no fee to enter. You should make a donation if you choose to light a candle..