Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere — Attraction in Rome

Dating from the 4th century AD, Santa Maria in Trastevere has a long history and dazzling 12th-century mosaics that make it well worth a visit. Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.

According to legend, on the day Christ was born a stream of pure oil flowed from the earth on the site of the church, signifying the coming of the grace of God. A column next to the altar marks the spot.

The octagonal fountain in the piazza is an ancient Roman original that was restored and embellished in the 17th century by Carlo Fontana. In the evenings, the fountain is a popular gathering place for locals. Off the north side of the piazza, a little street is named Via delle Fonte dell'Olio in honor of the oil miracle.

The façade was restored by Carlo Fontana in the 17th century, but its faded mosaics date from the 12th or 13th centuries. The portico is a 19th-century addition; displayed inside are fragments from the earlier churches, dating from the 4th to 9th centuries. They were found during excavations beneath the 12th-century floor of the church.

Inside the church are 22 granite columns taken from the ruins of ancient Roman buildings. A Cosmati column to the right of the altar with the inscription FONS OLEI marks the spot of the miraculous flow of oil.

The restored mosaics on the apse vault and triumphal arch date from around 1140. The triumphal arch depicts the Four Evangelists, the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, caged birds representing sin, seven candlesticks, and a Christogram (chi-rho). The apse vault shows the Coronation of the Virgin with saints and Pope Innocent II holding a model of the church.

The six mosaic panels lower on the apse (between the windows) were made by Pietro Cavallini on the subject of the Life of the Virgin in 1291. In the Nativity scene, note the little building just under the figure of Mary with a stream of oil flowing from it.

Left of the altar is the Altemps Chapel (1588) with Baroque decoration. One of the frescoes depicts the Council of Nicea. Another notable artwork is a fresco by Domenichino of the Assumption of the Virgin.

The church keeps a relic of Saint Apollonia (her head) and a portion of the Holy Sponge. Among the burials in the church are Pope Callixtus I and Lorenzo...

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere and its surrounding piazza are absolutely breathtaking at night, and I mean that in the most profound way.

The moment you step into the piazza, you're hit with this incredible glow. The basilica's facade, with its famous golden mosaics sparkling under the floodlights, feels almost supernatural, like a beacon in the vibrant chaos of Trastevere.

The entire scene feels magical and looks exactly like something you'd see on a postcard or in a movie. The piazza itself is an event. It’s buzzing with energy—a beautiful mix of locals out for an evening passeggiata, street artists performing, and travelers soaking in the atmosphere.

The fountains murmur, people chat and laugh on the steps, and the sound of music from nearby cafes fills the air. It’s the kind of place that captures the very soul of a Roman evening. However, amidst all that historical beauty and charm, we also saw a less-polished, grittier side of the city. As we were taking in the incredible sight of the basilica, we noticed some young spray painters at work nearby. It was a jarring and unusual contrast—this sacred, ancient space with its intricate art, set against the raw, modern graffiti being created right there in the piazza.

It pulls you out of the fairytale and reminds you that this place isn't just a preserved relic; it's a living, breathing, and sometimes messy part of the city. Ultimately, that contrast is what made the experience so memorable.

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere at night is a powerful blend of ancient awe and contemporary life. It’s beautiful, a little bit raw, and perfectly captures the spirit of this incredible neighborhood. It’s a...

The church is beautiful mosaics in 1100 not to be missed and outside on the high part of the façade and both those relating to the presbytery, the median strip made from Cavallini.Uno of the most beautiful places in Rome, ideal for diving in the folk tradition, beautiful the fountain in the square. Characteristic sit on the steps to admire and contemplate the beauty of the place, wonderful walk in the most famous neighborhood in Rome, especially when there is a large crowd, in order to discover the Rome of the past. evening meeting place to spend a pleasant seratae on the square in front of the Basilica, he always performs some street artist. A must see! Here you will find the true Rome at night ... a piece of history and at the same time the "movida" Today, with so many local pubs and many tourist with the exception of the historical places like Enoteca Trastevere a few steps from the Basilica, Via Lungaretta, 86/87, with an always welcoming and warm atmosphere. These places with narrow streets for move from a square to another can not be and should not be explained ... they should experience walking among local, history, shopping, sightseeing. The basilica was built where gushed divine 'fons olei' in 38 BC , Gush of mineral oil. Note the point on a step of the presbytery. District "Roman" bridge between past and present, between religion and monuments, including the people...