Absolutely Stunning! Rome's Ancient Baths Turned into a Church! 🏛️

Staying near Termini during my time in Rome, I passed by a uniquely shaped building next to the Republic Square every day on my way back to the hotel: ancient ruins dating back thousands of years with two doorways and two very distinctive bronze doors, and a cross hanging above them! This church, named Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, directly translates to "St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs," was repurposed from the cold bath section of the Diocletian Baths. Diocletian was the first true emperor of the Roman Empire, reigning from 284 to 305 AD. In 1563, the 88-year-old Michelangelo! Yes, that's right, he was commissioned to transform this three-century-old Roman bathhouse into the St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs! The year after the church's construction began, in 1564, the master Michelangelo passed away, so this church is the last architectural work left to us by the master! The church is very quiet and almost devoid of tourists! It has many points of interest; here are a few to give you a sense of its wonders: Bronze doors designed by the renowned sculptor Igor Mitoraj A colorful dome modeled after the Pantheon's Holy water fonts in the shape of angels Third-century stone columns remaining from the ancient bathhouse The Roman meridian and zodiac map on the floor A huge ancient organ (often played by musicians) A bronze statue of Galileo designed by Mr. Li Zhengdao, donated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Numerous exquisite frescoes, oil paintings, and sculptures ⚠️When visiting Rome, do not, I repeat, do not miss this place!!! ⚠️Entry is free, no reservation needed, opens at seven in the morning, and there's no午休! Rome #RomanHoliday #Michelangelo #David #Renaissance #Church #RomanColosseum