Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo
4.5
About
This Renaissance church contains Baroque additions along with various 18th- and 19th-century monuments, which add to the beauty of this structure.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro
How to get there
- Flaminio - Piazza del Popolo • 2 min walk
- Spagna • 10 min walk
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6,404 within 3 miles
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2,160 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,359 reviews
Excellent
895
Very good
393
Average
55
Poor
6
Terrible
10
Deirdre_dines
Dublin, Ireland976 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Basilica di Santa Maria del popolo
This is a wonderful church worth seeking out ( featured in the tv programme Rome unpacked ) - there’s lots of wonderful art but you need to know where to look.
Bernini Raphael and Caravaggio are all represented here- check your guide book ahead of arrival to know where to look and where to turn on the lights needed to see certain pieces. ( bring coins!)
Note :,the church is beside the da Vinci museum.
This is a wonderful church worth seeking out ( featured in the tv programme Rome unpacked ) - there’s lots of wonderful art but you need to know where to look.
Bernini Raphael and Caravaggio are all represented here- check your guide book ahead of arrival to know where to look and where to turn on the lights needed to see certain pieces. ( bring coins!)
Note :,the church is beside the da Vinci museum.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nat
Mexico City, Mexico568 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This is a very small church, but every single one of its corners has magnificent art, including work or Caravaggio and other important artists of that time.
It’s a must do.
The entrance is free but someone does have to pay €2 every once in a while to keep the paintings illuminated (that lasts for about 5 minutes).
It’s a must do.
The entrance is free but someone does have to pay €2 every once in a while to keep the paintings illuminated (that lasts for about 5 minutes).
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul S
San Diego, California405 contributions
Jul 2021
There are five chapels along each side of the nave, and two chapels on each side of the altar. The highlights for me were the Lady of the People at the main altar and the Cerasi Chapel. The Cerasi Chapel is just left of the main altar and is decorated with the Assumption of the Virgin and two Caravaggio masterpieces, Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul. The realism and colors are amazing.
The church is a 20-minute walk from Piazza Navona or 30-minute walk from Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The church is a 20-minute walk from Piazza Navona or 30-minute walk from Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter C
Island of Malta, Malta2,494 contributions
Jul 2022
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is located in Piazza del Popolo from where it takes its name. The church houses numerous works of art including the two masterpieces by Caravaggio in the Cerasi Chapel and Bernini marble sculptues in the Chigi Chapel, amongst many others. Truly magnificent!
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA33,112 contributions
Dec 2019
It was raining outside so I spent more time than I originally planned admiring Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo, a treasure trove of stunning masterpieces by great masters. Caravaggio’s “Conversion of Saul” and “Crusifiction di San Pietro”, Cappella Cybo originally decorated by Pinturicchio, Capella della Rovere with Pinturicchio’s “Nativity” altar and lunette “Story di San Girolamo” and Francesco da Sangallo’s “Monumento di Giovanni De Castro” are just some of the highlights to mention, there are more...
And the whole interior is absolutely magnificent.
It was no crowds and tourist groups on the day of my visit - what could be better!
And the whole interior is absolutely magnificent.
It was no crowds and tourist groups on the day of my visit - what could be better!
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dapper777
Monaco32,364 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Santa Maria del Popolo is one of the most significant buildings of the Roman Renaissance, not only for its architectural features, but also for the paintings and sculptures it houses.
The church was built on a small chapel built by the will of Pope Paschal II at the expense of the Roman people (hence the name) on the tombs of the Domizii, Emperor Nero's family.
It was probably built as a sign of thanks and gratitude after the taking of the city of Jerusalem, at the end of the first great Crusade.
Rebuilt at the end of the fifteenth century at the time of Pope Sixtus IV, it was modified in the seventeenth century and is linked to the names of extraordinary artists such as Raphael who designed the beautiful Chigi Chapel, Sansovino, Bernini and Caravaggio.
S. Maria del Popolo is a museum inside a church because it houses works from Pinturicchio, Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini and many other artists of the Renaissance and of the XVIIth century.
It is a church that never tires you even if you have seen it many times.
Every time you learn new things about it, inside it and you always love it a little more.
Worth experiencing for the emotions it offers.
The church was built on a small chapel built by the will of Pope Paschal II at the expense of the Roman people (hence the name) on the tombs of the Domizii, Emperor Nero's family.
It was probably built as a sign of thanks and gratitude after the taking of the city of Jerusalem, at the end of the first great Crusade.
Rebuilt at the end of the fifteenth century at the time of Pope Sixtus IV, it was modified in the seventeenth century and is linked to the names of extraordinary artists such as Raphael who designed the beautiful Chigi Chapel, Sansovino, Bernini and Caravaggio.
S. Maria del Popolo is a museum inside a church because it houses works from Pinturicchio, Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini and many other artists of the Renaissance and of the XVIIth century.
It is a church that never tires you even if you have seen it many times.
Every time you learn new things about it, inside it and you always love it a little more.
Worth experiencing for the emotions it offers.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Malgorzata
11,698 contributions
May 2019
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a place not to be missed due to its location on the magnificent Piazza del Popolo and also due of the huge works of art of high value that are present there. The church comes from a small chapel from the 11th century, built at the expense of the Roman people, from which the name comes. Then it was completely rebuilt in the 15th century . In the mid-seventeenth century, Gianlorenzo Bernini gave it a distinct Baroque impression. The interior has the shape of a basilica with three naves, a transept and a semicircular apse, with four side chapels on each side and two important chapels on the left side of the main altar. Inside the church you can find a lot of works of art, primarily at the Cerasi Chapel the works of two fundamental painters of contemporary artistic history, Annibale Caracci with the painting of the altar of the "Assumption of the Virgin", and on the sides two wonderful paintings of Caravaggio, "Crucifixion of Saint Peter" and "Conversion of Saint Paul ". It is such a beautiful church. Definitely worth a visit.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steveage
Rexburg, ID3,270 contributions
Jul 2019
The site of this current church, which was built between 1472-1477, was the exact site where emperor Nero was buried. Early in the 11th century a pope had Nero’s body exhumed and burned the remains. This basilica is a who’s who of amazing artists’ works – right in here – for free! Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Pinturicchio… enjoy!
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bellevue1
Lynnwood, WA770 contributions
The church was the highlight of our trip. Interesting interior. Lots of skull sculptures and beautiful paintaings . We saw the Chigi chapel mentioned in Dan Brown's Angels & Demon. To see the chapel better, we needed to put some coins in the donation box to switch on the light.
Metro A: Flaminio stop
Metro A: Flaminio stop
Written February 27, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amreltouny
cairo - egypt144 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
The church is situated at Piazza del Popolo, right near the Porta del Popolo, a monumental sixteenth-century gate which marked the border of the city. During the Middle Ages, people were convinced that the ghost of Nero - who had a horrible reputation, in part due to his persecution of Christians - haunted a walnut tree that grew here. In 1099 people of Rome demanded pope Paschal II to exorcise the area and the pope duly obliged. It is said he chopped down the tree himself - Mary allegedly appeared to him in a vision and ordered him to do so. The pope then had the ground excavated and the human remains that were found were burned and thrown in the river. A chapel was built at the site to chase Nero's ghost away. Its construction also celebrated the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders that same year.
In the thirteenth century a small church was built at the site of the eleventh-century chapel. The church we see today dates from 1472-1477.
The central dome is decorated with a ceiling painting of the Virgin in Glory, by Rafaele Vanni. Capella Chigi or Chigi Chapel is amazing, there are four marble statues of prophets in the chapel. Jonah and Elijah were sculpted by Lorenzetto; the other two, Daniel and Habakkuk, are the work of Bernini. Raphael himself designed the pyramid-shaped tombs.
Then the two paintings of Caravaggio, 'The Conversion of St. Paul' and 'The Crucifixion of St. Peter' are the star attractions here. They were created in 1601-1602 in a - for its time - unusually realistic style, with dramatic use of lighting.
If just to see the paintings of Caravaggio, then it is still worth it. They are magnificent and a must see in Rome. The church is also very close to the awesome Villa Borghese - the largest park in Rome, you can combine the visit for both of them. I recommend to enter the park from right above the Spanish Steps and take your strolling to go to Piazza del Popolo and admire this beautiful church.
In the thirteenth century a small church was built at the site of the eleventh-century chapel. The church we see today dates from 1472-1477.
The central dome is decorated with a ceiling painting of the Virgin in Glory, by Rafaele Vanni. Capella Chigi or Chigi Chapel is amazing, there are four marble statues of prophets in the chapel. Jonah and Elijah were sculpted by Lorenzetto; the other two, Daniel and Habakkuk, are the work of Bernini. Raphael himself designed the pyramid-shaped tombs.
Then the two paintings of Caravaggio, 'The Conversion of St. Paul' and 'The Crucifixion of St. Peter' are the star attractions here. They were created in 1601-1602 in a - for its time - unusually realistic style, with dramatic use of lighting.
If just to see the paintings of Caravaggio, then it is still worth it. They are magnificent and a must see in Rome. The church is also very close to the awesome Villa Borghese - the largest park in Rome, you can combine the visit for both of them. I recommend to enter the park from right above the Spanish Steps and take your strolling to go to Piazza del Popolo and admire this beautiful church.
Written May 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mg1234Navarra
Navarra3 contributions
Does the church open on syndays in september?
Tom B
Barnegat, NJ806 contributions
I went in February but I would think so. Check the website, which is linked from the trip advisor page. There will be masses you will need to schedule around.
Francesco Notarnicola
Lido di Ostia, Italy491 contributions
Buongiorno a tutti, vorrei sapere la situazione impalcature su questa basilica
Augusto M
Rome, Italy168 contributions
Mi sembra che attualmente non ci siano impalcature.
Souslik13
Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts, France172 contributions
Bonjour l église était fermée hier après midi a priori pour travaux ????
Jean_MarcT262
Toulon, France687 contributions
Bonjour je ne peux répondre à cette question car les travaux des églises dans Rome sont très divers et à des moments différents. Cordialement J-M
what is the open and close time？
Fiorella P
Rome, Italy709 contributions
SS. Messe Domenica e Festivi ore 8-10-11-12-13-18,30
giorni feriali ore 8-10-18,30
Ss. Messe LUGLIO-AGOSTO: Domenica e Festivi ore 8-10-11-12-18,30
Feriali ore 8-18,30
Apertura-opening:
giorni feriali 7,15-12,30 / 16-19
Venerdì-sabato: 7,30-19
Festivi 7,30-13,30 / 16,30-19,30
Le visite sono interdette durante le celebrazioni
no visit during servicies
Fabiola P
Caserta, Italy25 contributions
Salve! Volevo chiedere sull'orario di apertura della chiesa di domenica, i siti online mi confondono! Quando è possibile visitarla?
Fiorella P
Rome, Italy709 contributions
Buonasera, un consiglio spassionato: se siete interessati a Caravaggio evitate il sabato e la domenica.
elenaew
Madrid, Spain9 contributions
Does the church close on Saturday in Easter? It's the only day of the year where no mass is held so I was wondering if the church will close on that day. Many thanks!
prefectus
Tbilisi, Georgia113 contributions
i do not think it will be closed diring day as it is also quite a touristic attraction. moreover many catholic churches hold sevuce on Easter saturday night
AllegoryPR
Fort Lauderdale, FL17 contributions
Christmas Eve Mass times 2016? Anyone know if there is Midnight Mass at this Church?
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo
- We recommend booking Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 35 Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo:
- (0.03 mi) Tridente Rooms
- (0.03 mi) The Best in Rome VICO - Piazza del Popolo
- (0.04 mi) La Roma di Cecilia
- (0.06 mi) Casa Montani - Luxury Guest House
- (0.12 mi) Hotel de Russie
- Restaurants near Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo:
- (0.05 mi) Pastasciutta - P.za del Popolo
- (0.09 mi) My BagS
- (0.04 mi) Popolo Caffe
- (0.11 mi) Le Jardin de Russie
- (0.10 mi) Dal Bolognese