It is generally accepted that the primitive buildings of Rome came from the Etruscan people, perhaps they were even erected by them. It was logically a continuation of the line of architecture of the Greeks. The buildings of the Roman Empire retained the basis of Etruscan architecture - the circular arch. The circular arch is a rounded stone covering that connected the abutments to each other. This helped to arrange the stones in a radius of a circle for even pressure on them. By applying new building techniques, the Romans could bring creativity to new buildings. Theoretical new knowledge helped to build large temples, the ability to erect multi-storey buildings and structures. In terms of the introduction of cross vaults and box vaults, the Romans succeeded over the Greeks and made more sophisticated buildings.
In order for the arches to stand securely, the columns that were previously popular were no longer used. Roman architects began to erect huge walls and pilasters, and the columns became just a decorative ornament. This was applied almost everywhere, but there were also buildings in which the use of columns was more expedient. At the same time, the styles of the columns practically did not change, the Romans settled on the standard walnut version.
In general, Roman architecture was directly dependent on the walnut directions of architecture. However, the Romans tried more to emphasize their strength and independence in order to intimidate and suppress foreign peoples. They spared no expense in decorating their buildings, each building was magnificently and richly decorated. At the same time, from the point of view of the architect, they tried to make each structure exemplary. Mostly buildings were built for practical needs, but temples also occupied an important place among the structures.
History of architecture of Ancient Rome
As an independent branch of world art, the architecture of Ancient Rome took shape for a very long time, approximately in the 4th-1st centuries. BC NS. Despite the fact that many structures of those times have already crumbled, they regularly continue to fascinate with their remains and individual elements. The Roman Empire was one of the great, if not the greatest, that laid the foundation for a new era. Public places of that time could accommodate tens of thousands of people (basilicas, amphitheaters, trade markets), while there was always something to strive for. Religion also did not recede into the background, the list of building structures in Rome included temples, altars, tombs.
Comparing with the whole world, even historians have come to the conclusion that it was difficult or simply impossible to find equal rivals for the architecture of Rome and Roman engineering. Aqueducts, bridges, roads, fortresses, canals as architectural objects are just a small part of the list of what they used on all fronts. They changed the principles of ancient Greek architecture, primarily the order system: they combined the order with an arched structure.
Great importance in the formation of Roman culture was given to the style of the Hellenes, who were supporters of architecture on a huge scale and the development of urban centers. But humanism and the ability to inherit the harmonious Greek style in Rome were omitted, giving preference to the exaltation of powerful emperors. They sharply emphasized the power of the army. Hence all the pathos, which was the basis of many decorations for buildings and structures.
The variety of structures and the general scope of buildings in Rome is much higher than in Greece. The erection of huge buildings was made possible by a change in the technical foundations in construction. This is how new brick-concrete structures appear. They made it possible to close large spans, speeding up the construction process. It was also important that with the use of such methods of construction, they increasingly abandoned professional craftsmen, and trusted slaves and workers without qualifications. This significantly reduced construction costs.
Stages of development of Roman architecture
I period
The stages of development of Roman architecture can be roughly divided into 4 periods. The first and shortest begins from the time of the founding of ancient Rome and ends in the II century. BC NS. This period is not rich in architectural monuments, and those that appeared were the heritage of the Etruscans. Almost everything that was built during this period was publicly available. It brought collective benefits to the settlements. This category included canals for cleansing the city of impurities, which with the help of them fell into the Tiber. The Mamertine prison and the first basilicas can also be attributed to buildings that were useful.
ІІ period
The second stage is usually called "Greek". From the middle of the II century, the serious influence of Greek architecture on Roman began. The influence was strong until the end of republican rule (31 BC). It is believed that at this time the first marble temples began to appear, replacing the usual rocks of stones and travertine. In their design, they were very similar to the Greek ones, however, the architects tried to make noticeable differences.
Roman temples throughout these years looked oblong with 4 corners. The foundation was usually high, with an attached ladder to the front. Climbing the stairs, you find yourself next to the columns. Going down a little to the depths, there is a door that leads to the main hall. The main lighting comes through this door, so it is often open.
Together with such temples of the ancient Greek type, the Romans erected, in honor of the Gods, temples of a round shape. These were mainly their own ideas with the use of Greek elements. One of these can be considered the Temple of Portuna, surrounded by 20 columns, this historical object has survived to this day. The tapered marble roof is a good example of Roman individual style.
The community of buildings included not only structures associated with religion, but also many others:
- Tabularia is a huge building dedicated to the preservation of archives;
- The Skavra wooden theater is one of the most interesting buildings of this period. Includes over three hundred marble columns and bronze statues, could accommodate 80,000 visitors;
- The first stone theater was built in honor of the goddess Venus.
The whole story about them disappeared with them. However, it is worth noting that using modern technologies of three-dimensional modeling, it was proved that these structures were built very competently. For example, the "Stone Theater" was positioned in such a way that the stage looked to the north-east. Since under Augustus traditionally performances and celebrations were held in the morning, all the sun's rays fell on the stage, and not on the theater goers.
ІІІ period
In terms of importance, the most effective period in the history of Roman architecture. The beginning is considered from the time of the arrival of Augustus to the republican throne and ends in 138 AD. NS.
In the technology of the Romans, the active use of concrete begins. A new stage in the construction of basilicas, circuses, and libraries begins. There were trials, the identification of the best chariot riders. A new type of monumental art is gaining popularity - the triumphal arch. At the same time, the technique was constantly improved with the help of new erections, timed to the new victories of the future empire.
Roman art was not as graceful as Greek structures, but the technical prowess of the construction remained at the highest level for centuries. The Colosseum (the largest amphitheater of antiquity) and the Pantheon temple (erection in the name of the Gods) are becoming famous all over the world.
The introduction of the features of Greek architecture gained massive popularity and continued to march into the western and northern regions of Europe. Most of the Greek architects became famous with the help of the Romans, who commissioned Greek copies that were better preserved than the originals. The Romans, unlike the Greeks, adhered to their concept of sculptural traditions. They made busts of their ancestors to show the prototypes of their kind. The Greeks used such sculptures as works of art in the home. This simplicity and vivid personality of Roman portraiture shows it from a new side for us.
Over the course of this period, all structures of architecture go through stages of development, improvement and increase the level of grandeur. Elements of luxury are widely used and for the first time the features of oriental art begin to slip.
IV period
After Hadrian's departure from power, Roman architectural art quickly began to decline. All those decorations that were previously used begin to seem superfluous and inappropriate, and their use is less and less correct. This period continues until the full formation of Christianity and the departure of paganism far into the background. A period of decline is characterized by the fact that every ruler wants to go down in history with the help of magnificent structures.
This period also continues to be distinguished by oriental elements, which are increasingly seen in architectural art. They begin to prevail over the classics of the genre. Especially eloquent evidence of this is the construction under the last rulers of the empire in such remote areas of possession as Syria and Arabia. This was noticeable by the change in the swelling of the surface of the roofs, the abundance of unnecessary accessories. Mysterious, fantastic forms were often erected, which were considered symbols of the eastern direction of architecture.
The greatness of Rome in the Temples
One of the first buildings erected by Augustus, dedicated to the deified idol Julius Caesar. Built in 29 BC The temple was created in the modest style of the Ionic order. Separately, the place of Caesar's cremation was concentrated. The decorated room has reserved seats for speakers, replacing the tribunal that existed here, centered for many years in the western part.
Altar of Peace
A monumental structure of ancient Rome, which wrote down the victory of Augustus over the Spaniards and Gauls in history. It was built in 13 BC. NS. In appearance, it looked like a fence with right angles, 6 m high, in the center of which there was a step with an altar. There were 2 passages along the perimeter of the fence, with the help of which it was possible to approach the altar. On the opposite walls were the processions of Augustus for the sacrifice to the altar.
The memo was embodied in the particles of all the cultures of the predecessors of Roman architecture. By the type of structure, one can judge the Italian style, and by the arrangement of the ornamentation along the bottom and top of the Etruscan principles. The exquisite workmanship of the relief of the altar speaks of a strong Greek influence.
Temple of Mars Ultor
One of the grandest temples in Rome. The width of the facade alone is about 35 m. The columns are erected up 18 m. The interior decoration was mainly of marble with wooden beams. Having a solemn appearance inside, the temple evoked a feeling of delight among the people present in it. The date of creation of this historical monument is considered to be 2 BC. NS. Greek elements can be traced in almost all stages of architecture.
Pantheon
A special place in Rome is the Pantheon Temple. The second name is "Temple of All Gods". A lot of temples of ancient times were built by order of the emperors, including the Pantheon was no exception. The Pantheon was dedicated primarily to the two gods Venus and Mars, they were considered the guardians of the Julian clan. The building consisted of three parts, which were intertwined with each other. It was named after the architect who performed the work, but it is believed that the Pantheon was his pseudonym. The Pantheon was built in 118-128, and several years later it was restored several times. Today, only a small part of it has remained, which does not allow enjoying all the majesty of the temple of that period.
Sculpture of Ancient Rome
The monumental art of the ancient Romans was significantly inferior to the Greeks. The Romans never managed to create the greatest sculptor monuments and compete with the Greeks on these frontiers. But it was still possible to enrich the plastic with its elements.
The best results have been achieved in portraiture. The Roman people transferred their observation of every trait of man and his unique personality. Ideal portraits were created, as well as portraits in which one could see the human negative and realism of the artistic form. With the help of sculptures, they first launched propaganda for the domestication of society. They erected monuments to famous personalities, made structures of triumph.
Rome is truly monstrously old. Ancient catacombs, ancient temples, grottoes, networks of narrow streets, inconspicuous buildings of the richest churches - all this creates an indescribable atmosphere. And the religious world of Rome is a separate universe with its own laws and traditions. The churches of Rome are so diverse and variegated that one involuntarily begins to doubt which one should be seen in the first place.
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San Giovanni in Lateranno
The Lateran Basilica is at the highest level of any religious building in Rome, surpassing in status such ancient and indisputably revered monuments as St. Peter's Basilica. The archbasilica houses the throne of the pontiff. Once upon a time, the first Christian church in Rome was located on this site. Later, by the ninth century, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist appeared on the Lateran Hill, which for some time retained the status of the only papal temple.
The real dawn came for the Lateran Basilica, when Borromini undertook its reconstruction, giving the archibasilica bright baroque features. At the same time, huge bronze doors were transported from the Roman Forum itself for installation at the main portal. The Basilica of San Giovanni impresses with its richness of fresco paintings and mosaics, executed in the classical Byzantine style. Carved ceilings, decorated with stucco columns, sculptures of the apostles, ancient religious artifacts made of silver and precious stones - the basilica justifies the inscription above the main entrance: "the mother of all churches in Rome and the world."
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
It is impossible not to notice the Basilica of St. Mary, as it is the largest church in the Catholic capital, as its name unobtrusively reminds of: "maggiore" is large. And in front of the entrance there is a fifteen-meter statue of the Virgin Mary, cast in bronze. It's hard to accidentally walk by. In addition, despite the fact that the date of the founding of the church sends us back to the fourth century AD, this church is almost the only one in Rome that has almost completely preserved its authentic appearance. A legend about the Mother of God is associated with its foundation, who ordered to build a temple in the place where it will snow.
Snow fell, and the church began to be called the Church of the "Mother of God in the Snows", only this event took place in August. The mosaic of the thirteenth century is of astonishing skill and is dedicated to this subject. The richest ceiling paintings, medieval mosaics and magnificent examples of mosaic art that have survived since the construction of the church tell the story of the life of Christ, convey Old Testament stories. The church consists of three chapels, the most famous of which is the Sistine chapel, so fans of cultural shrines and those wishing to touch the holy relics are guaranteed to be satisfied with a visit here.
San Pietro in Vincoli
The Basilica is also known as St. Peter's Basilica in chains, that is, in chains. It is noteworthy that this artifact, which is an important religious shrine, is kept in a modern basilica. "Honest chains" were here thanks to Eudoxia, the Byzantine queen, who at one time presented them as a gift to the pontiff. She also founded a temple in Rome, which today we call San Pietro in Vincoli.
The basilica is one of the seven largest structures of this type in Rome and for many centuries has been one of the centers of pilgrimage. Its facade looks completely unremarkable, however, this is not surprising. Outward modesty characterizes most buildings of the fourth century. But most tourists come here not for the sake of sacred relics, but to see with their own eyes the stunning tomb of Julius II by Michelangelo with a sculptural composition of forty figures and undoubtedly the ingenious sculpture "Moses" by the same master.
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
This building, made of light stone, is one of the main temples of the Dominican order. It was donated to the order in the eighth century. Then on the site of the modern basilica there was a rotunda named after Minerva after the name of the ancient temple of the same name, which was located nearby. It was here that at one time Galileo and Count Cagliostro "voluntarily" renounced their views. It is quite difficult not to recognize Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
This is almost the only temple in Rome, made in the Gothic style with pointed arches and sky-blue vaults, skillfully painted with stars. Unfortunately, medieval Gothic did not reach us in its purest form - in the appearance of the basilica, elements of the Baroque traditional for Florentine masters and Rome are still ironed. The main value of the temple is still the statue of Christ with the cross, which is attributed to the works of Michelangelo. It is sustained in the spirit of Antiquity and demonstrates the moment of the resurrection of Christ.
Santa Maria del Popolo
Quite a large building, decorated in gray and blue tones, makes few people to hold their eyes on itself, only real treasures are hidden behind such an unremarkable shell. According to legend, once on the site of the basilica there was the grave of Nero, over which a poplar gradually grew, quickly chosen by crows. This place was already considered cursed, and the appearance of a bony tree and black birds made the picture even less attractive. Everything changed at the end of the eleventh century when the Pope had a dream. The Virgin Mary commanded to destroy the poplar and create a temple in its place.
First, the chapel appeared, and then the basilica itself. You can talk about the interior of this place for hours - many geniuses of their era left their masterpieces here. So, at different times, Giovanni Bernini worked on the design of the chapels, who gave the building a baroque look, Rafael Santi, who decorated the dome with a large-scale dome both in terms of scope and design, with the Creation of the World mosaic, Caravaggio, an Italian master who gave this place two his paintings, and Pinturicchio, although the work of the latter tourists will not be able to see. The chapel, which he designed, was badly damaged and was already reconstructed by Bernini.
Church of San Clemente
There is a small church to the east of the Colosseum, but under the low vaults there is a real storehouse of Christian shrines, dating back to the time of Emperor Nero. Oddly enough, but in this basilica you can worship even Orthodox saints, in particular the relics of Cyril, who created the Slavic alphabet. The tomb of St. Clement - one of the most important components of the basilica - is located on the lower level. Local mosaics are of interest. In modern terms, they are more like comics, besides, many inscriptions are made in a style that is far from high.
This allows linguists to talk about the existence of the early Italian language. The ruins of an early Christian temple were discovered under relatively new premises from the Middle Ages in the twentieth century. Of particular interest is the temple of Mithra, which dates back to the third century. Nowadays, a grotto has been preserved from it, in which benches and an altar made of stone stand under the vaulted ceiling. But the archaeologists did not stop there either - under the grotto were the remains of civilian buildings destroyed during the time of Nero.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The church has a laconic, strict design and is located on the left bank of the Tiber. Until the fourth century on the site of the church was the Forum of the Bull, and even earlier - an ancient temple built in honor of Hercules. The first building served civil needs - it acted as a distribution point for food to the poor, but gradually all charitable foundations were concentrated in the hands of the Holy See, and by the seventh century the complex itself became the property of the Greek community, which fled to Rome when Byzantium fell.
Even in the sovereign name of the church, there is an echo of those times: "kosmidion" - from the Greek "beautiful". This characteristic was not accidental - the interior decoration of the temple is truly amazing. Cosmati's floors, an authentic Gothic red granite altarpiece, an Easter candelabrum from the thirteenth century, fragments of the Epiphany mosaic (the rest are kept in St. Peter's Basilica and in the Uffizi Gallery in sunny Florence) can all be seen in the chapels.
The bell tower - one of the tallest in Rome - is extremely delicate and decorated with multi-colored majolica. A somewhat unusual symbol of the church is the "Mouth of Truth" - a marble slab reaching almost two meters in diameter. The exact application of this echo of Antiquity is still not entirely clear, but the mask of Triton that adorns it is definitely of interest to tourists.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Oddly enough, but this basilica - due to a number of historical circumstances - has become one of the most popular basilicas among the Orthodox population. Two Orthodox icons were even installed at her altar, but it should be understood that the history of the creation of the church itself is in no way connected with Orthodoxy. It is important to understand that Santa Maria in Trastevere is considered almost the first Christian basilica officially allowed in Rome. The modern building was mostly erected in the twelfth century.
The main building material was travertine blocks, which were taken from the ancient thermae. At the time, this practice was common. The facade is decorated with the image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus in her arms. The fresco dates back to the thirteenth century. The interior space - with high ceilings, stucco and gilding - is "bordered" with mosaics in the cosmatesco style.
Church of Santa Sabina
The basilica is located on the Aventine hill and is part of the monastery complex of the Dominican order. It was erected on the remains of the matron Sabina, revered in Rome. By the tenth century, local authorities appreciated all the advantages of the location of the basilica and turned it into a fortification. However, this state of affairs did not last long - soon the church building began to pass from the hands of one noble Roman family to the hands of another.
The series of rebuildings was interrupted only by the middle of the twentieth century, when the Dominican order wished to return the basilica to its authentic appearance. So, she was able to preserve all the characteristic features of the ancient Roman structure. If you find yourself in the Church of Santa Sabina, be sure to go to the patio where the ancient orange tree grows. According to legend, this tree was the first orange tree grown in Italy.
Sao Paolo Fuori le Mura
This basilica is one of the four so-called patriarchal basilicas in Rome. It is located outside the city walls in the place where, according to legend, the Apostle Paul was buried. However, recently the apostle's sarcophagus was indeed found. The first version of the basilica seemed to Theodosius I insufficiently majestic for a place so significant for the entire religious world.
Large-scale construction began, which marked the beginning of the construction of the modern church. The building that can be seen today has a classic look. The facade is decorated quite strictly and is decorated with the figure of Christ, on both hands of which are the apostles: Peter and Paul. The design contains echoes of the Byzantine style, as well as Gothic and Baroque architecture. The basilica is especially proud of the old organ, the last reconstruction of which took place in the twentieth century.
Sant Andrea al Quirinale
This church is another outstanding project by Bernini, commissioned by the Jesuit Order on Quirinal Hill. The order needed a place for a novitiate, that is, a period of novice, the institution of which was introduced in the sixteenth century. Once on the site of Sant'Andrea al-Quirinale there was an old church, whose building was too dilapidated. Only one foundation remained - a powerful foundation, on which a new baroque basilica was erected for ten years.
Bernini himself considered it one of his best creations and could sit inside for hours, enjoying the knowledge that this work of architectural thought belongs to his authorship. The interior space of the church is very contrasting - the dark side panels favorably set off the well-lit central part of the room. The dominant feature of the interior is the painting The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew by Guillaume Courtois.
Church of Saint Praxeda
This architectural monument of the ninth century does not stand out too much against the general background of Roman streets. The almost bare facade contrasts strongly with the splendor and luxury of interior decoration. It is here that the titular church is located, which is known for the most part for the beauty of ancient frescoes and the presence of a large number of remains of saints and martyrs. It is named after Saint Praxeda and is located on the site of the former baptistery, dedicated to the same saint.
The life of this woman has come down to us in retellings and legends, but she became famous mainly due to the fact that she buried martyrs, walled up in the Roman catacombs, according to the canons of the Christian rite. Today, the crypt contains over two thousand remains of saints. Their names are engraved on marble slabs.
San Lorenzo fuori Mura
This church, unusual from an architectural and historical point of view, is located outside the city walls, since earlier Christian churches were erected on the burial sites of martyrs who, as the canons require, gave their lives for the faith. And they were buried according to the old Roman customs outside the city walls. The design of the church is more than original: in fact, it is a series of independent churches that were simply connected.
Until World War II, the church of Pope Pegalia and the church of Pope Honorius were clearly visible in its appearance, but one enemy shell destroyed this amazing symbiosis. Most of the valuable frescoes were lost, only marble frescoes and a few early Christian sarcophagi have survived. Also, the old part of the church, dating from the sixth century, has not actually been damaged. Other premises had to be reconstructed.
Church of Santa Constanta
The first versions of the temple date back to the third century AD. Its construction is associated with the name of Constantine the Great, who decided to build a mausoleum for his daughters. Construction began immediately, and very soon a neat light building with ornaments, mosaics with images of Jesus Christ and finely painted domes arose near the Nomentarska road. True, gradually the mausoleum began to turn into a basilica: first, a baptismal font appeared, and then other attributes of the church. This is how we see her today.
September 29, 2018
Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world and for many centuries it was the largest center of social and political life. Religion occupied a special place in the life of the ancient Romans. The first temples dedicated to pagan Gods began to be erected back in the royal period, around the 6th century BC. These most ancient temples of Rome have survived to this day - their ruins can still be seen in Rome today. Let's get to know them.
The ruins of the ancient temple of Vesta, dedicated to the Roman goddess of the family hearth, are located in the oldest part of the Eternal City, at the Roman Forum. Presumably the temple appeared in the 6th-5th centuries BC. The round structure was surrounded on the outside by a colonnade. In the temple, the Sacred Fire was constantly burning, which was supported by the priestesses of the goddess Vesta - the Vestals, and inside there was a cache that kept sacred relics.
Contemporaries can see only three fifteen-meter columns, an altar, as well as the Yuturna spring, the water of which was considered healing.
One of the most ancient religious buildings of Ancient Rome, which was fortunate enough to survive to this day, is the Temple of Saturn. Its ruins can be seen at the Roman Forum. Saturn is the God of earth and fertility, in ancient times he was especially revered by the Romans, temples were erected for him and new cities were named after him. According to legend, in ancient times, Italy was called the Saturnian land.
The Temple of Saturn was erected at the foot of the Capitoline Hill in the second half of the 5th century BC. Throughout its history, the structure burned more than once during fires, but it was restored. Today, only a few columns of the portico and part of the foundation have survived. On the frieze you can see the inscription in Latin:
SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUS INCENDIO CONSUMPTUM RESTITUIT
Which in translation sounds like: “ The Senate and the people of Rome, destroyed by fire, rebuilt».
In the republican period, the treasury was located under the temple, where not only the Roman treasury was kept, but also important state documents.
The Temple of Portuna is one of the few ancient buildings that has survived to this day. In ancient Roman mythology, Portun was considered the god of doors, keys and cattle, the guard of entrances and exits. The temple is located in the Bull Forum. In republican times, there was a small port and market, which was a lively trade in livestock.
The first temple of Portuna appeared in the 3rd century BC, but the structure that can be seen today dates back to the 1st century BC. Only a part of the foundation, found during excavations, has survived from the previous structure.
The temple is the oldest surviving marble structure in Rome. It was built around 120 BC. at the Forum of the Bulls, near the Temple of Portuna. Dedicated to the hero of ancient Greek mythology, the deified Hercules, whose cult spread through the Greek colonists in Italy.
The legendary ancient Roman commander and statesman Gaius Julius Caesar was the second in history, after the founder of Rome Romulus, a deified Roman. Just two years after Caesar's brutal assassination, starting in 42 BC. the construction of a temple in his honor began. Unfortunately, only a small part of it has survived to this day, but the ruins that can be seen today in its place give a good idea of how impressive in size this building was more than two millennia ago.
Three tall columns and part of the podium are all that have survived from the temple of Venus the Ancestor at Caesar's forum. It was built back in 46 BC. at the direction of the great Julius Caesar in gratitude to Venus, fertility, beauty and love, for help in the victory over Pompey. The cult of Venus was of particular importance in the life of the ancient Romans, who considered her their patroness.
The surviving ruins of the temple are located in the Imperial Forums, or Fori imperiali, in the center of the Forum of Augustus, commissioned by the first Roman emperor in the 2nd year of our era. It was a majestic structure, richly decorated with white marble, sculptures of kings and great Roman generals, sacred statues of gods and mythological characters.
In 79 AD, a temple was erected at the Roman forum in honor of the two deified Flavian emperors - Vespasian and his son Titus. Only a few columns remain of the majestic temple, as well as some bas-reliefs that are currently kept in museums.
The Pantheon, the temple of all the gods, is located in the Piazza Rotunda, or Piazza della Rotonda, in the historic center of Rome. This structure was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD. NS. To this day, it remains a functioning temple. The Pantheon is a unique example of ancient Roman architecture, its design features testify to great achievements in the field of ancient engineering.
Many prominent personalities of the past are buried in the Pantheon, including the Italian kings Umberto I and Vittorio Emmanuele II, Queen Margaret of Savoy, as well as famous painters and architects of the Renaissance Rafael Santi, Baldassare Peruzzi, and others.
According to historians, the most magnificent religious building of ancient Rome was the temple, erected in honor of the goddesses Venus and Roma, the patrons of the Eternal City. It was consecrated in 135 AD. e., during the reign of Hadrian. The emperor himself was the architect of this monumental structure.
The ruins that can be seen today near the Colosseum give an idea of the size of the ancient structure. The pedestal on which the temple was erected is 145 meters long and 100 meters wide.
Modern Rome is not just a city with a long, centuries-old history, it is a real open-air museum, whose exhibits surprisingly find a place among modern buildings. One such example is the Temple of Hadrian, located in Piazza di Pietra. Part of the ancient Roman structure was built into a 17th century building designed by Carlo Fontana.
The temple to the glory of the deified emperor Hadrian was erected by his adopted son and successor Antoninus Pius in 141-145 AD.
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is one of the few well-preserved pre-Christian churches in the Forum. By decree of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, who was inherently a deeply religious person, a temple was erected at the Roman Forum in about the middle of the 2nd century in honor of his late wife Faustina. When the emperor died, an eagle was released into the sky at a farewell ceremony, which symbolized the deification of Antoninus. On the frieze of the portico you can see the Latin inscription:
DIVO ANTONINO ET DIVAE FAUSTINAE EX S (enatus) C (onsulto)
which, translated from Latin, sounds like: “ Divine Antonine and divine Faustina by decision of the Senate».
One of the largest structures located in the Roman Forum is the Basilica dedicated to the emperors Maxentius and Constantine. The height of the vaults of the basilica, built in 312, was 39 meters, and the area of just one nave exceeded four thousand square meters.
The oldest temples in Rome that have survived to this day
September 22, 2018
The capital of Italy can rightfully be called one of the most religious cities in the world - the number of grandiose cathedrals and temples is simply amazing, not to mention the small churches and chapels hiding behind the plain facades of seemingly ordinary buildings. Walking around the city and examining the architectural delights of the capital, you can simply not notice the modest tarnished buildings, decorated with a couple of some dilapidated sculptures and dusty bas-reliefs. In this article, we want to present some the most beautiful churches in Rome hidden from the eyes of most tourists and are definitely worth seeing.
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria - Santa Maria della Vittoria
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is located relatively far from the main tourist paths and that is why, apparently, it is not very popular among tourists. In fact, it's for the best! After all, this fact allows you to fully enjoy the luxury of the interior decoration of one of the most beautiful churches in Rome... As soon as you cross the threshold of the temple, your head starts to spin from the gilding, the grace of the sculptures and the superiority of the decoration, not to mention the magnificent fresco that adorns the vault of the main nave of the church! This is the work of the talented Giovanni Domenico Cerrini, realized in the second half of the 17th century.
In addition, in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, you can admire paintings by Guido Reni, Dominichino, as well as the famous sculptural group "Ecstasy of St. Teresa" outstanding.
Opening hours of the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria: 7.00 - 19.15
Break: 12.00 - 15.30
Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola - Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
Church of Sant Ignazio di Loyola
The Church of Sant'Ignazio is located in the heart of the city, close to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain , but she, too, is often passed by, but in vain. This is where you can see a real 3D Renaissance mural! The artistic painting of the ceiling, made by Andrea Pozzo in the second half of the 17th century, is striking in its realism: the correct perspective, proportions and details attract the viewer's eye and take him “straight into the sky”.
Opening hours of the church of Sant'Ignazio: 7.30 am - 7.20 pm
Break: 12.20 - 15.00
Gesu Church - Сhiesa del Gesù
Literally a stone's throw from Piazza Venezia and the famous one there is another "invisible" treasure - the Church of Il Gesu, which is not only one of the most beautiful churches of the Eternal City, but also a valuable example of Renaissance architecture.
The project of the church was developed by the Florentine Nanni di Baccio Biggio, modified by Michelangelo and completed by Vignola, and the construction work was supervised by Giacomo della Porta, a student of the same Michelangelo and Vignola.
Gesu Church
The interior is made in the style of mannerism. The interior space, which has only one nave, is decorated with frescoes, stucco and gilding. Each decorative element attracts attention with the quality of workmanship and detailing. Volumetric art paintings deserve special attention.
Gesu Church working hours: 7.00 - 19.45
Break: 12.30 - 16.00
Church of Sant Agnese in Agone - Chiesa di Sant Agnese in Agone
Church of Sant'Anese in Agone
The church dedicated to Saint Agnes is undoubtedly one of the most notable churches on our list, as it is located in everyone's favorite Piazza Navona in plain sight! Surely many have a couple of photos with views of its graceful facade and the legendary fountain of the Four Rivers, located opposite. However, not everyone saw this masterpiece from the inside. Built as the private chapel of Pope Innocent X, the Church of Sant Agnese is distinguished by its special luxury and charm. The creators of this treasure were the famous Renaissance masters: Girolamo and Carlo Rainaldi, Francesco Barromini, Baciccio and some others.
Opening hours of the Church of Sant Agnese: 7.30 - 19.00
Break: 12.30 - 15.30
Santa Maria in Valicella - Chiesa di Santa Maria in Vallicella
Church of Santa Maria in Valicella
The Church of Santa Maria in Valicella, better known as Chiesa Nuova, fascinates at first sight. It is an irresistible example of the architecture of a divine temple, with a special bewitching power. In its interior, literally everything is beautiful: from luxurious paintings by talented artists of the 17th-18th centuries and graceful sculptures to the smallest details of plaster decorative elements. The frescoes that adorn the apse and the inner surface of the dome are especially charming.
Opening hours of the Church of Santa Maria in Valicella: 7.30 - 19.00
Break: 12.00 - 16.30
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
Built between 1518 and 1589, it was dedicated to King Louis IX of France (1214-1270) and was intended for the large French-speaking Christian community in Rome. Here you can see three originals of Caravaggio's paintings, painted by him in the period 1599 - 1602 by order of the late Cardinal Matteo Contrelli, and placed in his chapel to the left of the main altar of the church - Saint Matthew and the Angel, Martyrdom of Saint Matthew and Calling of the Apostle Matthew.
Of course, this is not a complete list of the most beautiful churches in Rome, all the more so for everyone there is in Rome their own, special and unique, beloved at first sight, church. We'd love to hear your stories about the beautiful churches in Rome in the comments. Share your impressions!
The most beautiful churches in Rome that make your head spin
The only square in Rome that does not have a church is Campo de 'Fiori. All the rest of the squares are decorated with one, or even two churches at once, so there are a great many churches in Rome.
Basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata
Basilica di Santa Maria in via Lata. The tradition says that the church was built in the place of the house in which the Apostle Paul spent two years under the guards. The basilica was rebuilt in the 15th and 17th centuries, its current façade was made after the project of Pietro da Cortona (1660).
In the altar of the church there is a Byzantine miraculous icon Our Lady of the Intercessors (XIII century), and in the crypt, fragments of an ancient temple with frescoes have been preserved.
Church of San Marcello al Corso
Chiesa di San Marcello al Corso - dedicated to Pope Marcel I (308-309). In the 16th century, the church was rebuilt by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, and in the last century, Carlo Fontana built a baroque façade. In the interior, noteworthy is the altar c mosaics XII century and cessonal ceiling(XVI century). In the third droplet on the right you can see a fresco of the XIV century, depicting the Madonna and Child.
Basilica of Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso
(Basilica di Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso) with a dome by Pietro da Cortona (1668). The church is dedicated to the main saints of Milan, Ambrose of Mediolana and Carlo Borromeo, whose heart is kept in the church reliquary.
Church of Trinita dei Monti
Chiesa di Trinita dei Monti, XVI century .. It is remarkable for an unusual design for Italy (two paired bells), as well as the writings of Michelangelo's student Daniel da Volterra.
Basilica of Sant Andrea delle Fratte
Basilica di Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte, XII century, recent reconstruction. When the church began to be built, in this place the city border passed and the forest grew. Hence the name of the basilica (ital. fratta- "thorny bush"). In the 17th century, the roof, dome and bell tower were rebuilt by Francesco Borromini.
Church of Sant Atanasio dei Greci
Chiesa di Sant’ Atanasio dei Greci, Giacomo della Porta, 1572-1585. On the façade of this Catholic Church one can see inscriptions in Greek and Latin dedicated to Athanasius the Great.
The churches of Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli
The points of convergence of the avenues decorate the bar churches Santa Maria di Montesanto(Chiesa di Santa Maria di Montesanto), placed between via del Babuino and via del Corso, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli(Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli) between via del Corso and via di Ripetta... They were built in the 17th century according to the project of Carlo Rainaldi, who managed to achieve the illusion of symmetry, despite the fact that Santa Maria dei Miracoli was on the plan, and Santa Maria di Montesanto was forced to building into an existing ensemble.
Church of San Carlo alle Cuatro Fontane
Square piazza delle Quattro Fontane decorates Church of San Carlo alle Cuatro Fontane (Chiesa di San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Francesco Borromini, XVIII century), or, as the Romans call it, San Carlino.
The clever name reflects the size of this church - its area is not more than the area of the pylon. The façade of the church is distinguished by smooth lines and cut corners. The sculptures at the entrance depict St. Carla Borromeo, as well as Jean de Mata and Felix de Valois, founder of the Trinitarian order to which the church belongs.
Church of Sant'Andrna al-Quirinale
Chiesa di Sant’ Andrea al Quirinale, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini and Mattia de Rossi, 1671, belongs to the Jesuit order and is located on a hill.
They say that Bernini did not take money for this work and considered this church to be his only perfect work.
In the plan, the church is represented by an oval, according to the example of which there are eight chapels. The central altar is decorated with the figure of St. Andrew the First, ascending to heaven (Antonio Raji, 1660).
