3 Top Churches to Visit in Rome

The Italian capital is a truly fascinating and engaging city – especially for families. With accommodation in one of the excellent family hotels, Rome is a city bursting with cultural highlights, exciting history and plenty of good fun. The city is home to over 900 churches, most of which are situated within easy reach of the city centre. While it may be hard to entertain children on a family holiday, visiting these three beautiful, history-laden churches is sure to delight even the shortest attention span. From one of the top central family hotels, Rome and all her delights await just beyond the front doors…

A World of History in the City's Churches

There are so many fascinating churches in the city that it is difficult to pick out the most interesting. What follows is by no means an exhaustive list, but these three are certainly among the most attractive ones to visit. Many in the city stay open all, day although some do close for a few hours in the afternoon. You can enter most for free, but if there is a cloister or museum there may be fee to pay. In Italy, there is a strict code of conduct when entering churches and respect should be shown at all times. Men must remove hats and ladies with sleeveless tops and shorts may be refused entry. Within easy access of many family hotels, Rome offers these three religious gems to explore.

The Cathedral of Rome

Dedicated to San Giovanni Laterano, this was the first Christian church to be built in the city. This 4th century church was the first church of the popes before the papacy moved to France. The pope lived in the Lateran Palace, which adjoins the church. Today the church retains much of its Baroque style and and children will enjoy a visit to its cloisters and museum. The baptistery next door is also worth a look.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica is actually located in Vatican City and is the current church of the Pope. As one of the most important Catholic churches in the world, it is difficult not to marvel at the vast interior adorned with marble, bronze and gold artwork. This church is also home to Michelangelo’s Pieta. Joining the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, children will love the mystery and history of this reverent place.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Many of the city churches are museums in themselves and Saint Peter’s Basilica is no exception. Housing some stunning 5th century Biblical mosaics, Saint Peter's is simply stunning. The marble floor and bell tower, as well as the triumphal arch are all medieval but the ceiling, which is an incredible display of decorative adornments, was thought to have been designed with gold that Columbus brought back form the new world. This church is another of the fourth papal church of the Popes.

Of course the city has myriad other churches to visit, but the ones above offer a good introduction to the history and influence of religion in the city and certainly are interesting enough to capture and hold the imagination of children.

When you book in to one of the central family hotels, Rome’s churches, museums and other main attractions will never be far away.

Looking for a great hotel in Rome? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering top class accommodation in the Worldhotel Ripa Roma. One of the top classic, contemporary family hotels, Rome can be explored from here at your leisure. Worldhotels also offers a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.