I hope you like photos, because it is really hard for me to put into words how much I love this place.
Santa Maria in Ara Coeli is my favorite church in Rome.
It is the most beautiful church in Rome.
I mean, if you like brassy and in-your-face beauty. Which I obviously do, because I am from California and I live in Rome.
What other beauty is there? Understated? Yeah. Understated in overrated.
You know what is not overrated? 1 billion crystal chandeliers.
Ok, maybe there are not 1 billion- but there are more chandeliers than any quiet church would ever have. No, this church is the church of ROME.
…Or at least the church of the City Council of Rome.
Same thing.
Anyways, here are a few more photos so you can judge for yourself.
When visiting Rome, it does not hurt to pop in to most of the churches you walk by. Just dress appropriately (covered shoulders and knees), and enjoy the grandeur.
This church has a few stairs because it is located on the highest point of the Campidoglio hill, but the climb is more than worth it.
Thanks for this. We are doing a Bernini pilgrimage for my 60th in February and this is on the list. Great photos! Those tourists didn’t get the covered knees memo!
That is a great idea for a trip! And this is a great church to have on the list! In February, everyone will likely be covered 😉
In S. Maria in Aracoeli one column has a Latin inscription; ‘a cubicolo augustorum’ (from the chambers of Emperor Augustus) – a great example of recycled ancient roman materials. A picture I took if it in 2010 is at
http://tinyurl.com/of3q7v7
You’re right. This is the most beautiful church in Rome. Wow.
It is true! Rome is a wonderful city and exclusive, not to mention other places in Italy that you can visit with a trip to Rome!
Completely agree!
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