Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli image

Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli

Tourist attraction Catholic church Basilica

Landmark 1200s church atop a long flight of steps, known for its vibrant frescoes by Pinturicchio. People often mention church, beautiful, stairs, Basilica, worth, climb, Rome, steps, artwork, basilica,


Address

Scala dell'Arce Capitolina, 12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Website

www.vicariatusurbis.org

Contact

+39 06 6976 3839

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (2.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (16) beautiful (11) stairs (9) Basilica (8) worth (7) climb (7) Rome (7) steps (7) artwork (6) basilica (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Geraldo F. 1 year ago on Google
    This church was bit of a gem in the middle of many other more famous attractions, but the whole experience was great, so much beauty and detail. There is a flight of beautiful stairs as you access it, but definitely worth the climb once you see it all.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hartmut P. 2 years ago on Google
    Baroque design with much older frescoes, accessible also from piazza campodoglio. The amazing frescoe from Pintoriccio is about the burial of St Ursula . The newly discovered perspectives in renaissance are reflected in the painting, geometrical pattern are throughout the painting , depicting the ideal city of that time. And when you leave the church on the piazza of campodoglio, the floor has the se principle and a linear pattern designed by Michelangelo! An amazing coincidence!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David P. 3 months ago on Google • 1113 reviews New
    Once you manage to climb the stairs sit for awhile and admire the beauty of the sanctuary. Everything is artwork the walls the ceiling the various colours and mosaics of the floors. And the view is awesome. Well worth the effort to get there

  • 5/5 Mathias Telling F. 2 years ago on Google
    We discovered this church by accident when we went up the long flight of stairs. It does not really look like much from the outside but inside it is breathtaking. Really one of the most beautiful churches in Rome.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pong L. 4 months ago on Google • 504 reviews
    This is one of the nicest Basilica’s in Rome, it’s stunning. The colonnades are gorgeous, the artwork, stone work and museum is beautiful. The chandeliers make this basilica very unique and add a very special touch. It’s fairly large with lots to see and do. The artwork, statues, artifacts and religious clothing is very well preserved and displayed. Its collection is impressive, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend checking out the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, it’s a great place for families and children of all ages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Terry F. 10 months ago on Google
    Interesting church adjacent the Campidoglio. Strangely the columns along the nave are of different lengths and various different heights are used in the column bases and capitals. History of this church is interesting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PA 11 months ago on Google
    It was well worth the climb. Such a beautiful church among all the other attractions in central Rome. Spent about 45 mins inside looking at the paintings! The capella of baby Jesus was my favourite.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M S. 3 months ago on Google • 187 reviews New
    If you can muster up the courage to climb the never ending stairs you will come across this amazing Basilica. The artwork rivals the Vatican. The details are incredible and filled with an abundance of colours, mosaics, paintings and Muriel's. Be careful to avoid the tombs on the floor of the Basilica as a local mentioned we shouldn't set foot on them despite being in the doorway and other parts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anastasiia T. 1 year ago on Google • 55 reviews
    When we entered (about 18.30) there was nobody but just sounds of Gregorian music. Impressive church with a lot of tombs inside. Free entrance. Fantastic also because it’s not very crowded there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 roy b. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit, plenty of steps, very accommodating dress code for the chapel like woman shoulders covered, no shorts
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Rome has many hidden gems, but this Basilica is breathtaking. It was on top of a long set of stairs and the entire Basilica is truly charming.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James M. 1 year ago on Google
    Bling Bling Baby Jesus. Do not let the outside of this basilica fool you, inside you will find original works of art and relics. While the original Santo Bambino of Aracoeli was stolen in 1994, the replacement is a masterpiece. Visited 6/2022.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kae 3 months ago on Google • 233 reviews New
    Beautiful place to see. There are many art pieces to see. You can spend half a day at this place. Walk slowly and look at each painting, you will find different details every time you look at them.

  • 5/5 Natalie A. 8 months ago on Google • 210 reviews
    124 steps to climb! But well worth it. The view is beautiful and the building is stunning.

  • 5/5 Ali J. 3 months ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    The basilica is so beautiful and full of architectural arts. There's 124 stairs to reach it. One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Rome.

  • 5/5 Carissa B. 5 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Lovely cathedral ceiling decorated with intricate chandeliers. Followed with beautifully crafted statues and detailed artwork.

  • 5/5 Aerial D. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful church with amazing architecture. Worth visiting in my opinion.

  • 5/5 Sojka N. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful churches in Rome, few people, nice, welcoming atmosphere, beautiful artwork. A little gift shop tucked in the back on the left if you want a souvenir.

  • 5/5 Raluca D. 6 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    The most beautiful church in Rome! The stairs climb really worth it. When we entered it was a wedding, really beauful.

  • 5/5 Abhi S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing views of rome after climbing 122 steps . Must place to explore. Church managed extremely well and open to public. Wonderful artifacts and a lot of history to take back.

  • 5/5 Vienna 11 months ago on Google
    The church up the steps is very pretty, even on a rainy day. The inside is gilded and there are few visitors.

  • 5/5 Jenny C. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely church sitting at the top of over 120 steps. It looks plain on the outside, but the inside is ornately decorated.

  • 5/5 Michael M. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredibly beautiful church, worth visiting as you make your way to the Forum. Free entry.

  • 5/5 Jordan L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church at the top of a massive flight of stairs. Was nice and quiet in the evening and plenty of space to stand and reflect and admire the building and the interior.

  • 5/5 Miguel P. 1 year ago on Google
    The climb is really easy, even when it is too hot, because on a near street there is a fresh public potable water fountain.

  • 4/5 Dawid 1 year ago on Google
    Nice basilica. It's hard to find.

  • 4/5 Raza Haq Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice basilica. It is more impressive from the inside. Apparently, it is a thing to do to walk the staircase in front of the Basilica, there are 124 steps. Ready to do some sport ? :D

  • 5/5 Blaec von K. 5 years ago on Google
    Pro tip: Want to workout on your vacay? Get up early and run these stairs. It’s empty before 9ish, and completely worth it. If you’re more about site seeing, add this place to your list. Lots to see here, including a tomb made by Donatello, and the relics of Saint Helena, Constantine the Great’s mother.

  • 4/5 Trish 6 years ago on Google
    This little old Church has interesting graves embedded directly into the floor! You should dress appropriately. It is a church after all! The best and easiest way to get to this Church is through the little gate in the fence between it and the Altar of the Fatherland (also known as Altare Della Patria, Vittorio Emanuele or the Birthday Cake). The steps inside the Altar of the Fatherland are better spaced and in a temperature controlled space compared to those going directly to the Chapel. For me, if the gate isn't open I skip it. This isn't a live or die site - just charming if you can get in easily.

  • 5/5 Gita R. 5 years ago on Google
    Breathtaking church on the Capitoline hill... was left speechless by the sheer richness of decoration in every part of the church. A special exhibition of vintage garments (??) was an added bonus!!

  • 5/5 Hugo P. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful experience, such a rich Basilica! Beautiful!

  • 5/5 Ina D. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful basilica. Inside is located smaller room where you can find the Santo Bambino.


Call +39 06 6976 3839 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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