Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua

Ancient Rome


The oldest and most important Christian site on the Roman Forum, this ancient church is a unique treasure trove of early Christian art. Its cavernous interior, reopened in 2016 after a lengthy restoration, is lined with exquisite 6th- to 9th-century frescoes. Particularly impressive is an image on the east wall showing Christ with the founding fathers of the Eastern and Western churches, and a hanging depiction of the Virgin Mary with child, one of the oldest icons in existence.

The church, which was originally built inside a complex of Roman buildings, was buried in rubble during an earthquake in 847 and only rediscovered in 1900.

Entry is with the SUPER ticket, which also covers the nearby Oratorio dei Quaranta Martiri and Rampa di Domiziano.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ancient Rome attractions

1. Rampa di Domiziano

0.01 MILES

Accessible through the Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua, this ramp is actually a vast passageway that allowed the emperors to enter the Roman Forum from…

2. Tempio di Castore e Polluce

0.03 MILES

In the centre of the Roman Forum, three Corinthian columns are all that survive from the Tempio di Castore e Polluce, also known as the Tempio dei…

3. Tempio di Vesta

0.04 MILES

This circular temple on the Roman Forum was dedicated to Vesta, the popular goddess of home, hearth and family. The Vestal Virgins, who lived next door in…

4. Casa delle Vestali

0.05 MILES

The Casa delle Vestali, situated in the heart of the Roman Forum, was home to the Vestal Virgins who tended the sacred flame in the adjoining Tempio di…

5. Basilica Giulia

0.05 MILES

Now a series of stubby ruins on the Roman Forum, the Basilica Giulia was begun by Julius Caesar and subsequently finished by Augustus.

6. Tempio di Giulio Cesare

0.06 MILES

This temple, also known as the Tempio del Divo Giulio, was built by Augustus in 29 BC on the spot in the Roman Forum where Julius Caesar's body was…

7. Roman Forum

0.06 MILES

An impressive – if rather confusing – sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome's showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples...

8. Via Sacra

0.07 MILES

The cobbled Via Sacra, the main road through the Roman Forum, traverses the site, running from the Capitoline Hill to the Arco di Tito at the forum's…