Rome and its churches III

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the Catholic world and inside it is the Holy See. Here are the most important religious services and can receive 20,000 believers inside. The construction of the church began in 1506 and was built on the tomb of St. Peter. Valuable works of art include Bernini's Balsaquin, Miguel Angelo's La Piedad and the Statue of St. Peter on the throne. Impressive is the dome decorated with mosaics like the whole church.
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, the Church of St. Mary of Angels and Martyrs is another church you must visit if you arrive in Rome and is located in Piazza della Repubblica. It is the last work of Michelangelo and was built at the urging of Pope Pius IV. I was impressed by the spectacular interior of the church compared to its demolished exterior.

With impressive dimensions, the frescoes on the walls and the multicolored marble columns stand out.
On the ground you can see the southern line a bronze line of 45 meters drawn by Franceso Bianchini in 1703 indicating the coming of the solstice and equinox. On both sides of the southern line you can see the signs of the zodiac and the constellations. Impressive is the carved ceiling and the organ with the 1500 tubes.
Basilica of Saint Mary in Trastevere. If you arrive in the Trastevere district, take a look inside this church! This basilica was founded during the time of Pope Calixtus I and still retains its medieval character although it has undergone many changes. It was largely rebuilt in the 12th century with marble from the Baths of Caracalla.
Here we will also find spectacular mosaics and paintings that present biblical scenes from Mary's life. Of special beauty is the octagonal painting of the ceiling by Domenichino.

The Church of San Clemente in Rome is very close to the Colosseum and was dedicated to Pope Clement I. Visiting the church of San Clemente involves a journey through the history of Rome. The journey through the labyrinths and tunnels in the basement is interesting. The tourist can visit the three levels of the monument and has the opportunity to see several buildings made in the same place: the upper basilica which is on the first level, the lower basilica on the second level and was built in the fourth and third century Mitreo Temple.

Before the church, this temple was the home of Titus Flavius Clement and is believed to have functioned as a clandestine Christian site. During the second century a small temple dedicated to the Mitreo cult was built and pagan rituals took place here. The lower basilica can be reached by descending the stairs through the sacristy. Impressive here are the murals from the life of St. Clement. The upper church built in the twelfth century preserves the atmosphere of Medieval Rome with its special pavement and the Schola Cantorum in the middle of the central nave. The main tourist attractions are the mosaic in the apses and the Chapel of Santa Catalina, one of the first Renaissance works of Rome.

The Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli is located on the highest peak of Mount Capitolino. A monumental marble staircase of 124 steps leads to the entrance to the church. From above you can see the panorama of Rome.