Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
What to See If you want to visit this place, here is some useful information about it.
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is a must-visit location during your stay in Rome. Located within the ancient Baths of Diocletian, this basilica offers a unique combination of architectural beauty and fascinating history.
Remarkable Architecture
The basilica is an impressive example of Roman Baroque architecture. Its imposing facade and magnificent interior will charm art and architecture enthusiasts. Admire the frescoes, sculptures, and intricate details that adorn every corner of the church.
The Baths of Diocletian
The basilica is integrated into the ruins of the ancient Baths of Diocletian, which were among the largest Roman baths of the time.
Michelangelo's Transept
One of the highlights of the basilica is the transept designed by the famous artist Michelangelo. He added an exceptional artistic dimension to the church by creating a cross aisle with an elegant dome and striking sculptures. Michelangelo's work is a testament to his artistic genius.
The Meridian of Rome
Within the basilica, you will also find a meridian, a time-measuring line used to determine the exact moment of solar noon. It's a unique attraction that highlights the importance of astronomy in Rome's history and offers an interesting experience for curious visitors.
Tips I'm sharing all my tips here for visiting this place under the best conditions.
Arrive early in the morning
To avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, shortly after the basilica opens. This way, you can explore the place in a quieter atmosphere and take beautiful photos without too many people around.
Dress appropriately
As it is a place of worship, it is important to dress appropriately. Make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This will allow you to blend into the ambiance of the basilica and show respect for religious beliefs.
Take advantage of guided tours
The basilica offers guided tours that can provide you with interesting information about the history and architectural details of the building. Don't hesitate to inquire about the tour schedules and participate to enhance your experience.
Take time to admire the frescoes and sculptures
The basilica is filled with beautiful frescoes and artistic sculptures. Take the time to stop in front of each work and admire the details and colors. Allow yourself to be immersed in the atmosphere and the history that emanate from these masterpieces.
Explore the surroundings
The National Roman Museum consists of four sites spread across different locations in the city. Nearby, you will find two of them: the Diocletian's Baths and the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. There are combined tickets available to visit the various sites of the National Roman Museum. You can also purchase a ticket to visit a single site. Immerse yourself in Rome's fascinating history with a guided tour at the National Roman Museum, and uncover hidden treasures of antiquity that will captivate you at every turn! Reserve here or there right now.
Information Here are all the useful information about this place (address, opening hours, coordinates, etc.).
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History Every place has its history. Discover all the events that have marked this place here.
Roman Origins
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is built on the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, which date back to the Roman era. The baths were among the largest public baths in Rome. They were used for bathing, sports activities, and social gatherings.
Transformation of the Baths into a Church
In August 1550, Pope Julius III declared the baths papal property and transformed them into a church through a papal bull. However, the common people and the nobility continued to use the building for secular purposes. It was only after the election of Pope Pius IV in December 1599 that the christianization of the thermal complex was undertaken, entrusting the church to the monastic order of the Carthusians.
The construction of the basilica began in 1562, thanks to the arrangement by Michelangelo of the central hall of the Baths of Diocletian. This was done at the order of Pope Pius IV, upon the request of the Sicilian priest Antonio del Duca.
Michelangelo's Project
Michelangelo restored the tepidarium hall and preserved the archaeological remains without destroying them. Michelangelo created a unique ecclesiastical building with a widened lateral space rather than longitudinally. The work continued even after Michelangelo's death under the direction of Giacomo Del Duca, Antonio's nephew.
Dedication
The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Christian martyrs. The full name of the basilica is "Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri" in Italian, which means "Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs".
Interventions by Luigi Vanvitelli
In 1749, the architect Luigi Vanvitelli took over the project and decorated the interior of the basilica in the style of the time. He recreated architectural uniformity that had been lost in previous interventions. Vanvitelli also added paintings and created a facade connecting the church to the Roman thermal structure.
After Vanvitelli
The basilica served as the burial place for prominent figures such as Salvator Rosa, Carlo Maratta, Armando Diaz, Paolo Emilio Thaon di Revel, Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, and Pope Pius IV. It was also used for national funerals and royal weddings. Today, a section of the National Roman Museum is located in the annexed monastery of the Carthusians.
Restorations and Preservation
Over the centuries, the basilica underwent several restorations and interventions to preserve its heritage. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV ordered a major restoration to preserve the integrity of the structure. More recently, restoration work was carried out in the 1990s to restore and enhance the architectural and artistic elements.
Family If you're visiting this place with your family, I'm sharing some great tips that will delight both kids and adults.
Admire the frescoes
Encourage children to admire the frescoes in the basilica. Ask them to find interesting details or tell a story based on the depicted scenes. This will stimulate their imagination and creativity.
Interactive quiz
Organize an interactive quiz about the history of the basilica and the surrounding area. Prepare questions appropriate for the children's age.
Tale about the history of the basilica
Tell children a fictional story based on the history of the basilica. Invent characters and adventures that take place within the basilica's setting and let their imagination run wild.
Immerse Yourself in Wonder at the Museum of Illusion in Rome
Discover a fantastic world just steps away from the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri! The Museum of Illusion in Rome is a magical place where optical illusions defy reality. Your children will be fascinated by amazing phenomena that deceive the senses. Explore interactive exhibitions together and take fun photos with strange characters. It's a fun and educational experience that will delight the whole family. So, come and enjoy at the Museum of Illusion, reserve here and create unforgettable memories!