Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs), Rome

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs), Rome

Constructed atop the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels showcases a captivating blend of history and architectural brilliance. Conceived by Michelangelo in 1563, shortly before his demise, this magnificent edifice pays homage to both recognized and anonymous Christian martyrs, its imposing presence providing a remarkable glimpse into the grandeur and vastness of the original bath complex.

The distinctive crescent-shaped facade of the basilica stands as a testament to the former caldarium, while the expansive transept, now an integral part of the basilica, was once the tepidarium. Eight colossal pink-granite pillars, original remnants of the ancient structure, add a sense of awe-inspiring authenticity. In 1749, Luigi Vanvitelli undertook the task of reconfiguring the interior, skillfully capturing Michelangelo's visionary designs. The resulting ambiance is a harmonious fusion of artistic brilliance, paying homage to the artistic legacies of both architects.

Within the basilica, an intriguing feature awaits— the meridian. This diagonal line, traversing the floor of the south transept, once served as the official time regulator for the people of Rome. While its timekeeping role has faded, a daily cannon shot fired from Janiculum Hill at noon continues to echo the passage of time, carrying on a centuries-old tradition.

Why You Should Visit:
A mysterious and fascinating place, which also houses some fine contemporary works.

Tip:
Don't miss the chapel within the chapel, and the thornless rose garden with its interesting story.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs) on Map

Sight Name: Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

An established tourist mecca, today's Rome is hardly imaginable without two of its much loved attractions – the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Magnets for tourists as they are, these two sights are connected to a number of other, not less worthy of attention locations, such as the Fountain of the Longboat or Piazza Colonna and its centerpiece, the Column of Marcus Aurelius, to...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

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