Churches and temples of Rome or embrace the immensity! Repetition of the section “Ancient Rome” The best churches of Rome

The Great Roman Empire at one time borrowed a religious model from the civilization of the Ancient Greeks. A whole galaxy of deities, their assistants and offspring migrated from ancient Greece straight to Roman Olympus, changing only their names. After 8 centuries, philosophers and nobles lost faith in their gods. By the end of the 1st century AD, Christianity was born in the depths of a prosperous empire.


Representatives of the Jewish people presented the multinational state with a new religion based on faith in one God. Gradually, Christianity began to spread among other peoples of the empire. By the 3rd century, the new faith that had captured the minds of Caesar's subjects was prohibited. However, already in 313, Constantine the Great signed the Edict of Milan, proclaiming tolerance of the Christian faith. Soon the first stone of the Lateran Basilica was laid - the oldest Christian temple that has survived to this day.

Terms

By the end of the 4th century, paganism was forgotten, and Christianity became the official religion. Temples and sanctuaries of ancient deities were urgently destroyed or rebuilt to suit the needs of the new faith. Continuing centuries-old traditions, church ministers received basilicas (ancient Greek: βασιλική) - “royal houses” at their disposal. This type of structure is characterized by the shape of an elongated rectangle with an odd number of naves (usually 3, less often 5). Another distinctive feature of the basilica is the absence of a clearly defined dome.

In addition to being a purely architectural term, “basilica” is also a special title in the Catholic Church. The oldest and most significant churches and cathedrals for Catholics are honored to receive from the Pope the title of basilica of one of five degrees (archbasilica, great, papal, patriarchal and minor).


Since the emergence of Christianity, there has been an unspoken division into Western and Eastern branches. The first was the Catholic Church with the primacy of the Popes, and the second was Orthodoxy with the patriarchate in Constantinople. Centuries-old disagreements between the Latin and Orthodox churches on a number of church dogmas led to the fact that in 1054 Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius betrayed each other with mutual anathema.

The Great Schism not only forever divided Christians into Orthodox and Catholics, but also influenced all areas, including the appearance of church buildings. Thus, the image of basilicas began to be inherited to a greater extent by Catholic architecture. In the Middle Ages, the Romanesque style evolved into Gothic, and later into Baroque and Rococo. In the general sense, a “temple” (Orthodox chormъ) is a house in which there is an altar and church rituals are performed.


Orthodox architecture acquired its own model of the church - the “cathedral” (Old Slavic collection). Derived from the Old Slavonic “gathering,” that is, a place for gathering, a cathedral is the main church of a settlement, where services and rituals take place. It is the cathedrals that are characterized by the Byzantine domed style of construction and the pronounced cruciform shape of the buildings.

Catholic churches of Rome

Since the Catholic faith was born and strengthened in Rome (Latin Catholicismus - “universal”, “one”), most of the churches in the city are Catholic churches and cathedrals. The oldest and most titled churches in Rome are located on the territory of the capital and city-state of the Vatican. The pontificate spared no expense on their decoration, restoration and maintenance, so the capital’s churches are a breathtaking sight.

Lateran Basilica

The main cathedral of Rome - (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) was founded in the 4th century. One of the first Christian churches is the “archbasilica”, in which the papal throne and pulpit are located. In external and internal design this cathedral retained many elements of the early Christian era. The medieval design of the facade carefully hides the ancient mosaics from precipitation and direct sunlight.

The interior of San Giovanni in Laterano is replete with paintings on the theme of Genesis, as well as the acts of the apostles Paul and Peter. Inside the temple are richly decorated chapels containing the tombs of pontiffs and famous citizens of Rome.

Address: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4

Lateran Palace

The monastery of the pontiffs, located next to the Lateran Basilica, was built in the 4th century. Until the beginning of the 14th century, the palazzo invariably fulfilled its role until the pontificate was moved to French Avignon. After several reconstructions it has a typical palace appearance.
IN modern times The Lateran Palace houses one of the Vatican Museums.

The Catholic Holy of Holies or Chapel Sancta Sanctorum (lat. Sancta Sanctorum) evokes special reverence among visitors. The chapel dedicated to St. Lawrence contains the tombs of the popes. Many relics were moved from the Holy of Holies to the Lateran Basilica. Of the valuables remaining in the chapel, the miraculous 6th century icon with the face of Jesus is valued. Also preserved are frescoes from the 13th century and sacred gifts sent in the 8th century from Constantinople.

Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano

Basilica of San Clemente

First of all, it is interesting as a real monument of history and archeology. The foundation of the building was laid in the 1st century AD. consul Titus Flavius ​​Clement, who was related to the Caesars. During the persecution of Christians, a noble Roman secretly sheltered adherents of the faith, including St. Peter. In the 4th century, the estate was turned into an ancient Christian temple. The modern façade of the church is a striking example of Romanesque architecture, characteristic of the 12th century.

Among the relics kept in the basilica, the following are especially revered: the relics of St. Clement, one of the first Christian bishops, and the hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer. The ancient Catholic church is located near the Lateran Basilica and the Colosseum.

Address: Via Labicana, 95

Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)

Papal basilica, founded in the 5th century AD. on the Esquiline Hill in Rome. The Catholic Church is dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. The external style is a combination of strict Romanesque and more luxurious Rococo. A high bell tower rises above the church.

The interior is very impressive with early Christian mosaics, rich decoration of the naves, as well as luxurious chapels in which pontiffs and famous Italians rest.

Address: Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

One of the four patriarchal basilicas eternal city, has a respectable size and ceremonial decoration. Officially founded in the first half of the 17th century, the cathedral is located on the spot where, according to ancient legends, in the 1st century AD. Saint Peter was buried. Outstanding medieval architects had a hand in creating the grandiose temple: Donato Bramante, Raffaello Santi, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo Buonarroti.

In front of the luxurious snow-white facade of the cathedral lies a vast circular area. On major church holidays, as well as on special occasions, ceremonies take place within the walls of the cathedral with the participation of the Pope. The cathedral and the square together can accommodate up to 460 thousand parishioners.

Address: Piazza San Pietro, Città del Vaticano

San Paolo fuori le Mura (Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura)

The Great Papal Basilica, by the standards of Emperor Aurelian (3rd century AD), is located behind. The church was built by Constantine the Great on the site of the supposed burial place of St. Paul. The vast building is decorated with antique columns. Of great interest is the gallery filled with portraits of pontiffs.

Over the past centuries, the temple has been repeatedly looted and burned. The mosaics of the 5th century and some elements of interior decor have survived to this day. Much of the interior was recreated during a large-scale reconstruction in the 19th century. During excavations, an ancient stone tomb was discovered under the main altar, in which the relics of the Apostle Paul allegedly rest.

Address: Piazzale San Paolo, 1

Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (Il Gesu)

The main temple of the Jesuit order is dedicated to the name of the son of God, and therefore its short name sounds like the Church of the Gesu (Jesus). A small white building nestles comfortably in the historical center of Rome. The temple was built in the 16th century by the famous architect Giacomo della Porta, an adherent of pretentious mannerism.

Visitors are particularly impressed by the painted ceilings of the nave and dome of the church. The characters from the Bible and holy scripture are made so skillfully that they look three-dimensional.

Address: Via degli Astalli, 16

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

Medieval church built by the architect (Francesco Borromini) for the canonization of Cardinal Carlo Borromeo. The silhouette of the temple, as well as its external decoration, is filled with graceful lines and ornate flourishes of the Baroque style. The building is crowned with a high oval dome, decorated on the inside with stucco with a geometric pattern. The interior is dominated by white color and baroque stucco.

Interestingly, the Church of San Carlo is located near the street of four fountains (Via delle Quattro Fontane), decorated with 4 Renaissance fountains of the 16th century.

Address: Via del Quirinale, 23

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza


The temple was built in the 17th century in order to be consecrated in honor of Saint Ivo of Brittany, patron of the Jesuit Order. The author of the project was Borromini, who gave the building a magnificent Baroque design. The church has a hexagonal shape with rounded edges, unusual for Catholic churches. Sant'Ivo represents a united architectural ensemble with the arched arcade of the University of La Sapienza (Universita degli studi di Roma La Sapienza).

The interior of the church is characterized by Borromini's white color and exquisite decoration. The high dome of the temple is covered with intricate stucco.

Address: Corso del Rinascimento

Basilica Sant'Agnese in Agone

The church, consecrated in the name of St. Agnes of Rome, was built in the 17th century by Girolamo Rainaldi. Borromeo gave the final appearance to the temple, so the façade of the building combines mannerism and baroque. The interior of the temple is replete with marble bas-reliefs. The painted dome creates a special atmosphere. The sarcophagus of Pope Innocent X is kept in the chapel.

Basilica of St. Agnes stands on Piazza Navona, rich in other attractions of Rome.

Address: Piazza Navona / Via S. Maria dell'Anima 30/A

Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini


The 17th century Catholic Church, belonging to the Capuchin Order, is modest in size and simple. appearance. Inside the church you can admire paintings by Caravaggio, Pietro da Cortona and Domenichino.

The crypts of the Capuchin Church cause special awe among visitors. Six underground rooms contain decorations made from the remains of monks. About 4 thousand servants of God who died from the 16th to the 19th centuries were moved from the Roman cemetery to the crypt. The chilling decor of skulls and bones was performed by servants of the order.

Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27

Santi Apostoli

The Catholic Church, founded in the 6th century AD, originally worshiped the apostles James and Philip. Over the past centuries, the name of the church has changed to the Holy Apostles or 12 Apostles. The three-nave Romanesque basilica significantly updated its appearance in the 18th century. A student of the great Bernini, Carlo Fontana, transformed the modest temple into a majestic Baroque building.

The tombs of Pope Clement XIV by Cannova and Cardinal Pietro Riario stand out in the interior. And also the fresco by Domenico Muratori “The Martyrdom of St. Philip and Jacob."

Address: Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, 51

Santa Susanna (Chiesa di Santa Susanna alle Terme di Diocleziano)

The modest church was erected in the 5th century on the site of the martyrdom of Saint Susanna of Rome. The temple building was rebuilt several times. It is noteworthy that the current façade of the church is considered one of the first examples of the Baroque style. The inside of the church is richly decorated with decorative panels and sculptures. The main altar is decorated with paintings depicting St. Susanna.

At the moment, Santa Susanna is the main Catholic church for US citizens.

Address: Via 20 Settembre, 14

Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant'Angelo)

- This is an ancient historical monument with an intricate fate. A squat, rounded monument arose on the banks of the Tiber in the 2nd century AD. Emperor Hadrian planned to use the building as a family mausoleum. In the 6th century, the tomb acquired its current name, by the will of Pope Gregory I, who saw an angel descending to the dome of the mausoleum.

In the Middle Ages, the pontificate actively used the mausoleum for its needs, including for secret movement between the Vatican and Rome. By the 16th century, the castle was converted into a real fortress, in which Pope Clement VII hid from Spanish troops. Subsequently, the Castel Sant'Angelo became a dungeon for the defenders of the capital.


Currently, the monument has preserved part of the ancient buildings of the mausoleum, which were reconstructed by the Vatican in the 15th-16th centuries. Modern relics of the castle: ancient urns with the ashes of the Caesars, the Angel's courtyard (XV century), loggias, halls and apartments that belonged to the popes of the medieval era. Among other things, the castle terrace offers a magnificent view of the Eternal City.

Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50

Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine (Basilica di Massenzio di Costantino)

Or the New Basilica was once the largest Christian temple in Rome. The idea of ​​​​building a basilica in 312 was visited by Emperor Maxentius, who soon fell at the hands of his successor, Constantine. The building had an unprecedented height - about 40 m and an impressive area - 4 thousand m2.

The main decoration of the basilica was a large statue of Emperor Constantine. Currently, the church is part of the dilapidated ruins of the Roman Forum (Latin: Forum Romanum).

Address: Clivo di Venere Felice, Foro Romano

Orthodox churches of Rome

Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine (Chiesa di Santa Caterina Martire)


, located within the walls of Villa Abamelek, which is the Russian Embassy in Italy. This Orthodox church was built in 2009, although funds for its creation began to be collected during the times of Tsarist Russia. Construction began in 2001, and in May 2009 it was illuminated in honor of the Great Martyr Catherine.

Inside the temple, frescoes and a carved iconostasis made by representatives of the Moscow Theological Seminary stand out. The Orthodox Church is rich in valuable relics: the relics of saints, in particular Catherine, a piece of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. The Church of the Great Martyr Catherine is subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate.

Address: Via del Lago Terrione, 77

St. Nicholas Church (Chiesa Ortodossa Russa di San Nicola Taumaturgo)


One of the oldest Orthodox churches in Rome, and throughout Italy. The church was planned for construction at the beginning of the 19th century, but found a permanent address in 1931. For the needs of Russian believers, a palace that previously belonged to Chernysheva was allocated, which was eventually consecrated in honor of the wonderworker Nicholas.

The decoration of the church is a gilded iconostasis of the 19th century, decorated with the faces of the Great Martyr Catherine and the Holy Queen Helen. Especially valuable shrines: the icon of the Mother of God, painted by monks from the holy Mount Athos. Icons of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Alexander Nevsky, the face of the Savior and the Mother of God. A cross with holy relics enclosed in it, donated by the prince Christopher Gergievich.

Address: via Palestro, 69/71

The only square in Rome that does not have a church is Campo de' Fiori. All other squares are decorated with one, or even two, churches at once, so there are a great many churches in Rome.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata

Basilica di Santa Maria in via Lata. Tradition says that the church was built on the site of the house in which the Apostle Paul spent two years in custody. The basilica was rebuilt in the 15th and 17th centuries, its current façade was designed by Pietro da Cortona (1660).

In the altar of the church there is a Byzantine miraculous icon Our Lady of the Intercessors (XIII century), and in the crypt there are preserved fragments of an ancient temple with frescoes.

Church of San Marcello al Corso

Chiesa di San Marcello al Corso- dedicated to Pope Marcellus I (308-309). In the 16th century, the church was rebuilt by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, and a century later Carlo Fontana built the façade in the Baroque style. In the interior, the altar with mosaic 12th century and coffered ceiling(XVI century). In the third chapel on the right you can see a 14th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.

Basilica of Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso

(Basilica di Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso) with a dome by Pietro da Cortona (1668). The church is dedicated to the main saints of Milan, Ambrose of Milan and Carlo Borromeo, whose heart is preserved in the church reliquary.

Church of Trinita dei Monti

Chiesa di Trinita dei Monti, XVI century. It is notable for its unusual design for Italy (two paired bell towers), as well as for the paintings of Michelangelo’s student Daniele da Volterra.

Basilica of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte

Basilica di SantAndrea delle Fratte, XII century, later reconstructions. When they began to build the church, the city border passed in this place and the forest grew. This is where the name of the basilica comes from (Italian. fratta- “thorny bush”) In the 17th century, the roof, dome and bell tower were rebuilt by Francesco Borromini.

Church of Sant'Atanasio dei Greci

Chiesa di SantAtanasio dei Greci, Giacomo della Porta, 1572-1585. On the facade of this Catholic church you can see inscriptions in Greek and Latin dedicated to Athanasius the Great.

Churches of Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli

The convergence points of avenues decorate baroque churches Santa Maria di Montesanto(Chiesa di Santa Maria di Montesanto), located between via del Babuino And via del Corso, And Santa Maria dei Miracoli(Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli) between via del Corso And via di Ripetta. They were the same in the XVII VECHEKT CAROLO RENALDI, which the Simmetriye illusions were given, it is not what Santa-Maria-Mirakoli Kpylai in Plin, and Santa-Maria-Di-Marty-Oval, therefore, N was to embed building into the existing ensemble.

Church of San Carlo alle Cuatro Fontane

Square piazza delle Quattro Fontane decorates Church of San Carlo alle Cuatro Fontane (Chiesa di San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Francesco Borromini, XVIII century), or, as the Romans call it, San Carlino.

The diminutive name reflects the size of this church - its area is no more than the area of ​​the pylon. The facade of the church is distinguished by smooth lines and cut corners. The sculptures above the entrance depict St. Charles Borromeo, as well as Jean de Mat and Felix de Valois, founders of the Trinitarian order, to which the church belongs.

Church of Sant Andrna al Quirinale

Chiesa di SantAndrea al Quirinale, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini and Mattia de Rossi, 1671, belongs to the Jesuit order and is located on the hill.

They say that Bernini did not take any money for this work and considered this church his only perfect creation.

In plan, the church is an oval, around the perimeter of which there are eight chapels. The central altar is decorated with the figure of St. Andrew the First-Called Ascending into Heaven (Antonio Raggi, 1660).

September 17th, 2014 , 04:20 pm

You can talk about Rome without stopping for a very long time. And so much has already been said that it is extremely difficult to add anything new.
But I'll try - just out of spite :)))
As the Italians say - All over the world, paintings are kept in museums, and only in Italy in churches.
So let's take a walk through these very churches and temples and see...


1. Santa Maria di Loreto
The construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreto is considered an excellent result of the collaboration of talented architects Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Bramante. The main altar of the basilica was built in 1628, under the direction of the equally magnificent architect Gaspar Vechi. Some time later, the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreta was again reconstructed in 1867 by Luca Carnini. The interior of the church is a unique combination of antiquity. In the chapels you can see unique mosaic works by Paolo Rosetti dating back to 1594. Finding the basilica is quite simple; it is located in the ancient part of the city.

2. Pantheon
The desire to embody the greatness of Ancient Rome in architectural forms manifested itself in the Pantheon. The very first building ancient roman temple The Pantheon was built by Agrippa - the son-in-law of Emperor Octavian Augustus - in honor of the victory over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Cape Actium. Roman Pantheon Italy Around 110 AD the temple burned down from a lightning strike, and Emperor Hadrian built on the old foundation in 125 AD. erected a new building, more magnificent than the previous one.

There are no windows in the Pantheon. The only source of light is a 9-meter round hole at the top of the dome, symbolizing the heavenly all-seeing eye. The hole is not glazed, and the light penetrating through it is not scattered in space, but accumulates in the form of a huge light column.

The Pantheon has survived better than other religious buildings of antiquity because it has always been a functioning temple. Initially, the Romans performed rituals here in the name of the 7 most revered gods - Neptune, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Pluto, Mercury and Saturn.

Prominent Italians are buried in the Roman Pantheon, such as the painters B. Peruzzi, Raphael Santi and others, as well as kings Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I and Queen Margaret. The first celebrity buried in the Pantheon was Raphael, who died in 1520.

3. Santa Maria di Montesanto (left) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (right)
Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesanto are two Baroque churches in Rome, located in Piazza del Popolo and facing the northern gate of the Aurelian Walls. The churches are often called twins because of their superficial similarities, but in fact there are many differences in their plans and details.
The origins of the churches go back to the 17th century, when buildings that served as the main entrance to Rome during the Middle Ages and Renaissance were restored. Pope Alexander II commissioned the architect Carlo Rainaldi to create a monumental entrance to Via del Corso. The construction of both churches was financed by Cardinal Girolamo Gastaldi, whose coat of arms can be seen on both churches.

Santa Maria di Montesanto was erected on the site of the church of the same name and for some time belonged to the Carmelite order. The very name Montesanto - the Holy Mountain - refers to Mount Carmel in Israel. Construction of the church began in 1662 and was completed in 1675 (some elements were added in 1679).

4. San Giacomo in Augusta
The construction of the church began in 1592 according to the design of the architect Francesco Capriani da Volterra and was continued in 1598 by Carlo Maderno.
The first church on this site was built in the 14th century next to the hospital for the terminally ill (Incurabili) - it was called San Giacomo degli Incurabili. And the prefix “in Augusta” was added later, because of the Mausoleum of Augustus, located nearby.

The interior of the church is notable for the bas-reliefs and stucco work of the French sculptor Pierre Le Gros the Younger, paintings by Giuseppe Passeri, the work of the mannerist artist Cristoforo Roncalli and other works of art.

5. San Carlo al Corso
The Church of Saints Ambrose and Charles is a titular church (since 7 June 1967) dedicated to the holy bishops Ambrose and Carlo Borromeo of Milan in Rome. Built on the occasion of the canonization of Saint Carlo Borromeo in 1610. Construction took place under the direction of the architect Honorio Longhi (English)Russian. in 1612-1619, then 1616-1627 under his son Martino. In 1668, a dome was erected (works by Pietro da Cartona), and in 1684 the design of the facade was completed. Inside, the church is richly decorated with gilding and frescoes by G. Brandi, the altar is by Carlo Maratta.

6.San Lorenzo in Lucina
San Lorenzo in Lucina is the oldest Christian basilica in Rome. According to scientists, the basilica was erected on the site where the sacred well of Juno was previously located. In the 12th century the basilica was reconstructed. In front of the entrance to San Lorenzo, a magnificent portico was built from columns from ancient times, to which capitals from the Middle Ages were subsequently added. The pediment of the basilica was made in the shape of a triangle, and the walls were decorated with marble mosaics. In the mid-19th century, the façade of the basilica was rebuilt again. The main value of the basilica is the Fonseca Chapel, designed by Bernini, and the “Crucifix”, located above the main altar, by Reni.

7.Santa Maria Maddalena
In this place in Rome, since 1586, there has been a church of the Order of Saint Camillus de Lellis. In the 17th century, construction began on the current church, which was completed in 1699.

8. St. Julian of the Flemings (Chiesa di San Giuliano dei Fiamminghi)
This is the Roman Catholic Church of St. Julian. Historically, the church was the national church of the Southern Netherlands in Rome, in 1830 it became the national church of Belgium.

9.Santa Maria di Monserrato
The temple was built according to the design of Antonio da Sangallo Jr. for Aragonese and Catalans. In 1582-84, according to the plans of Francesco da Volterra, the lower part of the facade was completed, and around 1673-75 the church was finally completed. Since 1807 it has been the national church of the Spaniards in Rome.

The church contains the tombstones of popes from the Borgia family - Callista III (Alfonso de Borja) and Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia).

10. Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Titular Basilica in the Trastevere district is perhaps one of the oldest churches in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The first church was built on this site already in the 3rd century under Pope Calixtus I, in the 4th century under Pope Julius I a large basilica arose, and in the 12th century under Pope Innocent II a new building with a campanile was erected.

Every church has an organ (there are also concert schedules), and this one was no exception.

11. Church of St. John Kuschnik (Chiesa di San Giovanni Calibita)
The church was built in the 14th century. But it is likely that the church was founded on the site of the Temple of Jupiter.
The church was reconstructed in 1640, the façade was completed in 1711, and the rich interior decoration was completed in 1742.

In the first chapel on the right there is a miraculous icon of the Mother of God /Madonna della Lampada/ of the 13th century, the image of which is also on the facade of the church. In the main altar rest the relics of Saint John Kushchnik, the holy Persian martyrs Marinus, Martha and their sons Avdifax, Habakkuk and the holy martyr Hippolytus. All churches are active.

12. Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore)
church, papal basilica, one of the four main basilicas of Rome. An interesting legend is associated with its foundation. On one summer night in 352, the Madonna appeared to Pope Liberius and the wealthy Roman Giovanni Patrizio in a dream and ordered them to build a church on the spot where snow would fall the next day. The next morning, August 5, 352, there was snow on the Esquiline, where the basilica now stands. After this they began to build the church

13. and at the end - St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Almost all the major architects of Italy took turns participating in the design and construction of St. Petra. In 1506, the project of the architect Donato Bramante was approved, according to which they began to build a centric structure in the shape of a Greek cross (with equal sides). After Bramante's death, the construction was led by Raphael, who returned to the traditional form of the Latin cross (with an elongated fourth side), then Baldassare Peruzzi, who settled on a centric structure, and Antonio da Sangallo, who chose the basilica form. Finally, in 1546, Michelangelo was entrusted with the management of the work.

Michelangelo made all the supporting structures more massive and highlighted the main space. He erected the drum of the central dome, but the dome itself was completed after his death (1564) by Giacomo della Porta, who gave it a more elongated outline. Of the four small domes envisaged by Michelangelo's design, the architect Vignola erected only two.

Inside, the cathedral amazes with its harmony of proportions, its enormous size, and the richness of its decoration - there are a lot of statues, altars, tombstones, and many wonderful works of art.

Traditionally, a map of my movements (to be honest, it’s been here for more than one day)

It is not possible to embrace the immensity and go to every church in Rome - there are very, very many of them and each is beautiful in its own way.
Having visited Israel, I roughly understood where Christianity began, but having visited Italy, I saw not even religion, but the power of the church.

Task No. 84. Solve the crossword puzzle “Remember the history of Ancient Rome”

Horizontally: 2. Poet, author of the poem “Aeneid” (Virgil). 4. A scientist who argued that people should persevere in all adversities; committed suicide on the orders of Nero (Seneca). 6. The largest amphitheater, accommodating about 50 thousand spectators (Colosseum). 7. A temple in Rome, topped with a dome that looks like half a ball (Pantheon). 8. General, famous for the conquest of Gaul; established sole power in Rome (Caesar). 9. The poet who called his poems a timeless monument (Horace). 12. A title whose bearer had unlimited power and was not obliged to give an account to anyone for his actions (dictator). 14. The last queen of Egypt (Cleopatra). 18. Farmers who took land for cultivation (colons) for a fee. 20. Germanic tribe that captured Rome in 410 (Goths). 21. Roman commander, defeated by the Germans, who completely destroyed three legions (Var). 23. The river, crossing which Caesar said: “The die is cast!” (Rubicon). 24. The ruler of Rome who achieved the end civil wars(Octavian). 25. Caesar's unfaithful friend, one of his murderers (Brutus). 26. According to the Romans, “the best of emperors,” who stopped executions based on false denunciations (Trajan). 29. The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire (Romulus). 30. Country on the Balkan Peninsula, homeland of Spartacus (Thrace). 31. Roman historian who condemned in his books the cruelties of Nero and other emperors (Tacitus). 32. Brothers who came from a noble plebeian family; spoke out in defense of the landowners of Italy (Gracchi).
Vertically: 1. The council, which had great influence on the Romans, at the meeting of which Caesar was killed (Senate). 2. The mountain on top of which was the first Spartacist camp (Vesuvius). 3. The word used to describe the rulers of Rome who single-handedly ruled the state after the fall of the republic (emperor). 4. The leader of the rebel slaves, a native of Thrace (Spartacus). 5. The main character of Virgil's poem (Aeneas). 8. Construction for horse competitions (circus). 9. Roman province conquered by Caesar (Gaul). 10. A mixture of pebbles and sand with lime mortar was used in construction (concrete). 11. Roman commander who died in the war with the Parthian kingdom (Crassus). 13. Roman baths (therms). 14. The emperor who allowed Christians to build churches and openly pray (Constantine). 15. Roman commander who was defeated at the Battle of Cape Actium (Antony). 16. Commander, Caesar’s main opponent in the struggle for power (Pompey). 17. A Germanic tribe that captured Rome in the middle of the 5th century and subjected it to terrible devastation (Vandals). 18. The city where the uprising of Spartacus began (Capua). 19. The shape of the front gate, erected in honor of the military victory of the Romans (arch). 21. The word that the Greeks and Romans used to call peoples whose language they did not understand (barbarians). 22. Octavian’s honorary nickname, given to him by the Senate after the end of the civil wars (August). 25. The strait on the European shore of which Constantinople (Bosphorus) was built. 27. Leader of the Goths who captured Rome in 410 (Alaric). 28. Cape near the western shores of the Balkan Peninsula, near which a naval battle took place between Anthony and Octavian (Actium)

Task No. 85. Answer the questions

Who spoke these words? For what reason?

1. One more such victory, and we will die!

King Pyrrhus of Epirus after defeating the Romans in a battle where his troops suffered heavy losses

2. Even wild animals have holes and lairs, and those who fought and died for Rome have nothing but air and light!

Tiberius Gracchus about the Roman legionnaires who gradually lost their land and joined the ranks of the poor of Rome

3. Carthage must be destroyed!

Senator Cato ended each of his speeches in the Senate with these words - he was concerned about the highly developed trade and economy of Carthage

4. The die is cast!

Julius Caesar as his troops crossed the Rubicon and headed towards Rome

5. Var, give me back my legions!

Emperor Augustus, after the death of three Roman legions under the command of Varus, ambushed by the Germans in the Teutoburg Forest

6. What a great artist dies!

Emperor Nero. Abandoned by everyone, he ordered his servant to stab him and, dying, uttered these words

7. I want to be the kind of emperor I would wish for myself if I were a subject

Emperor Trajan. The Romans called him "the best emperor"

Task No. 86. Remember the ancient Roman legend to which the drawing of our time is dedicated

1. What are the babies' names? What fate awaits each of them?

Romulus and Remus. In the future, they decided to found a city in the place where they were suckled by a she-wolf, but they quarreled and Romulus killed his brother. Murder will not prevent him from founding a city and calling it by his own name.

2. Suggest why the predator did not kill the babies, but warms them with its warmth. You will give the correct answer if you remember who their father was.

Their father was Mars and the children were under his protection (note - Such cases occur in nature, even a dog feeds kittens)

Task No. 87. Remember the ancient Roman legend to which the drawing of our time is dedicated

1. In the silence of the night, warriors climb the fortress wall. Who are they? Why do they expect success? What prevented them from capturing the fortress? What hill was she on?

In 390 BC. Rome was besieged by the Gauls. At night they decided to climb the walls, because the Romans, exhausted by the siege, were sleeping and could not notice the danger. But the geese living at the temple of Juno began to cackle and awaken the defenders of the fortress located on Capitol Hill, after which the assault was repulsed

2. Suggest why the defenders of the fortress, who were starving during a long siege, did not dare to eat geese

Geese lived at the temple of the goddess Juno and were revered as sacred animals

3. What popular expression has entered our speech? In what ways does it not correspond to historical truth? You will give the correct answer if you remember what successes the enemies achieved before the siege of the fortress

"Geese saved Rome." But this did little to help the Romans, since exhausted by the siege, they were forced to surrender and pay a huge ransom so that the Gauls would leave the plundered and burned Rome

Task No. 88. Guess what (or who) we are talking about and answer the questions

1. According to legend, the Greeks besieged a rich and well-fortified city in Asia for ten years. Approximately what year did this siege begin? How did it end? What two names did the city besieged by the Greeks have?

Around 1200 BC The siege of Troy began and lasted about 10 years. The second name of Troy is Ilion (hence the Iliad).

2. The famous competitions of the strongest athletes were held in Hellas once every four years. When did the first competition take place? Where exactly were they held? What were they called?

In 776 BC. The first competitions took place in Olympia - the Olympic Games

3. According to ancient Roman legend, twin brothers, sons of the god of war, quarreled among themselves. Remember why. On which bank of the Tiber did the quarrel take place? What did it lead to? What year, according to legend, was this?

In 753 BC. Romulus and Remus decided to found a city, but a dispute arose on which hill to build it on. As a result, Romulus killed his brother. Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill on the left bank of the Tiber

4. Name the famous demos leader in Athens. Fifteen times he was elected to the main position in the Athenian state. What was the name of this position? In what year was he first elected to it?

Pericles In 443 BC. he was first chosen for the position of first strategist

5. This tribune of the people was not indifferent to the suffering of poor citizens who had nothing but air and light. In what year did he speak out in their defense? How did you want to help them? What was the tribune's name?

Tiberius Gracchus in 133 BC came up with a proposal for a Land Law that would limit the size of large land holdings and provide for the free distribution of surplus land to poor citizens

6. He approached the border river and with the words “the die is cast!” crossed it. Who are we talking about? What year was this? What is the name of the river? What did this lead to in the history of Rome?

Gaius Julius Caesar. In 49 BC. his legions crossed the Rubicon and marched on Rome. This led to the fall of the republic, the concentration of power in one hand and the emergence of preconditions for the creation of imperial power in Rome

7. His name is known in the most remote corners of the globe. About two thousand years ago, together with his disciples, He walked through cities and villages, healed the sick, and called on them to do good and be merciful. Do you remember his words: “And in everything that you want people to do to you, do so to them.” What is His name? In what country did He live? What kind of death did you accept?

Jesus Christ, who lived in Judea. He was nailed to the cross

8. Everyone in the Roman Empire was shocked by what happened. “My voice stopped,” wrote one of his contemporaries, “when I heard that the city to which the whole earth had been subjugated had been conquered!” What are we talking about? In what year did this terrible event take place? On what conditions did they agree to leave the banks of the Tiber?

We are talking about the capture of Rome in 410 by the Goths led by Alaric

Pantheon - Temple of all Gods is located in Rome. This unique building has great historical significance not only for Italy, but for the whole world. History, description, architecture, address with the object displayed on the map and its opening hours, interesting facts, ticket prices - all this information is in our article. We will tell you: how to get there on your own, what rules you must follow when visiting, and where you can stay near the temple.

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Built during the heyday of the Ancient Roman Empire. To this day, an inscription has been preserved on the pediment of this building, testifying to the first founder of the cult temple, Marcus Agrippa.

Architect of the Temple of All Gods

Since the construction lasted for many centuries, many took part in the construction of this temple, including the founder of this religious building, Marcus Agrippa, the famous Roman-era architect Apollorus of Damascus, the emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severus. Each of them contributed to the construction and restoration of a unique building from the Roman era.

Construction of the temple

As a result of studies of markings on the bricks from which the walls were laid, it was proven that construction was carried out under the leadership of the famous architect of that era, Apollorus of Damascus. Over the two centuries of its existence, the temple was destroyed by strong fires, often caused by lightning strikes. Therefore, in 126 AD. By order of Emperor Hadrian, they began to restore the Pantheon.

Despite the fact that the temple was rebuilt, Emperor Hadrian retained the name of its founder on the pediment of the building. Later in 202 AD. During the time of Emperor Septimius Severus, the building was restored, updating it through facing and finishing works.

From a pagan temple to a Christian one

It is an exception among traditional Greco-Roman temples, built in the shape of a clear rectangle. Its centric shape is reminiscent of Italian dwellings and sanctuary sites characteristic of pagan temples. Indeed, until the beginning of the 7th century. The Pantheon was known as a pagan temple in which the Romans asked for favor from Jupiter and Mars, protection from Venus and Pluto, protection from Neptune, Saturn and Mercury. All sacrifices to numerous gods were performed on an altar installed opposite the opening in the dome. To appease the gods, animals were burned on the altar. In 608, after the consecration by Pope Boniface IV, the pagan temple became Christian.

Pantheon architecture

The design consists of a harmonious combination of clear geometric shapes: a portico in the shape of a parallelepiped, a dome in the shape of a hemisphere and a cylinder of a rotunda. The portico, decorated with two rows of tall columns, completely occupies the area in front of the Pantheon, which creates the illusion of its massiveness.

The magnificent columns at the same time give the portico lightness and grace, masking the heavy and bulky cylinder of the temple. The rotunda walls are more than 6 m thick and are firmly set on a massive foundation, which is 4.5 m deep and 7.3 m thick.

The cylindrical wall is supported by eight pillars connected by arches. It is no coincidence that the diameter and height of the rotunda are the same. Ancient architects deliberately used such calculations that allowed them to mentally fit a ball into the space of the rotunda, half of which would be occupied by the dome. The construction masters of those times sought in this way to show a harmonious combination of a circle and a ball, symbolizing peace and eternity. The massive building, created from a ring of blank walls, is crowned by a dome that seems pressed into these walls.

Pantheon outside and inside

Initially, the temple was built for the purpose of making an impression when visiting its inner part. Therefore, the interior decoration differs from the exterior in great grandeur. The portico leading into the building is decorated with sculptures, and high under the dome, 140 caissons arranged in five rows have been preserved. The marble lining inside is also well preserved. brick walls rotundas and porphyry floors. The walls are divided into two tiers. The lower tier contains 7 symmetrical niches.

Deep semicircular and rectangular niches in the walls make it possible to lighten structures and diversify a geometrically closed space. Columns, pilasters and panels draw the eye to the huge dome, which crowns the walls of the rotunda and creates a complete harmonious image of the temple. However, it cannot be said that due attention was not paid to the external design of the temple building. Greek marble and Egyptian granite were used to make 16 gigantic columns at the entrance. Outside, the huge dome is covered with gilded plates, and the double bronze gates, preserved from the ancient era, leading to the rectangular vestibule, are striking in their height, reaching 7 meters.

Dome

The temple of the gods is distinguished by the massiveness and round shape of the building, called the rotunda and topped with a dome. If you look at the dome from the outside, it will seem almost flat, but inside its enormous size is impressive. The diameter of the dome is 43.5 m, which corresponds to the width of the rotunda and is slightly less than the height of the building itself. From the time of construction until the 19th century. it was the largest in Europe and occupied half the volume of the entire building. Depending on the height of the dome, different compositions of concrete were used. The lower tiers were erected using solid travertine chips, and for the construction of the upper tiers of the dome, a solution of lighter materials was used - crushed pumice and tuff.

The dome of the building is created in the shape of an ideal hemisphere, in the center of which there is a hole bordered by a border made of bronze. At noon, through a hole with a diameter of 9 m, the largest amount of sunlight penetrates into the temple building, forming a kind of light column. The dome, which is a hemisphere, combines the innovation of the engineering ideas of ancient masters and the classical architecture of religious buildings. Carved recesses inside the concrete surface of the dome act as a decorative decoration in the form of 140 caissons and at the same time significantly lighten the weight of the vault, which weighs up to 5 thousand tons.

What is the hole in the dome for?

The hole in the center of the dome, called the eye, symbolizes the Sun. Since there are no window openings in the walls of the rotunda, only thanks to this huge hole does sunlight penetrate into the building. According to popular legend, the hole was formed when the church mass sounded. The evil forces that entered the Pantheon building, unable to withstand the sounds of the divine liturgy, destroyed the upper part of the dome in order to leave the sacred place forever. When animals were burned during sacrifice, a large amount of acrid smoke came out through the hole in the dome. At this time, the Romans prayed, calling on the deities and hoping that the deities would be able to hear them sooner and accept the sacrifice.

In rainy weather, despite the enormous size of the “eye,” water very rarely penetrates into the temple. However, to prevent precipitation from preventing parishioners from visiting the church and listening to Mass, drain holes for water were prudently installed in the floor. It is worth noting that competent engineering calculations of ancient masters created the “eye” in such a way that raindrops do not allow the constantly moving upward flows of warm air to pass through.

There are many legends and stories associated with the Pantheon and its construction. From those ancient times to this day, you can often hear from the Romans that the dome of the temple was built on a huge pile of rubbish poured inside the building under construction. To quickly get rid of the garbage after construction was completed, by order of the emperor, gold was hidden in it. As for the “eye of the Pantheon,” scientists have suggested that the temple served as a sundial. Indeed, throughout the year the sun illuminates individual parts of the temple in different ways, and on the day of the founding of Rome - April 21, the heavenly body brightly illuminates the entrance.

In those days, this phenomenon was quite symbolic, since the emperor, illuminated by the dazzling rays of the sun, was the first to enter the temple. There is an opinion that the ideal shape of the dome prompted Nicolaus Copernicus to come up with the idea of ​​the heliocentric structure of the universe, thanks to which the scientist even managed to accurately calculate and prove that the center of the universe is not the Earth, but the Sun. The Pantheon became the first Roman temple, into which not only priests, but everyone who wanted to pray to the gods could enter.

Who is buried in the temple

The Pantheon was admired by many great people. Michelangelo considered this temple to be the creation of the angels themselves. Raphael called the Pantheon a place that unites heaven with earth and gods with people, and dreamed of being buried here.

The Temple of All Gods became the place where the bodies of many famous people were buried, among whom the master of painting Raphael was buried first, and later the famous architect Baldassare Peruzzi, musician Arcangelo Corelli, and sculptor Flaminio Vacca. It is also a tomb for crowned persons: Queen Margaret, as well as kings Umberto I and Victor Emmanuel II.

Where is it located and how to get there

Easily accessible by metro to Barberini station, tram 8 and many city buses.

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186

The temple, built during the era of the Roman Empire, receives visitors daily from 8.30 to 19.30. Only open on Sunday from 9.00. until 18.00. On holidays it receives tourists from 9.00 to 13.00. and is closed on Easter, January 1, and December 25. A visit to this unique attraction can be combined with visits to others at least significant places: Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum and Vatican Museums. Despite the daily work, it is not easy to get to the temple due to the large influx of people wanting to visit it legendary place. Even in winter time When the influx of tourists subsides, a queue forms at the temple. Therefore, it is better to come to the opening in the morning or stay in the hotel closest to the Pantheon.

Visiting rules

When going to see a sight, you should follow certain rules:

  • Avoid stocking up on food and drinks
  • Even in extreme heat, it is not customary to enter the temple building with bare shoulders and knees
  • It is prohibited to use mobile phones

If you follow these simple rules, you can safely go to explore this unique temple. Fortunately, no one forbids taking photographs or making videos here. Plus, you don't have to pay to enter.

Where to stay – Pantheon Hotel

We recommend considering this particular hotel, as it is located just 50m from the Temple of All Gods. In addition, it is convenient to reach other attractions, for example, you can walk to the famous Trevi Fountain in just a couple of minutes. The hotel itself deserves special attention. The building was built in the 17th century. Its impeccable interior immediately immerses you in a pleasant atmosphere. Every detail is chosen here with elegance. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

There are several room categories:

  • triple room
  • budget single room
  • double or twin room
  • quadruple room

Pets are allowed at no additional cost. There are shops of famous brands, cafes and restaurants nearby.

Augusta Lucilla Palace

50 meters from the magnificent Roman Pantheon

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