Basilica di Santa Prassede
The basics
Though it’s not the most well-known of Rome’s many churches, the Basilica di Santa Prassede is an essential stop for early Christian history enthusiasts and art buffs. Some church tours of Rome combine a guided visit here with stops at the larger nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore), which contains another holy relic: a piece said to have been part of baby Jesus’ crib. Tours focusing on the role of women in early Christian Rome also stop at the Basilica di Santa Prassede, as do walking tours of the Monti neighborhood in which the church is situated.
Things to know before you go
- Basilica di Santa Prassede is a must for history buffs and art lovers.
- Bring a few coins to turn on the lights in the church; that way, you can properly admire the glimmering mosaics.
- Look up—some of the church’s most magnificent mosaics are found above the altar and on the ceiling of the Chapel of Saint Zeno (Cappella di San Zenone) chapel.
How to get there
Basilica di Santa Prassede is in the Monti neighborhood of central Rome. The nearest metro stations are Cavour, Vittorio Emanuele, and Termini, all of which are between 5 and 10 minutes’ walk away. The church entrance is on Via di Santa Prassede.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Basilica di Santa Prassede closes for several hours every day during lunchtime, so avoid middle-of-the-day visits. Despite its setting in a busy part of town, the basilica is usually relatively quiet and crowd-free.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Just a few steps away from this modest-sized minor basilica sits one of Rome’s four major basilicas: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this basilica dates back as far as the fifth century, though it has been added to and expanded many times since then. It is known for its well-preserved Byzantine interiors, including mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
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