Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Tours and Tickets

This 12th-century church near the Pantheon was built over the ruins of an ancient Roman temple and is remarkable for its unique Gothic interiors. It houses the remains of St. Catherine of Siena and the artist Fra’ Angelico and is decorated with frescoes by Filippino Lippi and a Christ the Redeemer statue by Michelangelo.

Yes, the church is open to the public, and visitors come to admire the Gothic architecture—one of the few examples of the style in Rome’s historic center—and artistic masterpieces in the Caraffa Chapel and presbytery. Pilgrims gather here in April for the Feast Day of St. Catherine, buried in the church.

No, Roman churches are free to enter, and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is no exception. A coin-operated light illuminates the Filippino Lippi frescoes in the Caraffa Chapel for a few minutes, but you can admire the soaring architecture and artistic masterpieces for free.

Yes, many guided walking tours of Rome’s historic center make a short stop at the church to take in its singular design and notable works of art. Art-focused tours linger longer to delve into the history of its Gothic architecture and medieval and Renaissance masterpieces in more detail.

The Basilica is an active place of worship, and Mass and other religious services are held daily. In April and February, special ceremonies honor the two saints buried inside the church on the Feast Days of St. Catherine and Fra’ Angelico. The church is also a popular venue for live performances of classical and sacred music.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva sits in Rome’s historic center just steps from the Pantheon, and famous sights like Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and Campo de’ Fiori are all nearby. Bernini’s elephant, known as the Pulcino della Minerva forms the base of an Egyptian obelisk in the square just outside the church.