The Rome IndexSanta Maria sopra Minerva
Rome's only Gothic church — with a Michelangelo, a Fra Angelico and an Egyptian obelisk.
Why it's unusual
Built in the 13th century, Santa Maria sopra Minerva is the only Gothic church in Rome — a style that never caught on here the way it did north of the Alps. The blue-vaulted interior is a striking contrast to the Baroque norm.
What's inside
Michelangelo's Christ Carrying the Cross stands at the left of the high altar. Fra Angelico is buried here — his tomb is in the apse. The Carafa Chapel contains a celebrated Filippino Lippi fresco cycle.
Outside
The small Egyptian obelisk in front of the church, balanced on the back of Bernini's marble elephant, is one of the most-photographed small details in Rome — easy to miss if you don't know to look for it on the piazza.