The Rome IndexSanta Maria in Trastevere
One of Rome's oldest churches, and the anchor of Trastevere's main piazza.
Why it matters
Among the earliest churches in Rome to be formally dedicated to Mary, with 12th- and 13th-century mosaics inside that rank among the city's best-preserved medieval artwork.
Visiting
Free to enter, with the standard shoulders-and-knees dress code — go in late afternoon when light through the facade windows catches the gold mosaics best.
The piazza
The square outside is one of Trastevere's main social hubs, especially at aperitivo hour.