Experts' Choice Award Chiesa Di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
What the experts agree on
Rome's only Gothic church, hidden just behind the Pantheon, built atop an ancient temple to Minerva. Its austere style offers refreshing contrast to the city's Baroque excess, with notable chapels and plaques marking historic floods.
“Central Rome's only Gothic church was built on the site of an ancient temple of Minerva in 1280 and modelled on Santa Maria Novella in Florence.”
– Time Out
Fodor's "As the city's major Gothic church, it provides a refreshing contrast to Baroque flamboyance. Have a €1 coin handy to illuminate the Cappella Carafa." Full review
i
The little obelisk-bearing elephant carved by Bernini is perhaps the city's most charming sculpture
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Founded in the 8C, the church was rebuilt in the 13C and modified again in the 15C and 17C (the very simple rectangular façade dates from this last programme of works)." Full review
Afar Magazine "Just behind the Pantheon hides the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a gem in its own right." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Plaques on its facade commemorate the Tiber's most destructive deluges. " Full review
Frommer's "Just one block behind the Pantheon, Santa Maria sopra Minerva is Rome’s most significant Dominican church and the only major Gothic church downtown" Full review
Lonely Planet "Built on the site of an ancient temple to Minerva, the Dominican Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is Rome’s only Gothic church." Full review
"Check out Santa Maria sopra Minerva, one of Rome's only Gothic churches. Though the outside is rather plain, inside you'll find a vibrant blue ceiling and the tombs of Medici Popes Leo X..."
