Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva

The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, in Rome

The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is the main Gothic church of Rome, preceded by the famous elephant carrying an obelisk. The Rome audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary rich in works of art, near the Pantheon.

The Gothic church and the chick of the Minerva

On the Piazza della Minerva stands one of the most singular sculptures of Rome, which the Romans affectionately nickname the chick: it is a charming little marble elephant, designed after an idea of Bernini, carrying on its back an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Behind this curious statue rises the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, thus named because it was built on the vestiges of a former temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. It is the only great Gothic-style church of Rome, which makes it an exception in a town dominated by the baroque and the ancient. Its interior, with a vault of a striking starry blue, shelters true artistic treasures, including a statue of Christ the Redeemer sculpted by Michelangelo, as well as the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the patron saints of Italy. A major sanctuary and a setting of works of art, the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is discovered with respect. It is a stop to be discovered with respect of the discovery of Rome.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the only great Gothic church of Rome, built on a former temple of Minerva, preceded by the famous little marble elephant designed after Bernini carrying an obelisk, nicknamed the chick, with a starry blue vault, sheltering a statue of Christ by Michelangelo and the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena. The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a major sanctuary of Rome. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva lies on the Piazza della Minerva, near the Pantheon, in Rome, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What is particular about the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome?

It is the only great Gothic church of Rome, built on a former temple of Minerva; it is preceded by the famous little marble elephant designed after Bernini carrying an obelisk, and shelters a statue of Christ by Michelangelo as well as the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Where is the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva?

On the Piazza della Minerva, near the Pantheon, in Rome, in Italy.