Admissions Blog - John Cabot University

Places of Worship in Rome

Written by Alexa Shearer | May 13, 2019 8:00:33 AM Z

When you step out of your apartment and walk down any street in Rome, you will most likely run into a church. In fact, Italy's capital is home to some of the world's most ornate cathedrals and basilicas. And while we JCU students may casually pass by St. Peter's Basilica or the Pantheon without blinking an eye, we should remember that there are more than 900 other stunning churches throughout the city, some dating as far back as the fourth century.

History of Roman Religion

Most citizens of the ancient Roman empire were polytheistic, believing in many different gods. This played an important role in shaping the empire both politically and socially. Even today, just by looking at the names of the planets, days of the week, and months, we can see an influence. Christianity came along in the 1st century after Jesus died, initially as a sect of Judaism. Early Christians were persecuted, but the religion spread throughout the Roman empire and beyond. Eventually Constantine the Great converted to and decriminalized Christianity, and early Roman religion declined. Today, Rome is home to the Vatican, the head of the Roman Catholic church, one of the main branches of Christianity.

However, Rome is a major international city today, with people hailing from a multitude of countries, backgrounds, cultures, and religions. The dominant religion is still Catholicism, but there are many other faiths present and actively practiced in the Italian capital. There is a place for everyone. If you are religious and studying in Rome, chances are you will find a place of worship.

Roman Catholic Churches

There are many churches throughout the city that offer mass in English, including:

  • Santo Spirito in Sassia
    Via dei Penitenzieri, 12
    Sunday at 10am
  • San Giovanni de’ Fiorentini
    Via Acciaioli, 2
    Sunday at 6pm
  • Chiesa di Sant’Anna
    Via di Sant’Anna
    Sunday at 3:30pm
  • Saint Patrick's Church
    Via Boncompagni, 31
    Monday through Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at 9:00am and 10:30am

Jewish Synagogues

The Jewish community of Rome is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Today, the Great Synagogue is a beautiful house of worship located in the Jewish Ghetto, overlooking the Tiber River.

  • The Great Synagogue of Rome
    Lungotevere de' Cenci

Mosques

The Mosque of Rome, situated in Parioli, is the largest mosque in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. It can accommodate more than 12,000 people, and acts as the Italian Islamic Cultural Center.

  • Rome Grand Mosque
    Viale della Moschea, 85
    Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Orthodox Churches

  • Saint Catherine Russian Orthodox Church
    Via del Lago Terrione, 77/79
    Divine Liturgy - Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 10am

  • San Teodoro Greek Orthodox Church
    Via di S. Teodoro, 7
    Divine Liturgy - Sunday at 9am and 10:30am

Anglican Churches

  • All Saints' Anglican Church
    Via del Babuino, 153
    Sunday at 8:30am and 10:30am

Protestant Churches

  • Rome Baptist Church
    Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 35
    Sunday:
    10:30am English language worship service
    12:00pm African Fellowship
    1:00pm Filipino Service
    3:00pm Chinese Service
  • International Christian Fellowship, Rome
    Via Guido Castelnuovo, 28
    Sunday at 11:00am
  • Ponte Sant' Angelo Methodist Church
    Piazza di Ponte Sant’ Angelo, 68
    Sunday at 10:30am

Buddhist Temples

The Hua Yi Si temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe and was founded to meet the needs of Rome's growing Chinese community.

  • Hua Yi Si
    Via dell'Omo, 142
    Daily 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm