Basilica di Santa Maria in Via Lata

The basics

Cloaked in mystery, Santa Maria in Via Lata sits above a 5th-century crypt said to be where St. Paul spent two years of house arrest. Other versions contradict this claim, but the crypt and the church erected above it in the ninth century are among the most sacred early Christian sites in Rome. Exploring the church with a guide is the best way to fully appreciate its unique history and religious significance, and pilgrims and art lovers can join a tour of early Christian sites in Rome or an itinerary that traces the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul that include a stop here. View the underground crypt, home to the marble column said to be where St. Paul was chained and replicas of the 17th-century frescoes by Pietro da Cortona (the originals are now conserved in the Crypta Balbi Museum), as well as the church above, completely reworked in the 1600s and decorated with a number of important 17th-century paintings and the 13th-century icon of the Virgin Advocate.

Things to know before you go

• If you are joining a walking tour of early Christian sites in Rome, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Modest attire is required to enter Santa Maria in Via Lata, with knees and shoulders covered. Photography without flash is permitted inside the church and crypt.
• There are stairs at the entrance to the church and down to the crypt, so it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to get there

Santa Maria in Via Lata is located along the main Via del Corso thoroughfare in central Rome, just a short walk from the Piazza Venezia transportation hub.

When to get there

One of the most popular destinations in Europe, Italy’s capital city can be very crowded in summer and its historic churches and monuments filled with high-season tourists. Try to visit from November to April to enjoy the city's treasures in relative peace.

St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome

Rome is home to a number of important basilicas that hold clues to the years the saints Peter and Paul spent in Rome. Among the most sacred are the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura), the UNESCO-listed church where St. Paul is buried; and St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli), which holds the chains said to have bound the saint in prison and is home to Michelangelo’s monumental Moses statue.

Ways to explore

Between exploring the church and heading down into its crypt, visitors usually only need 20–30 minutes to see the Basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata before moving on to nearby sights. Most visitors arrive independently, but private tours focusing on Rome’s Catholic landmarks may include it or allow it to be added to the itinerary. This church best appeals to pilgrims, art lovers, and people who appreciate unique history and religious folklore. While entry is free, a small fee is required to see the crypt.

Accessibility

Access to visitors using wheelchairs and strollers is limited, with stairs in places, such as leading into the crypt.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, light jacket or sweater for visiting the crypt

What to wear

Modest clothing, covering the knees and shoulders

Not allowed

Smoking, flash photography, inappropriate attire

Address

Santa Maria in Via Lata is located along the main Via del Corso thoroughfare in central Rome, just a short walk from the Piazza Venezia transportation hub and many city highlights.

Driving

Avoid driving to the basilica if possible, as its location comes with challenges such as limited traffic zones and a lack of parking. Use taxis or rideshare services if you need to go by car.

Public transportation

Many public buses stop at the Corso/Ss. Apostoli and Corso/Minghetti bus stops, on either side of the church, while even more run to Piazza Venezia at the end of Via del Corso. The Colosseo stop on metro line B is about a 12-minute walk from the piazza.

Best times to visit

The church is only open in the evenings, which are also busy with services, so check service times to plan your visit carefully.

Best days to visit

While the church is open daily, expect it to be busier with local worshippers from Friday to Sunday.

Best months to visit

Rome gets very crowded in the summer, so consider visiting in the fall or spring to enjoy the city’s treasures in relative peace.

Special events

The basilica is a stational church of Lent, meaning that on the day before Holy Tuesday, the church can be exceptionally busy with worshippers.