As the name suggests, this basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, stands atop an older, Roman temple, in which the goddess of wisdom, Minerva, was worshipped.
The remnants of that temple, like its majestic Corinthian columns, can still be seen inside the basilica today. It is not the only thing that makes this church special, though. This basilica, consecrated in 1370, is also the only Gothic church building still standing in Rome. Only the interior is original, though. Its facade, designed in Neo-Gothic style, is dated to the 19th century.
Free entry.
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_sopra_Minerva
Official Website https://www.santamariasopraminerva.it/en/history-and-architecture.html
Email santamariasopraminerva@gmail.com
Phone +39 06 69920384
Address Piazza della Minerva 42, 00186 Rome, Italy
Coordinates 41°53'52.76" N 12°28'42.04" E
