A Few of the 900 churches in Rome...

 Visiting the basilicas, cathedrals, chapels and churches in Rome is one of our favorite things to do!! We have learned that the construction of churches were sometimes attributed to religious orders, and some were built by national or regional communities and others by educational entities. Pictures can't possibly capture the breathtaking art or architecture but we want to try. Ready....let us show you a few things.

 

(two photos above) The Basilica of San Sylvestro in Capite founded in 761AD and is looked after by monks. In the 12th century it was designated as the English-speaking Catholic church in Rome.

(two photos above) Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle. Begun in 1595. Completed in1650.

(Four photos above) Our FAVORITE church visit of the day....the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola!! Built as the church of the Roman College, construction began in 1626 and was completed in 1722. Large magnifying mirror tables placed in the center aisles gave us the chance to take photos of enlarged reflections of the breathtaking ceiling. The last picture appears to be the inside of the dome...but looks are deceiving!!! There is NO dome on this building. This last picture is an illusion painted on canvas in the perspective of the cupola. It is truly astonishing to see!