Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome


	Santa Maria in Trastevere Santa Maria in Trastevere sits on the site of perhaps the oldest place of Christian worship in Rome. Tradition maintains that a secret chapel here gave refuge to early Christians, and in the 3rd century a church was founded by Pope Callistus I. The current church dates from the 12th century and is the center of a swirl of picturesque streets and a remarkably medieval-looking piazza. The church contains ancient columns along its nave, which is paved with Cosmati marble floor tiles. The highlight of the church is the apse, which is covered with glorious mosaics, including precious Byzantine representations of the Virgin and Christ Enthroned from the 12th century, and six scenes from the Life of Mary (1290s) by Pietro Cavallini. Address: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere Rome Italy Telephone: +39 (6) 581-4802