One of the oldest churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most beautiful. It is a minor basilica. Although there has been religious activity on the site since the 2nd century, the existing structure dates to the 12th century. The columns in the nave were repurposed from old Roman buildings.

The upper mosaics in the apse date to the mid-12th century and illustrate the glorification of the Virgin. The lower panels, depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, date to 1291.

The portico on the front of the church was added in 1702.