Answer: Santa Maria in Trastevere was the first church in Rome built in commemoration of the Virgin Mary and was likely the first church in Rome where Mass was openly celebrated. It is said to have been built on a site of or near a hospice for veterans and invalid soldiers. The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II. The church has some magnificent mosaics.


Behind the altar, Basilica of Santa Maria Trastevere

See Also
• The Most Jaw-Dropping Churches in Rome that Aren’t called St. Peter’s (A Pilgrimage to Rome Guide) (website)
• Joseph N. Tylenda, S. J., "S. Maria in Trastevere" , The Pilgrim's Guide To Rome's Principal Churches The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota copyright 1993 Pages 243-248