Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is a historic church in the Trastevere district of Rome dedicated to Saint Cecilia. The site has early Christian origins and has long been a focal church in the Trastevere neighborhood.

The church contains an early Christian crypt and relics traditionally associated with Saint Cecilia and houses important frescoes and later decorative campaigns within the nave and chapels. Architectural elements and artworks span multiple periods, so visitors commonly see a mix of early Christian, medieval and Baroque features within a compact urban church building.

A church on the site is traditionally dated to the early centuries of Christianity and the current complex reflects restorations and rebuilding over many centuries. Over time the building has been maintained as a parish church and has conserved relics and artworks linked to its long liturgical function.

Santa Cecilia stands in the Trastevere quarter on the west bank of the Tiber River in central Rome, within walking distance of other Roman landmarks and neighbourhood piazzas.

• Visiting practicalities: Mass and services continue to be held regularly; the church is active as a parish so visiting hours can vary around liturgical events.

What to See #

• Crypt and relics: The basilica's crypt contains the traditional burial site and relics associated with Saint Cecilia, located below the main nave and accessible to visitors.
• Frescoes and interior art: Notable frescoes and later interior decorations that span early medieval to Baroque campaigns of decoration, concentrated in the nave and chapels.