Santa Maria in Domnica Church

Address: Via di Santa Maria Maggiore area, Rome, Italy (Santa Maria in Domnica / Santa Susanna alla Suburra vicinity)

Santa Maria in Domnica is an ancient Roman church on the Caelian Hill in Rome, commonly known also as Santa Maria alla Navicella. It is an early Christian basilica with origins that date back to late antiquity and retains medieval and later fittings.

The interior is noted for its apse mosaic and surviving medieval decoration; the nave and aisles give a compact example of a medieval Roman parish church. The church functions as a parish and a titular church of the Roman Catholic Church.

The building was adapted and restored at various times from the early medieval period onward; later restorations preserved the mosaic work and some fresco fragments. It has long served both liturgical and neighborhood roles in the Caelian area.

The church sits on the eastern side of the Caelian Hill, near the Baths of Caracalla and the Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, within the central area of Rome and a short distance from the Colosseum and central Roman landmarks.

• Apse mosaic: Located on the Caelian Hill close to the Baths of Caracalla, the apse mosaic is a notable interior feature and is best seen in daylight when the nave is open.
• Visiting note: Serves as a titular church in Rome and has origins in the early Christian period; access can be limited during Masses and religious services.

A short walk from the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore or the Colosseum; the Celio district is a five- to ten-minute stroll from Termini station.

• Arrive during mid-morning when the light into the nave is strongest-fresco details become easier to read.
• Look for the church's medieval inscriptions and dedicatory plaques which are tucked along the walls.
• Combine a short walk in the Celio district for other nearby churches and Roman ruins.