Rome, Italy, is filled with ancient history; ruins and structures dating back to Roman times sit around every corner. The Roman Forum, Colosseum, and the Pantheon are only some of the attractions people venture to Rome to see. Also, it’s hard to miss seeing the churches of Rome: there are over 900 of them!
If you are visiting Rome and your stay includes a Sunday morning, you might want to attend a Sunday mass, ideally in English. There are many opportunities to experience this rich history of faith in Rome. Here are our top places to see English Sunday Mass in Rome:
San Giorgio in Velabro
Location: Via del Velabro, 19, Rome.
Sunday Mass time: Sunday at 8AM
San Giorgio in Velabro is a church honoring Saint George constructed in 685 AD and rumored to stand where the start of Roman history began. Legend says the she-wolf found Romulus and Remus here. While you probably won’t catch sight of a she-wolf, the paleochristian architecture of this church is worth the visit. Experience the church and mass Sundays at 8am.
St Patrick’s Church
Location: Via Boncompagni, 31, Rome
Sunday Mass time: Sunday at 9AM or 10:30AM
If going to Sunday mass is more about maintaining your weekly church-going than experiencing Roman history, consider attending the straightforward mass on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Church at 9am or 10:30am. United in the English language and Catholic faith, this community celebrates the faith of St. Peter and Paul, founded in Rome.
Irish College Rome
Location: Via dei Santi Quattro, 1, Rome
Sunday Mass time: Sunday at 10AM
Also celebrating a 10 am mass is the Irish College Rome. Established in 1628, it is a seminary for the education and training of Catholic priests. This church is much smaller and simpler than the others featured on this list but it is located on lovely green grounds reminiscent of a college campus.
Santo Spirito in Sassia
Location: Via dei Penitenzieri, 12, Rome
Sunday Mass time: Sunday at 10AM
Adorned with frescoes on every niche is the Renaissance styled Santo Spirito in Sassia dating back to 1545 AD. Celebrate Sunday mass here at 10 am and be overtaken with the beauty of the art and architecture.
Basilica of San Clemente
Location: Via Labicana, 95, Rome
Sunday Mass time: Sunday at 10AM
Are you fascinated by saints? The christian theologian, Saint Cyril, is buried at the Basilica of San Clemente, which celebrates mass at 10am on Sundays. Opened in 1084 AD, this church is of the Romanesque architecture style with gorgeous colorful mosaics covering the domed ceiling.
Sant’Anna dei Palafrenieri
Location: Via Sant’Anna, Vatican City
Sunday Mass Time: Sunday at 3:30PM
Stepping out of Rome into Vatican City takes one to Sant’anna, a Baroque styled church dedicated to Saint Anne. If a morning mass is not a first choice, Sant’anna offers a 3:30 pm Sunday service option.
San Silvestro in Capite
Location: Piazza di S.Silvestro, 17A, Rome
Sunday Mass Time: Sunday at 10AM or 5PM
Opposite Vatican City and just across River Tiber is Bascilica di San Silvestro which celebrates mass at 10 am and 5 pm on Sundays. Its square of the same name is unique and worth a view as well as it’s tower with many arched openings.
Domus Australia
Location: Via Cernaia 14 / B, Rome.
Sunday Mass Time: Sunday at 9AM
Finally, you can also experience English Sunday Mass in Rome at Domus Australia, at 9 am. Constructed recently by the Archdiocese of Sidney, the complex houses the chapel and also authentic Italian guest rooms for tourists wanting to stay.
Catholics Visiting Rome
If you’re a practicing Catholic visiting Rome, your visit won’t be complete until you’ve witnessed the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica. We offer many Private and Semi-Private tours within the walls of the Vatican State and would happily customize a private tour featuring must-see Vatican sites for devout Catholics. Feel free to email info@livtours.com for or check out our wide range of Vatican tours.