Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria (Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria)

The Basics

Santa Maria della Vittoria (Saint Mary of Victory) was begun in the early 17th century, designed by Maderno and featuring a facade by Giovanni Battista Soria that is a near replica of Maderno’s nearby church of Santa Susanna, completed in 1603. In addition toThe Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, this relatively small church is decorated with a number of other sculptures by Domenico Guidi and Pierre Etienne Monnot, and paintings by Giovanni Domenico Cerrini, Guercino, Nicolas Lorrain, and Domenichino. The preserved remains of Saint Victoria are displayed inside.

Santa Maria della Vittoria is a popular stop on walking tours of Rome—especially those that focus on works by Bernini and landmarks mentioned in the popular novelAngels & Demons. You can combine a visit with stops at other city highlights like the Colosseum, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and the Spanish Steps.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Photography without a flash is allowed inside Santa Maria della Vittoria.

• Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter.

• Touring the church during mass is frowned upon.

• The church is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Santa Maria della Vittoria is located on Via XX Settembre between Piazza della Repubblica and the Termini station, and Villa Borghese. Both of the city's metro lines and many bus routes stop at Termini.

When to Get There

The church can be crowded at peak times of year, especially due to L’Estasi di Santa Teresa being one of Bernini’s most famous sculptures in Italy. Try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy this marvelous work in relative peace.

Santa Maria della Vittoria in Literature

Santa Maria della Vittoria was featured in Dan Brown’s bestselling novelAngels & Demons, a follow-up to the smash hitThe Da Vinci Code. The church became a hugely popular tourist destination in Rome after the book was published in 2006 and the film version was released a few years later.

Ways to explore

While you don’t need a ticket to check out the masterpieces inside the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, guided tours are the best way to get context behind the artwork. Specialized art tours often stop by the basilica along with other Bernini-designed attractions in Rome, such as St. Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant’Angelo) and the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana delle Quattro Fiumi). If you remember the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria from Angels and Demons, you can visit it on a themed tour of other landmarks featured in the Dan Brown novel.

Accessibility

While the church itself is accessible, the steps at the entrance may be difficult to navigate for visitors using wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, change for offering

What to wear

Modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.

Not allowed

Flash photography, visiting the church during Mass

Amenities

Public restrooms, luggage storage, and dining options are located a short walk from the church.

Address

Not far from the Roma Termini train station, the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is easy to reach on foot from the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and other attractions in the Monti neighborhood. If you’re coming from a different part of the city, you can get there by car or public transportation.

Driving

Due to traffic and limited parking, it is not easy for visitors to drive around Rome’s bustling city center, but taxis and rideshares are widely available to get you to the church.

Public transportation

The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is a short walk from the Roma Termini train station, which serves both the A and B metro lines and several bus routes throughout the city.

Best times to visit

The church closes for several hours at midday, so visit in the morning for a quiet atmosphere or the late afternoon for the best light on Bernini’s sculpture.

Best days to visit

Since the church isn’t among Rome’s most famous, it’s often relatively calm. Head there on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds in the surrounding area.

Best months to visit

Visiting the church is a great activity year-round, though Rome in general is best experienced when the weather is mild in the fall or spring.