Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Santa Maria sopra Minerva
4.5
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4.5
295 reviews
Excellent
138
Very good
115
Average
40
Poor
2
Terrible
0
PavlaPavla
Chrudim, Czech Republic7,543 contributions
July 2022
Temple of Minerva, was built in 30 BC. and was originally dedicated to Hercules. Six massive Corinthian columns in the front testify to its ancient origin. I was really impressed by these ancient columns. Among the medieval architecture, the facade of this temple looked strange, as if this building was from another world.
In the late Middle Ages, the Roman temple became the Christian church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva with a bell tower called "Torre del Popolo".
The interior is richly decorated, the ceiling is very nice. Free entry.
In the late Middle Ages, the Roman temple became the Christian church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva with a bell tower called "Torre del Popolo".
The interior is richly decorated, the ceiling is very nice. Free entry.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler
Virginia35 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
This church is in the perfect location of Assisi--- directly in the middle of town, centered in the main piazza.
It is so quaint and beautiful inside, with a definite sense of peace and love within it. Perhaps the only Marian church in Assisi...the Blessed Mother statue is directly above the altar with a crown of illuminated stars. So beautiful!
Most of all, the Friars at this church are AMAZING. Their love for their faith is radiant and contagious. Their excitement and zeal leaves you wanting more from their homilies and their presence! They are truly special Friars.
And whats wonderful is their evening Mass...such a great convenience.
I definitely recommend a visit to this beautiful, special and grace-filled church!
It is so quaint and beautiful inside, with a definite sense of peace and love within it. Perhaps the only Marian church in Assisi...the Blessed Mother statue is directly above the altar with a crown of illuminated stars. So beautiful!
Most of all, the Friars at this church are AMAZING. Their love for their faith is radiant and contagious. Their excitement and zeal leaves you wanting more from their homilies and their presence! They are truly special Friars.
And whats wonderful is their evening Mass...such a great convenience.
I definitely recommend a visit to this beautiful, special and grace-filled church!
Written 4 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara K
Johannesburg, South Africa131 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
On our visit to Assisi I explored the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva with its façade of huge pillars looking out onto the square. The façade and columns of this temple are the most intact in Italy, it is also one of Italy’s oldest temples which was converted into a Catholic church. The church itself is quite ornate but not particulary different in any way to other churches in Italy. What caught my eye just before we were about to leave was a little staircase at the right back of the church with a sign indicating that there was a museum and archeological diggins to be explored. Entrance to the church is free, but there is a museum (Museo Civico) and archaeological diggings under the church. It was only discovered after the earthquake of 1997 that these ruins were sitting under a layer of soil no deeper than 20 inches, just waiting to be discovered.
If you are visiting Assisi make this a must on your agenda. Entrance to the museum was €5. There were wonderful paintings and frescos on display and parts of an ancient roman villa that were partially excavated. I was totally alone in the museum and what a wonderful experience that was. I peered into dark passageways and alleys and suddenly a light would switch on allowing me to move forward into another world 2000 years ago. As I moved along the light would switch off behind me and another would light the way forwards. It was a very eerie feeling walking alone through the past, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Excavations are still taking place at lower levels. These are covered by thick glass but it allows you a glimpse into the excavations that are still ongoing.
If you are visiting Assisi make this a must on your agenda. Entrance to the museum was €5. There were wonderful paintings and frescos on display and parts of an ancient roman villa that were partially excavated. I was totally alone in the museum and what a wonderful experience that was. I peered into dark passageways and alleys and suddenly a light would switch on allowing me to move forward into another world 2000 years ago. As I moved along the light would switch off behind me and another would light the way forwards. It was a very eerie feeling walking alone through the past, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Excavations are still taking place at lower levels. These are covered by thick glass but it allows you a glimpse into the excavations that are still ongoing.
Written 27 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bollwage
Bridgewater, NJ351 contributions
July 2013 • Family
Many of the other religious sites around Asissi can overshadow this find. Right in the Town Square it should not be missed. From the time you walk up the ancient Roman steps you get the sense you are stepping back in time. The interior is breathtaking.
Written 8 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edwelsh
North Canton, OH7,162 contributions
July 2019
The Roman columns are evident as is the old wall. That it remains is probably due to it being used as a church. The Mother of Christ over (the Roman goddess ) Minerva is more than symbolic. Small by Italian church standards but the decor is ornate.
Written 17 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA10,355 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
You first notice the 6-column portico that was a 1 BC Roman temple. The temple has been repurposed as a church. The interior is small, but very ornate with a baby blue hue highlighted by gold leaf. A must visit when you are in Piazza del Comune.
Written 30 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akasha L
Lot-et-Garonne, France77 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Every Saturday there is a free mid-day concert (donations can be left at the end) and the church was full. The interior is stunning and the concert, which was led by the renowned music director, Carlo Forlivesi was wonderful. It lasted 45 minutes. The acoustics were perfect and it was hard to imagine that just outside was a very bustling piazza. Worth a visit with or without attending the concert.
Written 31 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,056 contributions
Aug 2022
The Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva was built in 1539 but the outer shell of the ancient Roman temple with its six Corinthian columns dates back to the 1st Century BC,. Inside is interesting but not as elaborate as some churches
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mosesloh
Singapore, Singapore194 contributions
Apr 2019
I walked past this building several times without knowing what it was, until I entered one fine morning to take a peek. The exterior was an ancient Roman style, whilst the interior was Baroque. Inside with just an altar and several rows of short pews. I later learnt that the church was built over the former Temple of Minerva (hence the name and different styles). Entrance to this church is free and photography is allowed, unlike most churches in Assisi.
Written 29 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzyQu15
Brooklyn, NY1,549 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
It is amazing to almost stumble upon this building in this beautiful piazza and to reflect upon its history. Now a church, this was originally a Roman Temple with original walls and facade still intact for over 2,000 years! Beautiful interior with an altar in blue and gold. Don’t miss this wonderful experience when in Assisi!
Written 10 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time is mass said on Saturdays.
Grazie.
Written 13 October 2018
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