On Janiculum Hill in Trastevere, San Pietro in Montorio pairs a modest street-facing exterior with an ornate interior of chapels, frescoes, paintings and sculpture. Look for chapels associated with Bernini and Vasari, then visit Bramante’s Tempietto in the courtyard, a celebrated Renaissance work. The church is also the burial place of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone. A terrace outside gives views across central Rome, and the hilltop setting is quieter than the city’s busier viewpoints.
A church on Janiculum Hill
San Pietro in Montorio stands on Via Garibaldi in Trastevere, on the slopes of Janiculum Hill. Church grounds may have been here as early as the ninth century. The building seen today was built by the Franciscans in the late fifteenth century, with funding from Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.
Its plain exterior gives little hint of the decorated interior. Inside, chapels, frescoes, paintings and sculpture bring together work by Italian artists of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Chapels associated with Bernini and Vasari are among the details to look for.
The Tempietto and Hugh O’Neill’s tomb
In the courtyard, Donato Bramante’s Tempietto is a small Renaissance temple. It has a separate entrance through the Spanish Royal Academy, so access is distinct from entry to the church. Check the Academy’s visiting arrangements before setting out.
The church also holds the tomb of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, beneath the floor in front of the high altar. O’Neill left Ireland after the Flight of the Earls in 1607 and came to Rome. His burial here connects the church with a chapter of Irish history.
Views from the hill
A terrace just outside the church looks across central Rome, including the area east of the Tiber. The elevated setting is a reason to linger after seeing the interior, and the surroundings are quieter than the popular Belvedere del Gianicolo viewpoint.
The church is somewhat removed from the main tourist routes and the approach involves a climb. Plan the visit with the hill in mind, and check access before walking up: the church’s listed visiting time is limited to a short afternoon window.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is San Pietro in Montorio?
It is on Via Garibaldi in Trastevere, on Janiculum Hill in Rome.
Can you visit Bramante’s Tempietto from the church?
The Tempietto is in the courtyard and has separate access through the Spanish Royal Academy. Check the Academy’s visiting arrangements separately.
What can you see inside San Pietro in Montorio?
The church has chapels associated with Bernini and Vasari, along with frescoes, paintings and sculpture. Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, is buried beneath the floor in front of the high altar.
How long should you allow for a visit?
About 15 minutes is enough to see the church. Allow additional time for the courtyard and the view from the terrace.
