01/09/2026
You could easily walk past the understated brick exterior of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri without realising what lies inside.
In 1561, Pope Pius IV commissioned Michelangelo, then 86 years old, to transform part of the ancient Baths of Diocletian into a church. Rather than demolishing the Roman ruins and starting again, Michelangelo designed the church around them, preserving much of the extraordinary ancient structure.
Step inside and you are quite literally walking through parts of the enormous Roman bath complex, built around 300 AD. Michelangelo incorporated the ancient tepidarium (warm bathroom) and the vast central hall of the baths into his design, retaining its soaring Roman vaults and eight enormous red granite columns.
Even the basilica’s wonderfully understated curved brick façade has a story - it once formed part of the caldarium, or hot-bath section, of the Baths of Diocletian.
Michelangelo died in 1564, before the church was completed, making Santa Maria degli Angeli one of the final great architectural projects of his extraordinary life.
It’s a fascinating example of something Rome does so beautifully - layering one period of history upon another, while allowing both to remain visible.
NOTE: You’ll notice scaffolding in our video as the basilica is currently undergoing major restoration works. During this time, the doors are only open for evening mass – many visitors are timing their visit for when the doors open, allowing time to appreciate the basilica before Mass begins. The basilica is due to return to its usual schedule on Sunday, 6 September 2026 – but we recommend checking their website in case it is delayed.
📍 Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica - just 600 metres, or around an 8-minute walk, from Domus Australia.
