Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica

Perched atop the Campidoglio hill, Santa Maria in Aracoeli is a historic Roman basilica famously accessed via 124 steep marble steps built as a votive offering after the Black Plague. While its exterior appears stark, the interior is exceptionally lavish and features a magnificent handcrafted gold leaf ceiling.

Commenters highlight the basilica as a beloved free attraction in Rome, while validating the physical difficulty of ascending the grand staircase. Visitors note that despite the knee-shaking climb, the breathtaking interior makes the effort entirely worthwhile.