Rome Churches Off Limits for Angels and Demons

The Vatican has denied a request to shoot the film Angels and Demons inside Rome churches, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, according to the Times Online. The movie is based on the best-selling book Angels and Demons (compare prices) by Dan Brown (biography), author of the popular book the Da Vinci Code (compare prices).

Much of the thriller's plot takes place in Rome and Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and square. The basilica, crowned by its huge Michelangelo dome, sits on St. Peter's Square, the heart of Vatican City. Inside the basilica are more than 100 important tombs and many important artworks.

Two Rome churches that figure prominently in the book are Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome's first Renaissance church, in Piazza del Popoloand Santa Maria della Vittoria, a Baroque church on Via XX Settembre that holds the famous Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini.

Related Rome Travel: Top Rome Churches to Visit | Vatican City Visitors Guide

_{Picture of St. Peter's Basilica © 2006 by James Martin, Europe Travel}