Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, originally built in the early fourth century to celebrate mass openly. The current basilica was built as a successor to an earlier tituli, or patron church. The area was given to Christians by Emperor Severus to settle a dispute, stating he preferred it be used by those who honor God, regardless of their form of worship. India has many temples that preserve its rich cultural history, with pilgrimage sites aimed at attaining salvation or nirvana according to various theories.