Renowned Painters in Roman Churches

Masterpieces by Renowned Painters in Roman Churches

Rome’s churches are home to incredible masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest painters. Here’s a list of must-visit churches, along with their locations and entry details.

Visiting these churches offers a profound appreciation of Renaissance and Baroque artistry within their original sacred settings.

1. San Luigi dei Francesi

📍 Location: Near Piazza Navona (Piazza di San Luigi de’ Francesi, 00186 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free (donations encouraged)

• Caravaggio:
  • The Calling of Saint Matthew
  • The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew
  • Saint Matthew and the Angel
    These three paintings, found in the Contarelli Chapel, are among Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces, illustrating dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro).

2. Santa Maria del Popolo

📍 Location: Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Rome (at the northern entrance of Piazza del Popolo)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Caravaggio:
  • The Crucifixion of Saint Peter
  • The Conversion of Saint Paul
    These works are housed in the Cerasi Chapel and showcase Caravaggio’s revolutionary realism and emotional intensity.
• Pinturicchio:
  • Frescoes in the Della Rovere Chapel, depicting scenes from the Virgin’s life.

3. Sant’Agostino

📍 Location: Near Piazza Navona (Via della Scrofa, 80, 00186 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Caravaggio:
  • Madonna of the Pilgrims (or Madonna di Loreto)
    Located near the main altar, this painting was controversial for its portrayal of the Virgin barefoot and in a simple setting.
• Raphael:
  • Prophet Isaiah
    This fresco is near the church’s main entrance and was inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel figures.

4. Santa Maria della Vittoria

📍 Location: Via Venti Settembre, 17, 00187 Rome (near Piazza della Repubblica)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Gian Lorenzo Bernini:
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
    This famous Baroque sculpture is in the Cornaro Chapel and depicts Saint Teresa in a divine moment of mystical rapture.

5. Santa Maria in Vallicella (Chiesa Nuova)

📍 Location: Near Campo de’ Fiori (Via del Governo Vecchio, 134, 00186 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Peter Paul Rubens:
  • Madonna and Child with Saints
    This large altarpiece above the high altar is one of Rubens’ most vibrant and dramatic religious paintings.

6. San Pietro in Montorio

📍 Location: Gianicolo Hill (Piazza di San Pietro in Montorio, 2, 00153 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Sebastiano del Piombo:
  • The Flagellation of Christ
    A powerful Renaissance painting commissioned by the Della Rovere family, found in the church’s interior.

7. Santa Maria sopra Minerva

📍 Location: Near the Pantheon (Piazza della Minerva, 42, 00186 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Filippino Lippi:
  • Frescoes of the Carafa Chapel
    These frescoes, depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and Saint Thomas Aquinas, are some of the best examples of High Renaissance painting in Rome.

8. San Francesco a Ripa

📍 Location: Trastevere (Piazza di San Francesco d’Assisi, 88, 00153 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Gian Lorenzo Bernini:
  • Blessed Ludovica Albertoni
    This sculpture, located in the Altieri Chapel, captures the mystical experience of the beata with extraordinary emotional depth.

9. Santa Maria Maggiore

📍 Location: Esquilino district (Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Guercino:
  • Saint Luke Painting the Virgin
    This Baroque painting highlights the sacred tradition of Saint Luke as the first painter of the Virgin Mary.

10. Chiesa del Gesù

📍 Location: Near Piazza Venezia (Via degli Astalli, 16, 00186 Rome)
🎟 Entrance: Free

• Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio):
  • The Triumph of the Name of Jesus
    This grand ceiling fresco, located above the nave, is a spectacular illusionistic work, full of dynamic movement and dramatic lighting effects.

Plan Your Visit

Most churches in Rome offer free entry, making them incredible cultural and artistic destinations. Some may have limited visiting hours due to religious services, so checking their schedules beforehand is recommended. From The Rabbit Hole vacation home, reaching these landmarks is incredibly easy—whether on foot for those who enjoy walking or by public transport and taxi. 🚶‍♂️🚌🚖