"Grande Galerie" of Art, the Roman Churches

Where: Rome
Suggested transport: on foot
Points of interest: 9
Target: For all
Trail: 1km 900m
Accessibility: All year round

The Grande Galerie in the Louvre Museum, Paris, is renowned as the hall where Italian paintings are exhibited, boasting what many consider the richest Italian art collection in the world. But what if you could admire an even richer collection, just a short stroll away—and for free?

Prepare to be amazed by masterpieces from Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, Bramante, Carracci, Domenichino, Bernini, Andrea Pozzo, Gaulli, and many others. The most incredible exhibition of Italian art is still in Italy, scattered across the churches of Rome!

Feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless number of churches in Rome? Not sure which ones are must-sees or where to find the true artistic treasures? This guided circuit takes you through the labyrinthine narrow streets of Rome’s historic center, unveiling extraordinary masterpieces that adorn small chapels and magnificent gilded altars. Experience these artworks in their natural habitat—the very places they were created to inspire awe and devotion.

>> The circuit includes 9 churches in the very center of Rome with several masterpieces each.


Suggested itinerary:

- Chiesa Nuova or Maria in Vallicella: frescoes by Pietro da Cortona. Altarpiece by Rubens. Works by Barocci, Guido Reni and Venusti in the chapels.

- S. Maria della Pace: frescoes by Raphael, Baldasarre Peruzzi, Rosso Fiorentino. Paintings by Orazio Gentileschi, Peruzzi and Lavinia Fontana. Cloister by Bramante.

- S. Maria dell’Anima: Altarpiece by Giulio Romano. Frescoes by Francesco Salviati, Michiel Coxcie and il Sermoneta. Tomb of Pope Hadrian VI.

- S. Nicola dei Lorenesi: frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto.

- S. Agnese in Agone: frescoes by Gaulli and Cozza. Baroque marble altars by sculptors Caffà, Raggi and Algardi. Church by Borromini.

- S.Agostino: Frescoes by Raphael and Lanfranco. Paintings by Guercino. Masterpiece painting by Caravaggio. Tomb of Saint Augustine’s mother.

- S. Luigi dei Francesi: Paintings by Caravaggio (his most famous art piece). Frescoes by Domenichino, Cavalier d’Arpino, Jacopino del Conte, Pellegrino Tibaldi.

- S. Maria sopra Minerva: Works by Michelangelo, Filippino Lippi, Bernini, Antoniazzo Romano, Gaulli and Barocci. Tombs of Saint Catherine of Siena and artist Beato Angelico.

- S. Ignazio: frescoes by Padre Pozzo.
 

Practical Information

• Tour Details: The tour features churches located in the heart of Rome, each showcasing several extraordinary masterpieces.
• Customizable Itinerary: Days, times, and the specific churches visited can be adjusted based on your preferences and the opening hours of the monuments.
• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Languages Available: Italian / English / Español / Nederlands

© Christiaan Santini