Church of San Luigi dei Francesi Rome
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is located real close to the Pantheon and Piazza Navonne.
The architect was Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana built it between 1518 through 1589. Antoine Dérizet restored the interior between 1749 through 1756.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is home to three spectacular works by Caravaggio in the Contarelli Chapel, on the last side on the left before the main altar. Inspiration of St. Matthew, a youthful angel is dictating the gospel to the elderly Matthew. Martyrdom of St. Matthew, Matthew is besieged during a Mass service. Call of Matthew, a striking visual realization by Christ who enters on the right and points at Matthew the tax collector and ask him to be his disciple. If it is dark you just need to put in a euro coin in the light machine. Lights will turn on, so you can have a better look of the paintings. By doing this you can notice how Caravaggio infused his own light into the baroque melodrama. It’s well worth seeing.
Don’t forget to look up at the ceilings all through the church. The golden ceilings and ornate sculptures make for an alluring cathedral. The frescoes portraying the Histories of Saint Cecilia by Domenichino is truly a masterpiece. A few other artists who contributed are Giovanni Baglione, Tibaldi, and Cavalier D’Arpino.
It is free, so you should stop in to see the place. It should take less than a half hour to view everything, the crowds are manageable and the paintings were stunning. Try not to miss this one.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi Rome is a French national church, and was dedicated to St Louis IX, King of Franceis. It is home to the French community, masses are held in French and sometimes Latin.
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Phone number: +39 06 688271
Address: Via Santa Giovanna D’Arco, 5, 00186 Rome, Italy
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Thursday – 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Friday through Sunday, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi will ask that you cover bare shoulders. Shorts above the knee are not appreciated.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is in the middle of it all and has many close attractions. The Pantheon is one of the nearest followed by Piazza Navona with it’s amazing fountains and Sant’Agnese Church. Campo de Fiori is in the same corner and can be done when in that area.
If you go the other direction you can visit the Trevi fountain, Via del Corso and the Spanish steps. Piazza Venezia is near as well which will take you down to the Coloseum.
