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Church of St. Louis of the French, Rome

4.8

#9 of 526 in Historic Sites in Rome

Church Tourist Spot

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One of five national churches of France located in Italy, Church of St. Louis of the French features three world-renowned paintings by the Baroque master Caravaggio representing the major events from the life of St. Matthew. Artist Domenichino, whose portrayal of the life of St. Cecilia is considered one of his masterpieces, created many of the frescoes. Several other notable artists worked on the decoration of the interior. The church was constructed between 1518 and 1589. It was eventually completed though the personal intervention of Catherine de Medici, an Italian noblewoman who was the wife and mother of several French kings. Church of St. Louis of the French is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our custom trip planner, Rome Edition.

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Church of St. Louis of the French Reviews

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5,329 reviews

Google

4.7

• By AdamLeaves

  There's a chapel in the church with three Caravaggio's. Sensational to see them in the context in which they were int3nded and well worth a look. Apparently it can get crowded but we were there mid-mo...  more »

• By paulovidal_pv

  Uma igreja magnífica, a não perder. Foi construída no século XVI como local de culto para a comunidade francesa de Roma. É uma joia da arte barroca, particularmente famosa por albergar importantes obr...  more »

  A magnificent church, not to be missed. It was built in the 16th century as a place of worship for the French community of Rome. It is a jewel of Baroque art, particularly famous for hosting important works of art, including three masterpieces by Caravaggio. Architecture exalts France with the representation of its saints and historical figures, including on the façade statues of Charlemagne, St. Louis, Saint Clotilde and St. John of Valois. The interior features three naves with five chapels on each side and a rich central choir decorated with marble. In the Contarelli Chapel caravaggio's paintings represent the Martyrdom of St Matthew, The Vocation of St Matthew and St Matthew and the angel
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• By pietro garzonio

  Stunning! From the outside it could look like a classic Church, but the inside will make you change ideas! It's known mostly for the 3 Caravaggio's on the left side in the back of the Church (which are absolutely amazing) but I suggest you to stare also at the beautiful ceiling and at the columns (every part of this church is a real work of art and hides a treasure).

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• By Juan Camilo Vargas

  The three Caravaggios here are amazing. It is worth the detour from the Pantheon. The church on it's own is very pretty and as expected full of French references and symbols.

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