Church of Sant’ Agnese in Agone

This 17^th century Baroque church can be found in the Piazza Navona.

Little is known of St Agnes, whom the church was dedicated. But she was martyred on a pyre by Emperor Diocletian who persecuted Christians. She was aged only 12 or 13. Daughter of Emperors Constantine, Constance had the church erected in her name. Borromini deigned the facade.

Take a look at the beautiful ceiling frescoes by P Gismaondi and Cozza, as well as reliefs by Rossi, Raggi Ferrata, and Guidi. But the cupola by Gaulli steals the show.

The church has regular concerts of chamber and classical music.

Photographs aren't allowed on the day, hence the following photos have been taken from other sources.

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Facade of Sant' Agnese in Agone in the Piazza Novona (W Commons)

Statue of St Agnese (W Commons)

Piazza Novona where St Agnese was martyred

The Church of San Marcello al Corso, Rome

This church is set back from the Via del Corso in the Piazza San Marcello.

A lovely intimate church, with beautiful artwork, this titular church was dedicated to Pope Marcellus I. It is said that Pope Marcellus I was imprisoned on the site.

A titular church by the way is a Roman church ascribed to a cardinal or priest. Often these churches were named after the owner or donor appointed by the church. Before Christianity was legalised in Rome, these churches were private buildings. The church was destroyed by fire in 1519.

Admire the reliefs and paintings by artists including Cavallini, Ferrata, Raggi, Ricci, De Rossi and others.

When I visited this church, a concert was to be held that evening. I wished I could have seen it.

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Altar of San Marcello in Rome

Crucifix in San Marcello al Corso, Rome

Facade of the Church of San Marcello

Looking towards the altar of San Marcello

Basillica di Sant ‘Andrea della Valle Rome

Also known as the Church of St Andrew of the Valley, this church is a minor basilica in Rione of Sant'Eustachio.

This church can be found in the Piazza Vidoni at the intersection of the Vittorio Emanuele (facing facade) and Corso Rinascimento.

The fresco decoration of Sant’ Andrea’s lavish dome was completed by two artists: Giovanni Lanfranco and Domenichino and which set the standard for such decorations in the future. Within the chapels find statues of Rachel and Leah, depictions of the Pieta and the Madonna.

Within, admire friezes and sculptures by Fontana, Raggi (a mentor of Bernini) and Strozzi.

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Ceiling frescoes in the Church of St Andrew of the Valley

Painting in the chapel of Sant' Andrew della Valle

Cupola within the Church of St Andrew, Rome

Facade of the Church of St Andrew of the Valley, Rome

Painting within the chapel of St Andrew of the Valley

Floor plan of the Basillica of St Andrew of the Valley

Parrocchia Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli Rome

To be found in the Piazza Campitelli, this church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 4^th century by Pope Liberius.

The altar depicts a gilded glory of angels with a play of light. Behind this ‘gloria’ is a staircase permitting a better view (open by request).

Admire works by Ottoni, Pettrich, Giordano and Baratta.

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Cupola in Santa Maria in Portico Rome

Facade of the Santa Maria in Portico

Chapel within Santa Maria in Portico

Painting in the chapel of the Santa Maria in Portico

Christ installation within the Santa Maria in Portico, Rome

Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi, Rome

Located in the Piazza di S. Luigi de’ Francesi between the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona.

The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, St. Denis the Areopagite and St. Louis IX (king of France). Built between 1518 and 1589. It is the national church in Rome of France and its Saint’s day is Aug 25.

Admire the lovely ceiling fresco by the Rococo artist Charles-Joseph Natoire as well as works by Franscesco Bassamo the Younger and Cesare.

Most of all, look out for Caravaggio’s paintings in St Matthews chapel.

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St Matthew and the Angel by Caravaggio

The Martyrdom of St Matthew by Caravaggio

Ceiling fresco by Charles-Joseph Natiore

Cupola in San Luigi dei Francesi

Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi

Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola in Campo Marzio Rome

This church is also known as the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola at Campus Martius, and which is found in the Via del Caravita. It is as titular church dedicated to Sant’ Ignazio who founded the Society of Jesus and the Roman College.

It has a superb ceiling fresco dedicated to St Ignatius going to paradise in Fra Andrea Pozzo’s trompe l'œil style, (meaning a three-dimensional effect). Reuben’s influence can be seen here. A mirror has been angled in the church in order to view the ceiling frescoes without straining the neck.
The celestial dome above the Baroque altar mesmerizes with odd effects.

Admire works also by Le Gros, Bracci and Ludovisi (a student of Bernini). The church is known for its elaborate nativities.

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Andrea Pozzo fresco in St Ignatius

Chapel in St Ignatius

Display in St Ignatius Church Rome

Frieze in St Ignatuis

Painting in St Ignatius Church

Frescoes in St Ignatius by Andrea Pozzo

Facade of St Ignatius Church Rome

St Ignatius of Loyola altar frescoes by Andrea Pozzo

Chapel for confessions in St Ignatius

Church of The Gesu, Rome

To be found to the west of the Piazza Venezia this church has its own little piazza in the Via degli Astalli. The facade is Baroque style, more austere than the neighbouring churches.

It is the mother church of the Jesuits (the Society of Jesus), a movement founded by St Ignatuis Loyola, a Spanish soldier, now buried beneath the great altar. After forming the headquarters of Rome in the 15^th century, this church became the model of other Jesuit churches throughout the world. Jesuit scholars reside in the Gregorian University in the adjacent piazza in preparation for ordination to the priesthood.

The ceiling is adorned by Baciccia’s Glory of the Mystical Lamb.

Admire further works by Celio, Zuccari and Vacca.

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Painting at the Gesu

The Gesu facade

Steps to the Gesu

The Gesu Cupola

The Gesu ceiling fresco

High altar of the Gesu

Painting of the Gesu