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Church of St. Louis of the French, Rome

4.8

#9 of 528 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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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,287 reviews

Google

4.7

• By Blondedawg

  There are 4 churches close to each other worthy of a visit. I agree with the other reviewers, this one is very special indeed. Start at Piazza Navona and wander to see each of these treasures.  more »

• By yogiacomo

  Great things can happen when you’re lost in Rome. This was a perfect example. We were overwhelmed by the three Caravaggio’s as well as it’s Baroque art.  more »

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Google

• By diane leach

  You cant but help but spend longer than expected . As soon as you walk in you instinctively look up to the magnificent ceiling...the paintings. The beautiful colours. Like many churches in Rome, is FREE to enter. Although if you wish to light a candle it asks for a contribution (usually a euro)..with coin boxes attached to the candle stands. The unique thing with this church is the huge paintings that hang on the walls At first they are hard to view as theyre optically quite dark to view, but you see a kind notice that if you pay €1..the paintings light up. Once someone places a euro into the close machine the paintings come alive. The light stays on long enough for you to view their beauty and take some photos. This also preserves the paintings as they are not in direct sunlight, that could,over time damage the pigments. All funds goes into the upkeep.

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• By Mark Mullens

  For the secular lot - walk to the far left corner and be prepared to get blown away by the artistic might of Caravaggio. Apart from that the church is just gorgeous and spectacular. Not that Rome has any shortage of glorious churches and cathedrals.

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