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.
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- Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is home to three spectacular works by Caravaggio
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- The facade of the church has a French character and style
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- The facade of the church is a decorative art work done by Giacomo della Porta
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.
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- The frescoes portraying the Histories of Saint Cecilia by Domenichino is truly a masterpiece
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- Church of San Luigi dei Francesi has a haunting lighting inside the church
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- This is the altar of the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
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- The golden ceilings and ornate sculptures make for an alluring cathedral
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- The inspiration of Saint Matthew
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- Lights will turn on, so you can have a better look of the paintings
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- Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is also where Martin Luther stayed when he came to Rome for his trial
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- Domenichino painted one of his masterworks in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
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- A wooden altar inside Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
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- Inside of the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi you’ll see a fantastic Merklin organ
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.
