In The Foot Steps of Caravaggio

In The Foot Steps of Caravaggio

Caravaggio in Rome is an itinerary that takes place through the city of Rome.The route takes place in the city where there are 23 works by Caravaggio distributed in 12 sites. With the exception of the Galleria Borghese and the two sites to the right of the Tiber. All the others are included within the Aurelian Walls and therefore it is extremely difficult to reach them with a private vehicle. Even the Galleria Borghese is still in a pedestrian area.

Itinerary and Highlights

#1 Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo

It is a baroque church located next to the Porta del Popolo, on the left entering the city. It is organized in three naves, with four chapels on each side and a transept with four chapels. In the church there are works by Pinturicchio, Giulio Mazzoni and Alessandro Algardi. The important one is the Chigi chapel, in the left aisle where Raphael and Gian Lorenzo Bernini worked. The chapel contains the tomb of Agostino Chigi and other members of the family.

In the transept the Cerasi Chapel, you will find two paintings by Caravaggio, as well as a work by Annibale Carracci.

#2 Galleria Borghese

It is located inside Villa Borghese. It has artistic artifacts ranging from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century such as sculptures, mosaics and bas-reliefs. The museum has works by Bernini, Bronzino, and others. Among the sculptures, there are “statue of Paolina Borghese” by Canova, “Giove bambino and a faun fed by the goat Amaltea”, and the “Apollo and Dafne” both by Bernini which stand out.

There are six paintings by Caravaggio, covering a period of almost twenty years.

#3 Casino Ludovisi or Aurora

The Ludovisi casino, or casino of the Aurora, is what remains of the Ludovisi villa. It is previously destroyed on which the Ludovisi-Boncompagni district was built. The casino dates back to the sixteenth century, spread over two floors. It takes its name from the fresco that is found in the vault of the salon, by Guercino.

Caravaggio’s work is an oil on a wall, located on the first floor and ceiling. It is the only wall painting by Caravaggio.

#4 Church of Santa Maria Immacolata in Via Veneto. Known as the Capuchins

The church is commonly known as the Capuchin church and is known for its ossuary. There are works by Guido Reni, and others too.