Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza is a church built between 1642 and 1660 by Francesco Borromini, the architect of La Sapienza University. For its artistic, technical and symbolic values, the building is considered one of the masterpieces of the architect, of the Baroque and of the history of architecture in general. The works were conditioned by the pre-existence of the already built palace and courtyard, which left a very limited quadrangular space for the construction of the church. But the result is of extreme purity and apparent simplicity.

About this building

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments

Visitors information

  • Bus stop within 100m
  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Gobbler

Basilica di Sant'Eustachio

The Basilica of Sant'Eustachio was built in the 8th century, with the first mention of it in 795. The old building was completely rebuilt and enlarged in 1195-1196 under Pope Celestine III, when the Romanesque bell tower was added, which can still be seen today. Between the 17th and 18th centuries, the church was completely rebuilt, demolishing all the medieval structures (except the bell tower), and rebuilding it according to the tastes of the time.

Wikimedia Commons/trolvag

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

The church of San Luigi dei Francesi was built between 1518 and 1589 by the French community of Rome. The work was carried out by Domenico Fontana on a project by Giacomo Della Porta, and thanks to the donations of Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589). Between 1749 and 1764 the interior was renovated under the project of the French architect Antoine Dérizet.

Wikimedia Commons/Nicholas Gemini

Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone

The church of Sant'Agnese in Agone was built on the spot where, according to tradition, Agnes of Rome, exposed naked to the public, was miraculously covered by her hair. After the oratory, built in the 7th century, the church was built over it in baroque style by the architects Girolamo and Carlo Rainaldi in 1652 at the request of Pope Innocent X and the noble family of Pamphili. The church was completed between 1653 and 1657 by Francesco Borromini. He designed the concave façade of the church and topped it with a dome and two campaniles.