San Luigi dei Francesi, Caravaggio's masterpieces in Baroque splendor

Piazza di San Luigi dei Francesi
Connected Italy and France
4.4

Introduction

The Church of Saint-Louis des Français is located in the center of Rome and was built between 1518 and 1589. It is the national church of France in Rome, named after the Virgin Mary, Saint Denis, and the French King Louis IX. The building style of the church reflects French characteristics and features sculptures of iconic historical figures such as Charlemagne, Saint Louis, and Saint Clotilde on its façade. The most famous artwork in the church is a series of three paintings depicting the life of St. Matthew created by Caravaggio between 1599 and 1600: The Calling of St. Matthew, The Inspiration of Saint Matthew, and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. This series of paintings is highly regarded for its artistic and historical significance. The Church of Saint-Louis des Français, along with other French churches, is managed by an administrative official appointed by the French ambassador to the Holy See. Its architecture and artwork are among the cultural heritage sites worth visiting in Rome.
Address
Piazza di San Luigi dei Francesi
Opening hours
8:30-12:30
15:30-19:00, closed on Thursday afternoon.
Transportation
Bus lines 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 116T, 130F, 186, 492, 628, C3, N7 stop at Corso Rinascimento. It's a 5-minute walk northeast from there.