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Caravaggio and Bernini Private Tour of Rome

Follow in the footsteps of the great Italian masters Caravaggio and Bernini with an expert private guide, visiting the Churches housing their masterpieces in Rome and learning all about their lives and secrets.

Explore the dramatic beauty of Baroque Rome, guided by a passionate expert in art history. Follow in the footsteps of artistic giants like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael, who together shaped Rome into the cultural center it is today.
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Itinerary Highlights

  • Navona Square & Church of St. Louis of the French: Begin at the beautiful Navona Square before visiting the church that houses three priceless masterpieces by Caravaggio.

  • Church of St. Andrew of the Fratte: Marvel at the spectacular original angels sculpted by Bernini, which are famously replicated on the bridge leading to Castel Sant’Angelo.

  • Church of St. Ignatius: Step inside to be mesmerized by the astounding optical illusion of the ‘fake perspective dome’ created by Andrea Pozzo.

  • Church of St. Mary over Minerva: Continue your adventure through the city’s Baroque landscape at this beautiful and historically significant location.

  • Church of St. Agostino: Prepare to be blown away as you view magnificent works by both Caravaggio and Raphael within this stunning church.

Why book this tour

  • Expert Guidance: You will be accompanied by a private, dedicated guide who is an expert in Baroque Rome, providing deep insights into the lives and works of Caravaggio and Bernini.

  • Intimate Focus: This private walking tour focuses specifically on the most influential churches and paintings of the Baroque era, offering a concentrated and rich cultural experience.

  • Uncover Secrets: Learn about Caravaggio’s time in the Eternal City—including the profound influence he had on Rome and the lasting impact the city had on him—while going back in time to the vibrant Baroque period.

Description

During our 3 hour Caravaggio and Bernini Private Tour you will be accompanied by a passionate private guide, who is an expert in art history and Baroque Rome. With our private walking tour, focusing specifically on Baroque Rome, you will follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael. You will learn how these great artists have shaped Rome’s landscape to make it the great center of Baroque culture that it is today. You will visit the most important churches and paintings of Baroque Rome.

The first section of your Caravaggio and Bernini Private Tour will bring you to the stunning Navona Square where you will visit the Church of St. Luis of the French. Here you will continue your exploration of Caravaggio in Rome, as St Luis of the French houses three masterpieces by Caravaggio.

You will visit the Church of St. Andrew of the Fratte, where you can admire the spectacular angels sculpted by Bernini. Replicas of these famous statues are now on the bridge in front of Castel Sant’Angelo, making Bernini’s angels and iconic part of Rome’s everyday landscape.

Next you will visit the Church of St. Ignatius with its fake perspective dome, by Andrea Pozzo. The Church of St. Mary over Minerva will continue your adventure of Baroque Rome. Whilst in the Church of St. Agostino you will be blown away by works of Caravaggio and Raphael. You will learn all about the time spent by Caravaggio in Rome, the influence he had on the Eternal city and in turn Rome on him.

With this walking tour you will really be able to go back in time to Baroque Rome and you will learn all about the incredible artists who created some of the most influential works of the Baroque period in Rome and, indeed, the world.

Things to know before the tour

Please note the order of the sites might change to accomodate the opening times of the churches.

Important information

DRESS CODE: in order to enter religious sites, such as Churches, every participant must make sure they cover their shoulders and knees.

We also suggest you wear comfortable shoes, as a moderate amount of walking is involved in this tour.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations 4 days or earlier prior to the scheduled tour are subject to a penalty.

Please note Tickets and reservation are strictly not refundable. If you cancel 4 days or earlier prior to the tour we will refund you partially for the price of guide only.

No refund will be provided if you cancel your tour within 4 days prior to the scheduled tour.

Meeting point

Navona Square. You will meet your guide right in front of Bernini Fountain call the fountain of the 4 rivers. Your guide will meet you there in front of the Lion statue.

Included

3 hours official private guide in the selected language

Excluded

Tips

Transportation (this is a walking tour)

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About the Tour

Offered in English, Spanish, French or German

Duration

3 hours

Level

Easy

Access

Audio

Private Tour

Dates and departures

Everyday, morning or afternoon start times, all year round except on public holidays

Values

— What you won’t miss

You Will See

St. Agostino Church

Church of St. Agostino

The Church of St. Augustine is a significant Renaissance church, notable for its beautiful façade crafted from travertine taken from the Colosseum. It is a major pilgrimage site and an art lover's must-see, as it holds one of Caravaggio's early and most beautiful works, the Madonna of the Pilgrims (Madonna dei Pellegrini).
Piazza della Minerva

Church of St. Mary over Minerva

The Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is a uniquely important church because it is the only remaining example of a Gothic church in Rome, built directly atop the ruins of an ancient temple to Minerva. Its serene blue vaulted ceiling and stunning artworks include a majestic marble statue of the Christ the Redeemer by Michelangelo and the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena.
St Ignatius church ceiling

Church of St. Ignatius

The Church of St. Ignatius is a stunning example of Roman Baroque architecture, celebrated for its jaw-dropping ceiling fresco painted by Andrea Pozzo. This masterful work uses extreme trompe-l'œil perspective to create the illusion that the flat ceiling opens up into heaven, drawing the eye upward into a magnificent, soaring spectacle.
St Luis of French

Church of St. Louis of the French

This beautiful 16th-century church is the French national church in Rome, blending late Renaissance and Baroque styles. It is most famous for housing the stunning Contarelli Chapel, which features three world-renowned masterpieces by Caravaggio: the cycle of paintings depicting the life of Saint Matthew.
Navona Square

Navona Square

Piazza Navona is Rome's most elegant Baroque square, built on the ancient foundations of the 1st-century Stadium of Domitian, giving it its unique long, oval shape. It is dominated by Gian Lorenzo Bernini's magnificent central masterpiece, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, and flanked by the stunning façade of the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Borromini.

— About Us

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