About Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola
Works of baroque art at Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola
When one enters the Chiesa Sant Ignazio di Loyola, they are immediately struck by the magnificent baroque art that adorns the walls and ceiling. But many visitors don't know that the "dome" of the church is a trompe l'oeil painting created to give the illusion of a real dome. The trick was achieved by painting a trompe-l'oeil sky on a flat ceiling. For those standing below, it appears as if they are looking up at a real dome.
The Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola is home to a number of baroque artworks, many of which are on display in the vault. The most notable of these is the "Assumption of the Virgin" by Andrea Pozzo. Other notable works include "The Holy Family" by Carlo Maratta and "The Adoration of the Magi" by Luca Giordano. The church also houses a number of works by famous artists, such as Caravaggio and Bernini.
The Presbytery of Chiesa Sant Ignazio di Loyola is in the centre of the church, behind the high altar. It is a large room with a vaulted ceiling and a balcony overlooking the nave. The presbytery is home to the church's main organ, which is one of the largest in Rome. The organ has four manuals and pedalboards and over 4,000 pipes. The presbytery also contains several paintings by Baroque artists, including Giovanni Battista Gaulli and Andrea Pozzo.
The side altars and the tombs of the Jesuit saints are located in the Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola. The altar on the left is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, and the one on the right is dedicated to St. Peter Faber. The tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola is in front of the main altar. The altars are lavishly decorated with gold leaf, marble, and mosaics, and the tombs are adorned with life-size statues of the saints.
History of the Church of Saint Ignatius
The Roman College was the first institution of higher learning established by the Society of Jesus. The college was located in Rome, Italy, and functioned as a preparatory school for Jesuits who were going to study at the University of Rome. In 1773, Pope Clement XIV suppressed the Roman College and gave the title "Pontifical Gregorian University". Today, the Pontifical Gregorian University is one of the leading Jesuit universities in the world.
The new church was inaugurated on the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1650. The façade, designed by Francesco Borromini, is one of the most notable examples of Roman Baroque architecture. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a nave that seems to float above the ground supported by slender Corinthian columns.
The Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. It is located in the heart of Rome, just a short walk from the Vatican. It was built in the early 1600s to honour the founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. It is home to many works of art, including paintings by Andrea Pozzo and frescoes by Giovanni Battista Gaulli. Visitors can also view the tomb of Saint Ignatius, which is located in the crypt beneath the church.
Plan Your Visit to Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola
Opening hours:The Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola is open from 7:30 am-7:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 9:00 am on Sundays.
Location:It is located at the Piazza di Sant Ignazio, which is a short walk from the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rome Ciampino Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from the church. There are also several other airports in the vicinity, including Rome Fiumicino Airport, which is about an hour away. If you're driving, several parking options are available near the church.
By Train: The closest station to the Chiesa Sant Ignazio di Loyola is Rome Termini, which is about a 20-minute walk from the church. There are also several other stations in the area, including Rome Ostiense and Rome Tiburtina, which are both about a 30-minute walk away.
The best time to visit Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola is in the morning or evening when the light is softer, and the church is less crowded. If you can, try to avoid visiting during the midday heat, as the church can be quite warm.
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Admission to the church is free, but donations are always welcome. While photography is allowed inside the church, be respectful of other visitors and refrain from taking flash photos. You can explore more of Rome's baroque architecture with a visit to Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Carlo al Corso.
FAQ's
What is St. Ignatius of Loyola best known for?
St. Ignatius of Loyola is best known for his work in founding the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits. He was also a prolific writer, and his book "Spiritual Exercises" is still widely read and used by Catholics.
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What is the best time to visit Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola?
The best time to visit Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola is in the morning or evening when the light is softer, and the crowds are thinner. If you can, try to visit on a weekday when it will be even quieter. The church is open from 7:30 am-7:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 9:00 am on Sundays.
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What are the visiting hours of Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola?
The church is open to the public from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm on Monday to Saturday and from 9:00 am on Sundays. Mass is celebrated daily at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.
Who painted Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola?
The Italian artist Andrea Pozzo painted the Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola. He was born in Trento, Italy, in 1642 and died in 1709. He is best known for his trompe-l'oeil paintings, which are optical illusions that make the painting look three-dimensional.
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When was Sant Ignazio built?
Construction of Sant Ignazio began in 1585, under the design of Italian Jesuit architect Fr. Francesco Borromini. The church was built on the site of a pre-existing chapel that was destroyed in 1577. The church's ground floor was completed in 1606, while the upper levels were not completed until 1626 due to financial difficulties.
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