10 Most Bizarre Churches of Rome (vol. 2)
Rome can be proud of almost 1000 churches that make it the city with most churches in the world
Their history go along the Eternal City’s one since the dawn of time, marking its religious, social and artistic evolution. In this article (divided in 2 volumes), we want to talk about a selection of the 10 most bizarre churches in Rome, selected for you for different reasons. Enjoy your reading
6 of 10 Most Bizarre Churches of Rome
Church of Sant’Ignazio Loyola
The Church of Sant’Ignazio Loyola is located in the homonymous square. In a Baroque style with a Latin cross plan, it is famous for the quadrature by Andrea Pozzo that creates an impressive trompe-l’oeil. Looking up you will see indeed an artificial second temple that overlaps the real one. Here is depicted The Glory of the Saint and if the viewer position itself in a precise point indicated, he will have the impression to observe the inside of a dome supported by columns.
7 of 10 Most Bizarre Churches of Rome
Church of Santa Maria Immacolata in Via Veneto
The Church of Santa Maria Immacolata, better known as the Capuchins Church, is located in the heart of Rome, in the famous Via Veneto. What attracts most visitors is its Crypt, a real ossuary where the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin Friars decorate the whole space. In the five chapels of the crypt there are also the mummified bodies of monks with their typical clothes. A fascinating place even for those who are not religious!
8 of 10 Most Bizarre Churches of Rome
Church of the Madonna dell’Archetto
The church of Santa Maria dell’Archetto is situated in the Trevi area and hidden in an alley near Via di San Marcello and it is the smallest church of Rome! With a Neo-Renaissance style, inside it encloses an altar that shields the image of the Virgin. Legend has it that during the French occupation of 1796, Our Lady’s eyes moved and wept. Since then the little church has become a place of interest for many pilgrims.
9 of 10 Most Bizarre Churches of Rome
Church of St. Louis of the French
The Church of St. Louis of the French is located near the beautiful Navona Square. It is a place that represents France with its saints and its most important figures such as Charlemagne and St. Louis, but the real attraction are the works of the great Caravaggio. In fact inside you will find three paintings by “the master of light and dark”: the Calling of St. Matthew, The Martyrdom of St. Matthew and St. Matthew and the Angel. A must-go for art lovers!
10 of 10 Most Bizarre Churches of Rome
Church of Sacro Cuore del Suffragio
The Church of the Sacred Heart of the Suffrage is in the area of Prati, close to the Palazzaccio, and is also known as “the little Milan Cathedral” because of its Neo-Gothic style. Its style is in stark contrast with the surrounding architecture of the Tiber, and also this feature gives it a charm and character that attracts lots of visitors. Its facade is made of reinforced concrete with Gothic spiers, statues and niches. Another feature of this church is the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory which entry is from the sacristy. Don’t forget the luminescent rose window with its refined decorations!
