🏛️LandmarkClosed · Opens 8:30 AMFree

Parish Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo

Name: Parish Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
Rating: 4.7

4.7 ·

Step inside this plain-faced church just off Piazza del Popolo. See two Caravaggio masterpieces, the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and Conversion of Saint Paul, plus Raphael's Chigi Chapel, all in natural light, for free.

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Reasons to go

Built in the 15th century on a site once believed haunted by the ghost of Emperor Nero.
The Cerasi Chapel houses two Caravaggio paintings, the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul, viewable in natural light.
The Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael.

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Full description

Built in the 15th century on a site once believed haunted by Nero's ghost, the church's plain exterior gives no hint of the artistic weight inside: the Cerasi Chapel holds two Caravaggio paintings, the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul, while the Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael. Because it sits just off the busy Piazza del Popolo but rarely appears on quick-stop itineraries, it stays comparatively calm even at peak tourist hours.

Art lovers in particular shouldn't skip it, since seeing two Caravaggios in situ, in natural light, for free, is rare in Rome. A short but high-value visit for anyone interested in Baroque and Renaissance painting.

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Address

Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Roma RM, Italy · Campo Marzio

Website

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

30 min

Best time

early morning, morning, afternoon or early evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

Bring coins for the light box that illuminates the Caravaggio paintings, or wait for another visitor to activate it
it's free and often overlooked, so visit any time without worrying about crowds
pair with a stop at Piazza del Popolo just outside.

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Reviews

Absolutely beautiful church very close to the Pantheon. The artwork is awe inspiring

Christopher Eggert

5/5

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