May 19, 2024 - Classic Italy
Church of St. Ignatious
We were walking near the Pantheon, saw this church, and for some reason stopped in.  What we saw inside blew us away.  In Rome, the Church of St. Ignatious is just another church.  In any other city it would be a top attraction.
   

The church is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (more commonly known as the Jesuits).  Intended for the students of the adjacent Collegio Romano, it was built at the wish of Pope Gregory XV Ludovisi (1621-1623) who was fond of his old school.  Construction began in 1626 and continued through the 17th century.  It was opened to the public for the Holy Year 1650, with the nave closed by a temporary wall.  The work was eventually completed in 1685.

Andrea Pozzo, the Jesuit artist, completed the internal artworks: the Fake Dome, the Vault and the Presbytery in 1685.

Below is the high altar.  The three frescoes around the high altar are the 17th Century works of the Jesuit Andrea Pozzo. They show Saint Ignatius Loyola during his vision at La Storta, sending Saint Francis Xavier to the Indies, and greeting Saint Francesco Borgia.
   
The false, or painted, dome is at center.
   
The ceiling was magnificent.  It was painted by Andrea Pozzo.
   
Alongside the Nave.
   
 
   

Bellarmine chapel dome
   
The second chapel has an altarpiece depicting St Joseph and Virgin and a lunette depicting the Last Communion of St Luigi Gonzaga, both by Francesco Trevisani (1656–1746).
   
An elaborate nativity scene.
   
 
   
Previous
Home
Next