“San Paolo alle Tre Fontane” and “Sancti Pauli ad Aquas Salvias,” Italian and Latin, respectively, for “St Paul at the Three Fountains,” is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the apostle Saint Paul. The site of the church is supposedly the site of the saint's martyrdom. A church existed here as early as the 5th Century and was later rebuilt in the late 16th Century. Many beautiful mosaics have been found in the church premises that point to the ancient antecedents of the church before the new one was built. With high arches and ceilings and a magnificent facade, the church is truly a sight to behold.
Santa Maria della Concezione was founded by Cardinal Antonio Barberini at the beginning of the 17th Century. The church has a modest appearance, reflecting the Capuchin order to which the cardinal belonged. Throughout the centuries, the friars arranged the bones and skulls of their fellow brothers into the form of crosses or other Christian symbols in the crypts here. Although the church is simple in style, it still houses some important works, like the painting by Guido Reni, which depicts St. Michael the Archangel crushing Lucifer, as well as works by Andrea Sacchi, Pietro da Cortonoa, Domenichino, and in the entrance of the sacristy, a work entitled St Francis in prayer, which is attributed to Caravaggio.
Romans call this church San Carlo because of its diminutive size. In fact, it could easily fit into one of the pillars that supports the dome of St Peter's. Carried out according to Borromini's design, it has a beautiful oval-shaped dome brightened by hidden windows. Borromini's hand is evident in all of the detail: the confessionals that mirror the architecture of the church for example, or the wrought-iron well in the middle of the cloister. At the main altar, the French artist Pierre Mignard portrays San Carlo Borromeo in an altarpiece. The vestry holds another painting of the saint in adoration of the Trinity by Orazio Borgianni. Do not miss the perfectly proportioned and harmonious cloister.
Enclosed by Bernini's magnificent colonnade, this square has the largest number of visitors in the world. Millions of tourists wait here either for the Pope's Sunday blessing or to enter the Basilica. More than a square, the colonnade gives it the atmosphere of a courtyard, inviting people to enter the church. The obelisk in the heart of the square has been standing there since 1586. When a new pope is being chosen, thousands gather at St. Peter's Square keen to see the black smoke turn white and find out who the next pope is going to be. During Christmas, a nativity scene and a Christmas tree are installed, and there is a remarkable atmosphere of celebration, with the majestic dome dominating the scene behind.
Piazza Risorgimento is a bustling square located in the Prati district of Rome. Piazza Risorgimento is situated near the Vatican City, making it a popular starting point for visitors exploring the area. The square is within walking distance of St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll, sampling local delicacies at the market, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, visitors to Piazza Risorgimento are sure to be captivated by its charm and energy.
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is one of the oldest churches in the world, which was founded by Pope Melchiade at the start of the 4th Century on the ruins of the villa of Rome’s Laterani family. The church's current architecture is credited to Borromini, who oversaw the preparations for the 1650 jubilee. Although he retained the 16th-century ceiling and floor, the architect altered the appearance by joining pairs of columns in the central nave to make a single pillar inside. Colored marble niches and statues of apostles were placed. In 1735, Alessandro Galilei renewed the facade entirely in travertine stone and crowned it with 15 statues. Subsequently, by the end of the 19th Century, the apse was also rebuilt.