Caravaggio’s Art & Scandal: His Masterpieces in Rome’s Churches
Step into the dramatic world of Caravaggio on this 2-hour private tour, where his masterpieces come to life in the very churches that inspired them. Visit Santa Maria del Popolo, Sant’Agostino, and San Luigi dei Francesi to witness Caravaggio’s bold use of light and raw emotion as you stand before The Crucifixion of Saint Peter and The Madonna of the Pilgrims. Along the way, uncover the genius and scandalous life behind the art, from duels to exile. For an even deeper dive into the Baroque era, can you choose to extend your tour with a 1-hour visit to Galleria Doria Pamphilj, where you will see two more of Caravaggio’s masterpieces among other masterpieces from artists as Velázquez, Titian, and Bernini.
Options
Extended English Tour
Churches + Galleria Doria P. : Select for a 3.5-hour private tour of three Caravaggio churches & Galleria Doria Pamphilj with an English-speaking guide.
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
What's included in Caravaggio’s Art & Scandal: His Masterpieces in Rome’s Churches
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo
Begin your journey at Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, a historic gem located at Piazza del Popolo. Inside, you will discover the Cerasi Chapel, home to two of Caravaggio’s most gripping works: The Crucifixion of Saint Peter and The Conversion of Saint Paul. These dramatic works highlight his revolutionary chiaroscuro technique, where bold contrasts of light and shadow intensify the emotional impact of each scene. Your guide will also explore the symbolism and technique behind these masterpieces.
You will then continue to Basilica di Sant’Agostino, home to Caravaggio’s striking and once controversial Madonna of the Pilgrims. Unlike traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary, Caravaggio portrays her as an ordinary woman, welcoming two humble pilgrims with rough, dirt-stained feet. This radical departure from idealised sacred imagery was shocking in its time, yet it embodies Caravaggio’s power to bridge the divine and the human. Here, you’ll witness firsthand how his bold realism transformed religious art forever.
Your next stop will be San Luigi dei Francesi, the French national church in Rome, where the Contarelli Chapel houses one of Caravaggio’s greatest triumphs: the Saint Matthew Cycle. These three monumental paintings - The Calling of Saint Matthew, The Inspiration of Saint Matthew, and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew - unfold like a cinematic masterpiece, capturing the raw emotions of faith, doubt, and divine intervention. As you stand before these breathtaking works, your guide will reveal how Caravaggio’s dramatic storytelling and masterful use of light continue to captivate audiences centuries later.
Inclusions
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly.
- Entrance fees & live guide at Galleria Doria Pamphilj (only if option is selected during purchase)
- Expert live guide.
- Food and drinks
- Pick-up and drop-off is not included
- Optional gratuities
- Entrance to and a guided tour of Galleria Doria Pamphilj (unless option is chosen during purchase)
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entrance to and a guided tour of Galleria Doria Pamphilj is not included unless specifically chosen during purchase
- Please note that Galleria Doria Pamphilj is closed on the third Wednesday of each month. As a result, the option to visit the gallery will not be available on this day
- Please note that the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is closed on the morning of the first Wednesday of each month and therefore cannot be visited during this time
- Your phone should be put on silence before visiting the basilicas
- Photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted
- Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
- Bringing food, drinks, luggage or large bags is not allowed
- Modest clothing is required to enter the basilica’s (knees and shoulders should be covered)
- We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet us at the Flaminio Obelisk in the middle of Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.
End Points
- San Luigi dei Francesi Piazza di S. Luigi de' Francesi, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Meet us at the Flaminio Obelisk in the middle of Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.
