Free: All time
What did the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius (Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio) in Rome realized that they didn’t have the budget to build a dome in the church? They faked it. That’s right. If you walk in the church today, you’ll see that it has a stunning dome and pillars extending high into the sky with floating cherubs and saints. All fake. These are all masterpieces by Andrea Pozzo, painted on a single 17 meter canvas. Using the technique of forced perspective, the work is a triumph of Tromp l’oeil (deceive the eye) paintings. Free guided tour is available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 3pm – 6pm (not in August).
Address: Via del Caravita 8, 00186 Rome
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am – 7pm (9am – 7pm in August), Sun 9am – 7pm
Direction: Buses to Senato Stop
Phone: +39 06 6794406
Website: www.chiesasantignazio.it
Photo credit: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, Bruce McAdam, Max Ryazanov, Tango7174
