This church is an extraordinary – but often overlooked – art site. Hidden behind its unassuming façade is a trove of celebrated art treasures and unique architectural features. Sta. Maria del Popolo is virtually bursting with remarkable architecture and art … from the 800-year-old icon adorning the altar … to the first dome of the Roman Renaissance … to the last Baroque tomb!
“I was really impressed by the ingenuity and the content of your guide to Santa Maria del Popolo. … an elegant and eloquent guide to a fascinating building.”
Caroline P. Murphy, Author, The Pope’s Daughter
The Jane’s Smart Art™ audio guide to Sta. Maria del Popolo tells of the central role this delight-filled church has played in Rome’s history … by virtue of its location just inside the city’s principle north gate. You’ll learn about some of the historically-prominent men and women who are buried here -- among the tombs of more than a dozen Cardinals – and about the artists they commissioned to decorate their chapels.
“ Your guide to Sta. Maria del Popolo is fantastic. I have read everything I could find (in English) about this church, and I learned so much more during your tour. The information is easy to follow and tourist friendly. … such a wonderful resource. Your art guides will be highly recommended! ”
Carol Stigger, Travel Journalist
Here’s some of what you’ll see:
- Andrea Bregno’s unique Lombard architecture and sculpted tombs and altars
- Pinturicchio’s late 15th C frescoes, grotesques and trompe l’oeil decoration
- Bramante’s famous apse
- Andrea Sansovino’s tombs for Cardinals Girolamo della Rovere and Ascanio Sforza
- Marcillat’s stained glass windows … unusual in Rome
- Raphael’s remarkable Chigi Chapel (1520), completed by Bernini (1652)
- Two Caravaggios: The Martyrdom of St. Peter and The Conversion of St. Paul
- Altarpieces by Annibale Caracci, Carlo Maratta, Sebastiano del Piombo, …
- Much work by Bernini, including Daniel and Habakkuk
- Sculpture by Mino da Fiesole, Lorenzetto, Ercole Ferrata, Algardi, Monnot, …
- Giuseppe Valadier’s design of Piazza del Popolo
- … and still more!
| To review the companion booklet, click here. |
Customize Your Tour Your tour of the interior can be tailored to your degree of interest and available time by simply skipping the tracks of your choice.
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Pre-Visit Context Guide: “A Slice of History” ... 18 minutes
- On-Site Guide, Exterior ... 17 minutes
- On-Site Guide, Interior … 80 minutes
You’ll know what you’re looking at -- accompanied by Jane’s Smart Art™ audio guide -- as you make your way across the piazza and through this remarkable church. And you’ll gain a deep and lasting appreciation of the art, the architecture – the essence -- of the place.
