Church of Saint Louis of the French

Utterly beautiful church in Rome which houses paintings by Caravaggio. The entire place is richly adorned and gilt, and the lighting superb for viewing the paintings. If you have the opportunity to visit this is very much worth a stop. You won't be disappointed in the time spent

The 16th century church of San Luigi dei Francesi is part of the Caravaggio trail and as a result attracts a lot of visitors. However, there is much more to the church than the Contarelli Chapel, which houses the three paintings by the bad boy of Baroque art. The church is dedicated to St Louis of France and the chapel dedicated to the king-saint is a masterpiece.

If you’re in Rome wondering where all the medieval money went, look no further than San Luigi dei Francesi. Built in 1589, this French national church is basically a guilt-covered gold box masquerading as a place of worship. Starving peasants? Check. Papal extravagance? Double check. Why feed the masses when you can build a church so shiny it needs its own sunglasses? Inside, you’ll find Caravaggio’s Saint Matthew trilogy. It’s the only thing in here not trying to outshine the sun. Worth a visit? Absolutely. Just remember, this is what happens when you combine divine inspiration with zero chill.

Definitely visit to see the Caravaggio paintings but try to go early to avoid the crowds. One cannot get close to the 3 Caravaggio paintings so it’s not easy to see any details.

Beautiful interior, definitely visit if you're in Rome. There are 3 gorgeous Caravaggio paintings in a side chapel & I went before seeing the Caravaggio 2025 show. Well worth going to see the paintings as they were meant to be seen by worshippers. And look closely at the expressions of St Matthew & the angel!

San Luigi dei Francesi is a striking Roman church located near Piazza Navona, renowned for its rich history and artistic treasures. Dedicated to St. Louis of France, it was built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, with its construction beginning in 1589 under the patronage of the French community in Rome. The church is particularly famous for its breathtaking collection of paintings by Caravaggio, one of the most influential artists of the Baroque period. Inside, three of his masterpieces adorn the Contarelli Chapel: The Calling of Saint Matthew, Saint Matthew and the Angel, and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. These works are celebrated for their dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as their intense emotional depth, making them key examples of Caravaggio’s revolutionary style. San Luigi dei Francesi not only serves as a spiritual center for the French community in Rome but also as a pilgrimage site for art lovers. The harmonious blend of sacred architecture and masterful art creates a captivating atmosphere that draws visitors into the heart of Baroque Rome.

Came specifically to see the three Caravaggios and was not disappointed. You have to watch the YouTube videos that explain these to fully appreciate the placement and the lighting. Quick and easy visit to see something iconic.

The church interiors are worthy of Rome. Decadently ornate. The French know how to decorate.