San Luigi dei Francesi

"In 1589, the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi became the official churchof Rome’s French community, and with true Bourbon flair, the church's decorations are a celebration of France's power and wealth, with gilded stucco, lavish marbles, and detailed ornament. But it can feel as though no one is noticing, since visitorsusually head directly to the Contarelli Chapelin the transept to the left of the main altar, where three incredible Caravaggio paintings reside: The Calling of Saint Matthew , The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew , and Saint Matthew and the Angel . Known as the Matthew Cycle, the beautifully detailed and dark oil paintings show off the best of the baroque painter."

"Even if not a huge art buff, take the five minutes to wander to the Contarelli chapel inside this small catholic church which is just a short stroll from the Pantheon. It's home to three Caravaggio paintings which showoff the maestro's command of chiaroscuro which can all be seen for free and away from the crowds that mob his works inside the museums." - Laura Itzkowitz