Churches Friday: The Church of St. Ignazio

The Church of St. Ignazio is a marvel of decoration and will provide you with an excellent opportunity to exercise your eyes! The most magnificent artwork is above you, for when you look up, the ceiling opens up and you are rewarded with the vision of St. Ignatius being taken to heaven. Look around, though, and see the host of characters that are accompanying him at the edges of the ceiling. All is masterfully done. The ceiling was painted by the artist Andrea Pozzo in the later years of the 1600s (1685 - 1694), and it is worth taking your time to see what the artist created.

If you take your eyes past the ceiling of the nave, you will be rewarded with the view of the dome of the church - that isn't really there at all! Although the church had hoped to be able to build a proper dome, the funds would not allow it, so Andrea Pozzo painted the image of the dome in 3-D. Although this really only works in one spot, because the trick betrays itself as you move to the side, it is an impressive trick. The dome, unlike the ceiling, is painted on canvas! A yellow piece of marble on the floor will point out where to stand for the best effect of this trick.

When you walk in, you may wonder what everyone is standing in line for. There is a large mirror in the middle of the aisle to make viewing the ceiling easier. In my opinion, there is no reason to stand in this line. It is worth the discomfort of the sore neck to take it all in the way the artist intended!

St. Ignazio is on a direct path from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain. Admittedly, the streets can meander in this part of Rome, but it is worth your time to meander by the Church of St. Ignazio.

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Are you interested in seeing this?

• Yes!
• No.
• If there is time.

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