Church of Saint Louis of the French (Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi)
Piazza di San Luigi de’ Francesi, Rome, Italy, 00186
Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew, The Inspiration of Saint Matthew, and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew are the undisputed headliners of the 16th-century Church of Saint Louis of the French (Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi). Commissioned by the Medici family and located near Piazza Navona, this church houses rare examples of the baroque artist’s works still hung in their original location.
The Basics
The Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi was built by Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta and houses Caravaggio’s spectacular Saint Matthew series, among the artist’s most important paintings in Rome. Join a themed tour that focuses specifically on Caravaggio’s life and work to view hisThe Calling of Saint Matthew (Vocazione di San Matteo),The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (San Matteo e Angelo), andThe Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (Martirio di San Matteo).
In addition to the Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, tours of Rome’s top baroque monuments and artists also include stops at the Church of St. Andrew of the Thickets (Chiesa di Sant'Andrea della Valle) and the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola) to see additional works by Bernini, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Things to Know Before You Go
Remember to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter the church.
Tours of Rome's baroque churches and monuments require quite a bit of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes.
Due to the stairs at the entrance to the church, it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Photography without a flash is allowed inside the church.
The church is free to enter, but bring some coins to light up the Contarelli Chapel, where the Caravaggio paintings are located.
How to Get There
The Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi is set on the square of the same name right in the center of Rome. It’s a quick walk from Piazza Navona, where many buses stop.
When to Get There
Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and its main churches can be crowded during the busy summer months. Try to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the stunning Caravaggios in relative peace.
The Medicis in Rome
The Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi was commissioned in the early 16th century by the Medici cardinal who later became Pope Clement VII. Catherine de Medici had married the French king, and the connection between Rome and France was cemented by Catherine’s donation of some of the land on which the church was built. San Luigi dei Francesi has been the national church of France in Rome since it was consecrated in 1589.
Ways to explore
Join a themed tour that focuses specifically on Caravaggio’s life and work to view his Saint Matthew series, which are among the artist’s most important paintings in Rome. In addition to the Church of Saint Louis of the French, tours of Rome’s top baroque monuments and artists also include stops at the Basilica of Saint Augustine (Basilica di Sant’Agostino), the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola), and Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini) to see additional works by Bernini, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Accessibility
Due to the stairs at the entrance to the church, it is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Age limits
Family-friendly guided tours can make the art inside the Church of Saint Louis of the French engaging for all ages.
What to pack
Camera and battery pack, euro coins to light up the Caravaggio works in the Contarelli Chapel, headphones for the free audio guide
What to wear
Always wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter Roman churches.
Not allowed
Disturbing the religious services, flash photography
Amenities
A free audio guide in English and Italian is available for download onto your phone via a QR code.
Address
The Church of Saint Louis of the French is set on Piazza di San Luigi dei Francesi, right in the center of Rome. It’s a quick walk from many other cultural sights in the historic center and from Piazza Navona, where many buses stop.
Driving
Tricky one-way streets, restricted traffic zones, and limited parking make driving to the Church of Saint Louis of the French a hassle. Instead, take a taxi or rideshare for a stress-free visit.
Public transportation
There are several buses that you can take to Piazza Navona, including bus lines 46, 64, 492, and 571. Once you reach the square, it’s about a 2-minute walk to the church.
Best times to visit
The church closes for the midday lunch hour, so time your visit for before noon or after 2:30pm.
Best days to visit
Sundays are busy with visitors and Mass, so they are best avoided unless you want to attend a service. Visit on a weekday morning when the church is relatively quiet.
Best months to visit
Rome’s art-filled churches are crowded from May through September, while January and February are the quietest months to visit.
Special events
The church and square just outside are occasionally used to hold concerts and other cultural events. Check the church website for a schedule.
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