This imposing church is a repository of important Baroque art and architecture and the frescoed dome, designed by Carlo Maderno, is the second largest in Rome after St. Peter’s. Underneath this mighty cupola, the church features extravagant marble chapels and tombs of wealthy 16th-century Italian aristocrats, including the Strozzis, the Barberinis, and several popes. Great names like Michelangelo and Bernini had a hand in designing these sarcophagi. Because of its wealth of art and architecture, the basilica is best visited with a guide. Many tours of Rome’s most important basilicas and churches, as well as itineraries focusing on the city’s most important Catholic landmarks, include a stop here.
The Basilica di Sant’Andrea della Valle is located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome’s centro storico, an easy stroll from the lovely squares of Campo de’ Fiori—a lively morning market is held here—and Piazza Navona, famous for its Baroque fountains by Bernini. Otherwise, take Metro Line B to the Colosseo stop and then walk to the church in about 10 minutes.
Tour the church in the morning or late afternoon, as the basilica closes briefly at midday. It’s a good idea to avoid visiting during Mass, when tourists are discouraged from lingering in the nave.
One of the most striking works inside this church is Lanfranco’s “Glory of Paradise” (Gloria del Paradiso), a lavish rendering of heaven covering the inside of the dome that became a model for dome decorations for decades to come.
