Church of Saint Louis of the French (Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi) Tours and Activities
The undisputed headliners of the sumptuous 16th-century Church of Saint Louis the French (Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi), commissioned by the Medici family and located near Rome’s elegant Piazza Navona, are three magnificent masterpieces by Caravaggio, among the baroque artist’s few surviving works that can be viewed 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 his The Calling of Saint Matthew (Vocazione di San Matteo), The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (San Matteo e Angelo), and The 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
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.
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 his The Calling of Saint Matthew (Vocazione di San Matteo), The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (San Matteo e Angelo), and The 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.
Address: Piazza di S. Luigi de' Francesi, Rome 00186, Italy
50 Tours and Activities to Experience Church of Saint Louis of the French (Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi)
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Private Tour - City Center
35
The Tour of the City Centre will give you the opportunity to discover Rome from the artistic, historical and legendary point of view. A long stroll from Spanish Steps to Navona Square, jumping forward and backward in time, from Roman Empire to modern times.
Some of the highlights of the Tour:
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- St. Ignatius Church
- St. Louis Church
- Navona Square
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From
$91.30
Price varies by group size
From
$91.30
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Rome Highlights and Market Semi Private Morning Walking Tour
9
Take in the main sights of Rome on this small-group, 3-hour guided walking tour. Traverse the Eternal City on foot, stopping by sights such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon among other landmarks. Visit the San Luigi dei Francesi church to admire works by Caravaggio before exploring the Mercato dei Fiori Numbers are limited to 8 people on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention at all times.
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$132.69
From
$132.69
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Walk with Bernini Caravaggio Michelangelo and Raphael
1
Rome hosts dazzling baroque artworks, and with this art-focused tour you’ll admire some of the city’s masterpieces. Join your guide near the Spanish Steps for a walking itinerary that takes in works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael, and, of course, Michelangelo. Learn about the history and techniques behind spectacular art decorating the most famous churches in Rome, or request a customized tour to see the works that most interest you.
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From
$213.65
Price varies by group size
From
$213.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Ghost Hunting: Semi-Private Night Walking Tour of Rome
Discover the dark side of Rome on a 2-hour evening walking tour that introduces you to the Eternal City’s most famous eternal wandering spirits. Hear tales of resident ghosts and haunting legends about the unlucky royals, poets, artists and ancient citizens who are said to still wander the city streets. Along the way, admire some of Rome’s most iconic monuments illuminated in a ghostly glow.
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$59.65
From
$59.65
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Exclusive Rome | Caravaggio and Baroque Masterpieces guided tour | Private Tour
1
Follow in the footsteps of one of Rome’s most renowned former residents—and discover a number of his masterpieces—on this private, Caravaggio-themed tour. Led by a trained art historian, this tour includes stops at several of the Baroque painter’s former residences. You’ll also get to glimpse some of his striking canvases, including The Crucifixion of St. Peter, The Conversion of St. Paul, and The Calling of St. Matthew. As you go, learn more about Caravaggio’s life, and spot some of Rome’s other highlight attractions.
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From
$181.39
Price varies by group size
From
$181.39
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Rome Private City Center Tour By Golf Cart
2
Many parts of Rome’s historic city center are closed to vehicles, but you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Eternal City’s top attractions in a comfortable, eco-friendly golf cart during this half-day tour. Cover top sights in a single day with just a few hours of sightseeing, from the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon to scenic Trastevere, and avoid walking long distances.
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From
$365.21
Price varies by group size
From
$365.21
Price varies by group size
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Highlights & Market, Vatican, Colosseum Semi Private Tour in 2 Days
1
Maximize time in Rome with a comprehensive two-day tour. Skip the line with priority access tickets to see top attractions including the Vatican, Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. Explore the main highlights of Rome and see historic landmarks such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and experience local coffee culture at a typical Roman café during this small-group tour.
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From
$410.26
From
$410.26
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Full Day: Piazzas & Fountains and Vatican Museums - Pick up and Lunch included
1
Taste the full flavor of Rome on a full-day comprehensive tour of the city with stops at famous landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and the Vatican. Stop for an Italian restaurant lunch, and get a complete overview of the city. This tour is ideal for first time visitors to Rome, or anyone who is short on time, but still wants to see all the sights.
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From
$164.35
From
$164.35
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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In the Footsteps of Caravaggio Private Tour with Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
4
Trace the dramatic life and visual legacy of Caravaggio on a private art tour in Rome. Visit beautiful churches to admire the painter’s original works while an expert guide shares scandalous details of his life and how he shaped the Baroque movement. Geared towards art enthusiasts, it's a great way to delve deeper into one of Rome's most influential and enigmatic masters.
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From
$206.95
Price varies by group size
From
$206.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Caravaggio in Rome Tour: Gorgeous Experience of Art
Caravaggio was one of Italy’s most important painters, known for his revolutionary Baroque art. On this tour, discover Rome through the eyes of Caravaggio and see the sites that inspired his most memorable masterpieces. Visit lesser-known sites such as the Church of St. Louis of the French, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, and Palazzo Doria Pamphilj; learn what life was like in the Baroque era; and admire 16th-century artworks by Caravaggio.
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From
$181.34
Price varies by group size
From
$181.34
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Caravaggio Experience: wine, food and art in Baroque Rome
4
Learn about life in the 17th century, during Caravaggio's era, with this unusual experience that combines food, wine, and art. You'll be served local an assortment of Italian foods paired with three different types of wine, with explanations from a local wine expert about each. You’ll also get to hear a historian speak about Caravaggio's works and, more generally, what life was like in Baroque Rome.
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From
$84.00
From
$84.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Caravaggio, masterpieces and secrets - Private Tour
3
Stroll around Rome’s historical center and discover the tumultuous life and amazing masterpieces of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, the greatest and most famous painter of the Baroque art in Italy!
His beautiful and fascinating paintings are mostly known for the incredible naturalism and for the dramatic use of lighting: thanks to bright shafts of light, noble and violent figures capture attention emerging from shadows. You’ll have the incredible chance to see this “tenebrism” from close in his great canvases, from the intriguing cycle on the theme of Saint Matthew the Evangelist to the raw violence of the Crucifixion of Saint Peter.
And Caravaggio’s life was as dramatic as his paintings: his irritable and violent character led him to get involved in street-brawls and caused him trouble with the law, culminating in a death sentence for murder.
Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through the alleys that were the scene of fights and brawls to the beautiful churches were Caravaggio’s breathtaking masterpieces continue to fascinate visitors after more than four centuries.
This tour can be customized to meet your requests and special needs! Please contact us!
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$60.75
Price varies by group size
From
$60.75
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Saints, Heretics and the Inquisition
2
What exactly can you expect from this tour?
Immerse yourself in the Rome of wonders, saints, and the Roman Inquisition. Experience the contrast between the veneration of exemplary saints and the secular side of the former Papal States.
Highlights:
You will visit the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, the last resting place of Master Borromini.
After that follows the famous Campo de'Fiori. A former field of flowers, transformed into a place of execution.
Then "Sant'Andrea della Valle" will enchant you with the Barberini chapel.
Then you will visit "Piazza Navona", with the fountain "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", by Bernini, and the church "Sant'Agnese in Agone", designed by Borromini.
Afterward, we visit the church "Santa Maria delle Anima" with its colourfulness and "San Luigi dei Francesi", with the paintings of Caravaggio and Guido Reni.
Finally, you will reach the highlight of the tour, the "Pantheon" and you will also discover the seat of the Roman Inquisition.
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$36.52
From
$36.52
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Face masks provided for travelers
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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On the traces of Caravaggio: A tour of Light and Darkness
An art expert will guide us in discovering Caravaggio’s life and works.
Admire the beautiful paintings in the churches of St. Louis of the French and St. Augustine.
Visit to the painter’s house-workshop.
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From
$93.34
From
$93.34
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Art and Pasticcerias - Rome
1
Combine two things that Italy is widely known for—art and pasta—in this single tour. Set out on a carefully curated walk with your guide, who will show you several artistic and architectural masterpieces located in a very small radius in Rome. Stop along the walk at various pasticcerias, some you known only to locals that you may not find on your own. Taste Sicilian cakes, pasta, and some recipes passed down through generations. This tour operates with a maximum of six people, which means an intimate atmosphere.
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From
$50.30
From
$50.30
I Love ROMA - Max's Walking Tour
1
It’s great to explore a city with a real local who can show you an insider’s view of things, take you to places that are off the beaten path and steer you clear of any tourist traps. When in ROME…MAX is your man!!! He will take you on a personal walking tour of Rome – as he believes that walking is the best way to really appreciate the true beauty of Rome. Even if you would like to see some of the famous monuments on your tour, Max can take you there via an interesting route – and point out things along the way that only locals would know. it’s nice to be guided by a local who can customize a walking tour just for you. Because he is an expert at navigating through the streets of Rome, you can see many places during his tour. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to take many beautiful photos, and if you are tired of walking…. there is always time for a break (pausa).
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From
$72.23
Price varies by group size
From
$72.23
Price varies by group size
Lights and shadows in Rome: on the traces of Caravaggio
The life of Michelangelo Merisi, better known as "Caravaggio", was made of lights and shadows, just like his immortal art. After several troubles with the law, he was doomed to death in 1606, after committing a murder, and forced to spend the rest of his life escaping from this fate.
His tormented life did not prevent him from creating some of the most outstanding masterpieces in Baroque painting: this private guided tour will allow you to follow the invisible path connecting some of them in Rome, passing through the most iconic places in the Aethernal City. At the end, you will find a sweet surprise: a tasting of eight different tastes of ice cream, served on a palette; in Rome, art is definitely everywhere.
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From
$202.90
Price varies by group size
From
$202.90
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Art and blood: the Mistery of Caravaggio
2
A exclusive tour with a art historian
Three Churches in Rome to follow the path of the genial painter: Caravaggio!.
Streets and alleys where he lived and shared time with the poorest ones..
We'll be on the trails of Caravaggio and discover how dangerous Rome was in those years.
His art will reveal the secrets of the bloody time he lived in!
You'll visit:
- San Luigi dei Francesi
- Sant'Agostino
- Santa Maria del Popolo
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From
$74.82
Price varies by group size
From
$74.82
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Caravaggio Guided Tour in Rome - Art, Life & Masterpieces of the Great
Discover the magnificent masterpieces of Caravaggio on this 2.5-hour walking tour. Together with your professional art historian guide, you'll learn of his life, his works and other talented painters of the Roman Baroque period.
Begin the tour in the Santa Maria del Popolo Church where you’ll see 2 of Caravaggio’s paintings. Throughout the tour you’ll see a large selection of pieces, known as ‘in situ’ masterpieces, as they remain in the location they were originally designed.
As you walk around the Tridente neighborhood where the artist resided in the15th century, you’ll see where he found inspiration for his paintings, before heading to The Church of Saint Louis. Here you can admire the beautiful Saint Matthew series altarpiece in the National Church of France.
Take a brief look inside Sant’Agostino to admire a gem not often visited.
We can customize your tour, so you can see his works in the Borghese Gallery, the Barberini Palace, the Capitoline Museums and the Vatican too.
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From
$237.39
Price varies by group size
From
$237.39
Price varies by group size
Piazzas e Fountains: Walking Tour of Rome - Pick up included
2
From markets to fountains, ancient monuments to high-end boutiques, discover Rome’s dynamic and diverse public squares on this piazza-themed walking tour (headsets are included so you can hear your guide’s every word). Explore the elegant Piazza Navona and admire the millennia-old Pantheon, see the world-renowned Trevi Fountain and the iconic Spanish Steps, visit the bustling market in Campo de Fiori and the city’s Jewish Quarter, and much more. As you go, learn all about the city's wealth of history.
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From
$54.78
From
$54.78
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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City walk trough Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Navona, Angel's Castle
5
Private tour to discover the main squares of the Eternal City. You'll visit the most famous fountains of Rome. Tailor made tour will catch your attention and interest.
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From
$324.64
per group
From
$324.64
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Discovering Caravaggio and Raphael with Aperitivo at Pantheon
This engaging walking tour will take you through the streets once frequented by two of Italy’s greatest painters – Caravaggio and Raphael – and into the churches which their works so beautifully adorned.
As you wander through the streets, our guide will fascinate you with the stories of the artists’ lives. Discover the intrigue and scandal of Caravaggio’s tumultuous life, his years in Rome, his exile, and his mysterious death. Learn about Raphael’s prolific life as one of the masters of the Renaissance, tragically cut short by illness.
Inside the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo, Santa Maria Della Pace, Sant’Agostino, and San Luigi dei Francesi you will take in some of the artists’ greatest works while our guide reveals their secrets. Admire the architectural wonder that is the Pantheon before enjoying a delicious Italian aperitivo.
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From
$64.52
From
$64.52
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Introduction to Rome in 10 Stops: 2 Hour Historical Center Walking Tour
Introduction to Rome in 10 Steps is a perfect tour for first time visitors. Learn history and art from the local Roman guide as you walk through some of the most famous sights of the city. Visit over 2000 years of Rome in 2 hours: it's ancient, medievel, renaissance and baroque times; meet on your way Michelangello, Bernini, Borommini, Caravaggio and Fra Angelico, Medici Pope Clemente VII, Ignazius Louola, the founder of Jesuits and Saint Catherine, the patron of Italy among many famous personalities who's history made Rome such a unique place to visit.
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From
$74.41
From
$74.41
Spiritual tour - In-Depth Walking Tour of Rome
This In-Depth walking tour is perfect for those of you who would like to learn more about the Eternal City.
Your local guide, Luigi Senise with a Phd in Art History, will show you the marriage between art, faith and history walking through Rome's famous landmarks. Discover the churches with its treasures: Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini, Borromini and many more.
This complete three hour tour offers you the best way to experience the spiritual beauty and the fascination of Rome.
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From
$13.48
From
$13.48
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