Magpie

Caravaggio's Art & Scandal Tour

From€249
3h 30m
Rimini, Italy

About this activity

Explore Caravaggio's masterpieces and the scandals surrounding them in Rome's historic churches on this guided walking tour.

Highlights

  • Visit Caravaggio's masterpieces
  • Explore Rome's historic churches
  • Learn about Caravaggio's scandals
  • Discover hidden art treasures
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour

Full description

Dive into the intriguing world of Caravaggio's art and the controversies that surrounded his life on this engaging walking tour through Rome's historic churches. Led by an expert guide, you'll visit iconic sites like the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi and the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, where Caravaggio's masterpieces are housed. Along the way, uncover the stories behind his art and the scandals that made him a legend. This tour offers a unique blend of art history and Roman culture, providing an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Expert live guide
  • Headsets for clear audio
  • Entrance fees to selected churches
  • Food and drinks

Itinerary

1

Begin your journey at Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, a historic gem located at Piazza del Popolo. Inside, you will discover the Cerasi Chapel, home to two of Caravaggio’s most gripping works: The Crucifixion of Saint Peter and The Conversion of Saint Paul. These dramatic works highlight his revolutionary chiaroscuro technique, where bold contrasts of light and shadow intensify the emotional impact of each scene. Your guide will also explore the symbolism and technique behind these masterpieces.

Duration: 50 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

You will then continue to Basilica di Sant’Agostino, home to Caravaggio’s striking and once controversial Madonna of the Pilgrims. Unlike traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary, Caravaggio portrays her as an ordinary woman, welcoming two humble pilgrims with rough, dirt-stained feet. This radical departure from idealised sacred imagery was shocking in its time, yet it embodies Caravaggio’s power to bridge the divine and the human. Here, you’ll witness firsthand how his bold realism transformed religious art forever.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Your next stop will be San Luigi dei Francesi, the French national church in Rome, where the Contarelli Chapel houses one of Caravaggio’s greatest triumphs: the Saint Matthew Cycle. These three monumental paintings - The Calling of Saint Matthew, The Inspiration of Saint Matthew, and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew - unfold like a cinematic masterpiece, capturing the raw emotions of faith, doubt, and divine intervention. As you stand before these breathtaking works, your guide will reveal how Caravaggio’s dramatic storytelling and masterful use of light continue to captivate audiences centuries later.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

For those eager to explore more, an optional 1-hour extension takes you to the magnificent Galleria Doria Pamphilj, a private palace brimming with artistic treasures. Here, you’ll find two more of Caravaggio’s works - Rest on the Flight into Egypt and Penitent Magdalene - displayed in an opulent setting. Beyond Caravaggio, the gallery showcases other Baroque gems by artists as Velázquez, Titian, and Bernini, providing a rare opportunity to immerse yourself into the grandeur of Baroque art.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour is conducted in English
  • Entrance fees to churches are included
  • Gratuities are optional

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring a bottle of water
  • Be prepared for a 3.5-hour walking tour

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • Entrance to and a guided tour of Galleria Doria Pamphilj is not included unless specifically chosen during purchase
  • Please note that Galleria Doria Pamphilj is closed on the third Wednesday of each month. As a result, the option to visit the gallery will not be available on this day
  • Please note that the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is closed on the morning of the first Wednesday of each month and therefore cannot be visited during this time
  • Your phone should be put on silence before visiting the basilicas
  • Photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted
  • Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
  • Bringing food, drinks, luggage or large bags is not allowed
  • Modest clothing is required to enter the basilica’s (knees and shoulders should be covered)
  • We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
  • This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved

Additional information

Entrance to and a guided tour of Galleria Doria Pamphilj is not included unless specifically chosen during purchase Please note that Galleria Doria Pamphilj is closed on the third Wednesday of each month. As a result, the option to visit the gallery will not be available on this day Please note that the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi is closed on the morning of the first Wednesday of each month and therefore cannot be visited during this time Your phone should be put on silence before visiting the basilicas Photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s Bringing food, drinks, luggage or large bags is not allowed Modest clothing is required to enter the basilica’s (knees and shoulders should be covered) We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved
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