About Rome
- Rome’s Carnival: From Ancient to Modern Times
16 February, 2023 - Rome's Budding Street Art Scene
25 January, 2023 - The Life and Reign of Emperor Claudius
19 January, 2023
Why Choose It?
- Immerse yourself in the story of Caravaggio’s astonishing life.
- Gain insight into his most astounding masterpieces and lesser-known works.
- Step into extraordinary basilicas in the company of an expert guide.
Tour Description
Embark on an expedition through the history of baroque art through the masterpieces of one of the era’s most influential artists: Michelangelo Merisi Da Caravaggio. Join your expert guide for a tour through the basilicas of Santa Maria del Popolo, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Sant’Agostino for insight into the artist’s depictions of Christian parables and local culture.
As with all paintings, there is a story to be told. Caravaggio’s storytelling method was unlike any other painter in the Baroque period. He portrayed religion through ordinary life—the elderly, children, prostitutes, and the poor in particular—and used high contrast and natural shadows to create such profound and revolutionary paintings that have gone unrivaled for centuries. His insistence on rendering the emotional truth of experience produces a contrasting quality of power and relatability, as well as a reflection of his own life.
Discover the life and masterpieces of Caravaggio with us
Your private Caravaggio tour takes you through some of central Rome’s most stunning churches. Here you will find the most famous Caravaggio masterpieces that have made the artist a household name all over the western world. Caravaggio was a complex, often violent character.
Living in Rome during his 20s, he spent his days at the easel but many nights on the streets, getting involved in brawls and street fights. During one such fight Caravaggio killed a man, forcing him to flee to Naples, never to return. But during his time in the Eternal City he forged an artistic legacy that has lived down the ages.
View three Caravaggios in San Luigi dei Francesi Church
Built for the French community in the sixteenth century, the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi contains an impressive repertoire of Italian artworks. Without doubt the most famous, however, are its three Caravaggio panels represented key moments in the life of Saint Matthew. In characteristically groundbreaking style, Caravaggio depicted the Calling of Saint Matthew, the Inspiration of Saint Matthew, and – inevitably – the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew.
Marvel at the Caravaggio in Santa Maria del Popolo Church
Situated on Rome’s famous Piazza del Popolo (hence the church’s name), the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo contains works by some of the Eternal City’s most prized artists. Among its prestigious collection are artworks by Raphael, Bernini, and Bramante – all of whom have left significant contributions in the Vatican.
Raphael left us the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican Museums, Bernini fashioned the famous Baldachin inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, and Bramante among other things was responsible for renovating Saint Peter’s Basilica itself. But even with such impressive names, the highlight of Santa Maria del Popolo is the Caravaggio depicting the Crucifixion of Saint Peter: a work spilling with pathos.
Meet a Caravaggio masterpiece in Sant’Agostino Church
Occupying pride of place within this 15th century church, whose facade is built from travertine taken from the Colosseum, is Caravaggio’s stunning Madonna di Loreto. Commissioned at the beginning of the 17th century, it controversially depicts a barefoot Virgin Mary – something which according to contemporaries caused uproar at the time of its unveiling. Gaze upon Caravaggio’s mastery in the company of an expert art historian and unlock the many secrets behind the Great Master’s craft.
-
Itinerary:Vicolo del Divino AmoreCavalier d’ArpinoOsteria della LupaPiazza FirenzeSan Luigi dei FrancesiSanta Maria del PopoloSant’Agostino
-
Included:Private licensed guide
-
Wheelchair accessible:Yes. (Itinerary may differ).
-
Meeting Point:Hotel lobby
excellent guides
Our guides are fluent in English and have a contagious passion for the inspiring cultural heritage of our Italian cities. Experts in their fields, they will immerse you in the hidden histories and intriguing lives of history's great protagonists. So much to see, so easy to miss out: with the help of our guides, visit the most absorbing sites and uncover the stories that have changed the world. Don't miss this fascinating journey!
Terrific Trastevere Food Tour with Luca! Luca took my wife and myself on a wonderful food tour through Trastevere. The things we saw and ate and learned were excellent. The best part was Luca's friendly nature.... read more
-
A must do experience This cooking class was a highlight of our trip. We got to meet a young chef, Sara. She had us decide what to cook. Then we walked through... read more
-
Best Food Tour We Took! My fiance and I capped off our first full day in Rome with this lovely food tour. Luca was friendly, excited, and knowledgeable. We got to try a ton of... read more
-
Worth every penny. What an evening! This was without a doubt the highlight of my trip. A great evening with plenty of incredible local food and drink and a really good way to meet and... read more
-
Delicious food from fabulous foody Luca Boccia was PHENOMENAL!
His knowledge of Italian cuisine was exceptional, especially welcomed because it included more than just the well known dishes. He was funny and friendly, making our... read more -
A Must Do Tour of Sistine Chapel Amazing! This was my third time to the Vatican but this time I took my adult/teen children and wife and we used a tour guide. It was a... read more
-
Amazing evening activity in Rome Excellent night with Sara on her birthday!
We drank wine, ate amazing food and capped it with gelato!! -
Amazing walking food tour w Luca B My wife and I had an amazing walking food tour through the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere. Luca B was extremely informative and accommodating. Would absolutely recommend to anyone!
-
Best tour ever. Martha was our guide. She is the best. They way she explained all , answered our questions give us all the information in every place all was wonderful. It was... read more
-
Great Food Stroll with Luca We did the Trastevere Food Stroll with Luca B and he was great! Brought us to great authentic locations and provided his expert advice! We would highly recommend this tour... read more
