Rome Sights

Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

#30 of 963 things to do in Rome

#66 of 6227 things to do in Italy

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: architects

  • Address
    • Corso del Rinascimento 40
  • Transport
    • Corso del Rinascimento
  • Phone
    • 06 361 25 62
  • Hours
    • 9am-noon Sun

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Lonely Planet review for Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

Hidden in the porticoed courtyard of Palazzo della Sapienza, the Italian state archive, this tiny church is unique testament to the genius of baroque architect Francesco Borromini. Based on an incredibly complex geometric plan, it combines alternating convex and concave walls with a circular interior topped by a twisted spire. Inside, there’s not a lot to see, but it’s interesting to note how Borromini uses light to create a sense of spaciousness in such a small area.

 

Traveller reviews for Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza (1)

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    The most sublime thing I have ever seen

    evilares recommends this,

    Forget the gold and saphire aplications, forget the triumphal trompe d'oeil paintings and the overcrowding of statues typical to your common barocque church. When you enter here, you should become overwhelmed by the geometric complexity, the never ending movement of the walls, curving in and curving out, in and out, never allowing you to rest the eyes... until you push them to the ceeling and trully the sense of God, the divine, eternity, infinity, creation, should now overwhelme you. I know many will not sense this, will not be touched, will not cherish this barocque gem... To me, this is the most sublime thing I have ever seen and trully deserves the effort to find it open, since it rarelly is...

    Good for: architects

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