Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi: A Gem in the Heart of Rome
Discover the captivating beauty of Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi, a vibrant town square in Rome adorned with Baroque architecture and Caravaggio's masterpieces.
Nestled in the heart of Rome, Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi serves as a vibrant town square that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Italian culture and history. Surrounded by charming cafes and bustling shops, this picturesque square draws visitors with its striking Baroque architecture and the stunning church that graces its center. The Church of San Luigi de' Francesi, dedicated to St. Louis of France, is a significant highlight of the square, renowned for housing three exquisite masterpieces by the master painter Caravaggio. Here, art enthusiasts can marvel at 'The Calling of Saint Matthew,' 'The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew,' and 'Saint Matthew and the Angel,' each piece showcasing Caravaggio's distinctive use of light and shadow that brings the biblical stories to life. As you stroll through the square, take a moment to appreciate the lively atmosphere, where locals and tourists mingle, enjoying the warm Italian sun. The surrounding area is filled with restaurants and gelaterias, inviting you to indulge in authentic Roman cuisine and delicious gelato. Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi is more than just a visual feast; it is a gathering place where history, art, and everyday life converge, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Eternal City. Whether you're seeking inspiration from the art, a taste of local delicacies, or simply a place to relax, this enchanting square offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Roman life.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and get the best photos.
- Take your time exploring the inside of the Church of San Luigi de' Francesi to fully appreciate Caravaggio's art.
- Try a gelato from a nearby shop to cool off while you explore the square.
- Check local event calendars for any performances or gatherings happening in the square.
A brief summary to Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi
- Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, IT
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Colosseum, exit the Colosseum and head towards the metro station 'Colosseo'. Take the Metro Line B towards Rebibbia and get off at the 'Cavour' station. From there, exit the station and head northwest on Via Cavour towards Via dei Fori Imperiali. Continue straight for about 800 meters until you reach the Roman Forum. Walk past the Forum and continue on Via dei Fori Imperiali until you reach Piazza Venezia. Here, you will see the Altare della Patria. From Piazza Venezia, head to Via del Corso, a major shopping street. Walk about 1 km, and then turn left onto Via dei Condotti. After a few blocks, turn right onto Via di San Lorenzo in Lucina, which will lead you straight to Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi.
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Walking
If you are near the Vatican City, start at St. Peter's Basilica. Exit the basilica and head towards the Vatican Museums. As you walk, continue on Viale Vaticano until you reach the entrance of the museums. After visiting, exit the museums and head down Viale Vaticano towards Via di Porta Angelica. Turn left onto Via di Porta Angelica and continue until you reach the Tiber River. Cross the river at Ponte Sant'Angelo, and then follow the riverbank until you reach Ponte Umberto I. Cross this bridge and continue straight until you reach Via del Corso. Turn left and walk down Via del Corso, then turn right onto Via dei Condotti and finally right again onto Via di San Lorenzo in Lucina to reach Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi.
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Public Transport
If you are near Termini Station, start by taking Metro Line A (the orange line) towards Battistini. Get off at the 'Barberini' station. After exiting the station, head towards Piazza Barberini and take Via del Tritone. Continue straight and turn left onto Via del Corso. Walk down Via del Corso until you reach Via di San Lorenzo in Lucina, where you will find Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi. Alternatively, you can take bus number 81 from Termini towards Stazione Trastevere and get off at the 'Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina' stop, which is very close to the piazza.
Attractions Nearby to Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi
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Church of St. Louis of the French
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Fontana di Cortile Gian Lorenzo Bernini
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Palazzo Madama
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Piazza di Sant'Agostino
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Piazza delle Cinque Lune
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Basilica of Sant’Agostino in Campo Marzio
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Colonne neroniane
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Piazza di Sant'Eustachio
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Neptune Fountain
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Basilica of St Eustace
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Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
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Fountain of the Books
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Obelisco del Pantheon
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Piazza Navona
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Targa commemorativa di Pietro Mascagni
Landmarks nearby to Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi
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Touristation Navona
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Raphael's tomb
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Fountain of the Moro
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Colonna Places Pantheon Apartments
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Di Rienzo Pantheon Palace
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Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne
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Rome, Italy
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Arco degli Acetari
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Casa de Fiori
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Fontana di Campo de' Fiori
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Campo dei Fiori Terrace
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Monumento a Giordano Bruno
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Campo de' Fiori
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Piazza Campo de' Fiori
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Largo di Torre Argentina