Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola (St. Ignatius)
8a Via del Caravita Roma
Where St. Aloysius Rests, and Jesuit Artistry Thrives
Mass Times | Hours | Photos
The Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola stands as a tribute to Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Built in the 17th century, this grand Baroque church reflects the spiritual and intellectual legacy of the Jesuits in Rome.
Its most striking feature is the painted ceiling by Andrea Pozzo, an illusionistic masterpiece that gives the impression of a soaring dome, though the church lacks an actual one. This technique, known as trompe-l'œil, extends the architectural space beyond its physical limits, drawing the viewer’s eye heavenward.
Beneath the high altar rest the relics of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, a Jesuit seminarian known for his holiness and self-sacrifice. His presence adds to the church’s deep spiritual significance. Visitors can also admire Pozzo’s perspective paintings in the side chapels, which further showcase the ingenuity of Jesuit artistry.
Sant'Ignazio remains a place of prayer and contemplation, inviting the faithful to marvel at its beauty while reflecting on the legacy of the Jesuit order.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As we enter the Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, we are enveloped by the grandeur of its sacred art and architecture, a testament to the glory of Your creation and the legacy of St. Ignatius. May the soaring ceilings and masterful frescoes lift our spirits toward You, inviting us to ponder Your infinite majesty and grace.
In this place, dedicated to Your servant St. Ignatius, may we be inspired by his journey from soldier to saint, and seek his guidance in our own lives of faith and discernment. Let his legacy of spiritual exercises and dedication to Your will fill our hearts with zeal and courage.
Grant that our time in this holy place deepens our love for You and strengthens our resolve to follow the path You have set before us. May we, like St. Ignatius and the Jesuits, strive for Your greater glory in all we do.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Chiesa Gesù
The Church of the Gesù, the mother church of the Society of Jesus, stands as the epitome of Baroque art and devotion. Built in 1568, it embodies the spiritual and artistic response of the Jesuits to the Protestant Reformation, designed to inspire faith through grandeur.
See Also:
Rome Highlights - Self Guided Tour
Rome, the Eternal City. With thousands of years worth of history, deciding between hundreds of churches can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, it is absolutely possible to get a taste of Rome in just a few days. The EWTN Travel team picked 15 top spots around the city. In the video, we show you how you can see them all in three days. Let’s get started.
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