First on my list (let’s see what Liam comes up with!) is the church of San Luigi dei Francesi, located near the Pantheon.
From the outside the church looks pretty much like any other church in Rome; you might not imagine that inside you can find an artistic treasure many museums would kill to have, and here it’s available for free: all you have to do it’s walk in!

Inside the church you will find many chapels with religious works of art that, of course, are great but in the end they all almost blur in your mind. That is, until you get to see the Caravaggios. Even if you don’t know anything about art, and just happen to stumble upon the curch by sheer luck you will immediatly be able to tell that here we are dealing not only with an artisan, but with a master and a visionary.

Caravaggio’s works (there are three of them at San Luigi) are vibrant, human and stunning, unlike other religious works of art you will find inside most churches in Rome. I can assure you the passion and strenght that comes off them will become one of your most treasured art memories- and you will get it for free!

You can learn more about Caravaggio and his troubled life on Wikipedia – where else? ; )  To get to San Luigi dei Francesi you can take the bus 40 from Termini. Get off at Largo Argentina and the follow this map we have dutifully put together for your walking pleasure.

If you need accomodation in the city don’t hesitate to write us or visit our website. And while you’re on the internets why don’t you drop me a line to tell me about your Caravaggio experience? It’ll be great to hear from you.

Have a great time!

Our blogger today: Raul

Rome celebrates the 29 June of every year the feast of its patrons Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Special ceremonies are organized in all the churches of the city, especially in those entitled to the Principles of the Apostles.

According to the tradition both saints were confined in the Mamertine Prison (pictured above), in the skirts of the capitol, a place that still exists and can be visited. There St. Peter succeeded in converting the guards and baptized them, and when he realized there was no water, he hit the ground where a fountain magically appeared.

St. Peter was brought to the ancient Neronian Circus located on the area where St.Peter’s square is now. He was crucified there with his head down to the ground.

St. Paul instead was conducted "to aquas salvias", in the actual area of the Three Fountains, on the Laurentina Street, to be beheaded; the story goes that his head bounced three times, creating every time a fountain: one of hot water, one of warm water and finally one with cold water.

On June 29th solemn rites are celebrated and, many of the dedicated to St. Peter. An interesting tradition is to kiss the feet of the great bronze statue of St. Pietro placed in the central aisle St.Peter’s basilica.

As commemoration of the party of the Roman patrons there’s as well a procession on which the chains of St. Paul are brought: they are preserved near the basilica ostiense and consists of 14 iron rings.

To enjoy many other Roman traditions, stay at Hotel Des Artistes or Yes Hotel in Rome. Both will offer you all the comfort you need in the heart of the Eternal City.

They can be seen in the church underneath the alter. Another remarkable piece of art is the sculpture of Moses which was sculpted by Michelangelo. The sculpture was originally for the funeral monument of one of the popes, which was supposed to have been placed in the middle of St Peters Basilica. However Michelangelo only ever got to finish one side of what was supposed to be an enormous tomb.

Other interesting features are the fresco on the wall of St Sabastiano and the tombstone situated in the wall on the left side of the entrance. When you are in the church please try to be quiet or you will be treated to the care taker coming out and shooooooooing everybody into silence