Church of St. Louis of the French

"The Church of Saint Louis of the French (Italian: Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi) is a titular church and national church of France in Rome, Italy. It is located in the rione Sant'Eustachio, a few steps from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Denis the Areopagite, and Saint Louis, King of France. The church was founded in 1518 by Cardinal Giulio de' Medici (future Pope Clement VII) to serve the large French community in Rome. The church was designed by Giacomo della Porta and completed in 1589. The church is famous for its three paintings by Caravaggio, which were commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte. The paintings, which depict the life of Saint Matthew, are considered to be some of Caravaggio's masterpieces. The church is a Baroque building with a single nave and a dome. The interior of the church is decorated with paintings and sculptures by some of the most important artists of the 16th and 17th centuries, including Caravaggio, Domenichino, and Guido Reni."

"The national church of France in Rome, home to one of Caravaggio’s greatest works. Designed by Giacomo della Porta and built by Domenico Fontana between 1518 and 1589, it was completed through the personal intervention of Caterina de’ Medici, who donated some of the property in the area. Inside, in the far-left corner, you have the Contarelli Chapel. This chapel contains 3 paintings by baroque master Caravaggio in 1599 and 1600 about the life of Saint Matthew. This includes the three world-renowned canvases of the Calling of St Matthew, on the left wall, The Inspiration of St Matthew, above the altar, and the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew, on the right wall. An incredible location filled with art and history."

"Piazza di S. Luigi dei Francesi, Rome *IMPORTANT NOTE:* The church will be CLOSED from July 29th 2024 through August 31st, 2024. Hours: Weekdays from 9:30 am - 12:45 pm, and then from 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm Saturday - 9:30 am - 12:15 pm, and 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm Sunday 11:30 am - 12:45 pm, and 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm Closed on the first Wednesday of each month. Mass is celebrated at 7 pm Monday - Friday, Saturday at 12:30 pm, and Sundays at 10:30 am. Admission is free. Private tours can be arranged on Thursdays with advance request to the church administration. "