Chiesa Nuova (Chiesa di Santa Maria in Vallicella)
Chiesa Nuova, considered one of the great baroque churches of Rome, houses important paintings like Pietro da Cortona'sTrinity in Glory andAssumption of the Virgin, along with altarpieces by Peter Paul Rubens and Barocci.
The Basics
Dubbed the “New Church” after being rebuilt in 1575 by St. Philip Neri, Chiesa Nuova—also known as the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Vallicella—has a counter-reformation design with a single nave decorated by Pietro da Cortona'sMiracle of the Madonna della Vallicella. Adjacent to the church is the Casa dei Filippini, home to an oratory designed by the Baroque architect Francesco Borromini.
Chiesa Nuova is a highlight of any walking tour of Rome's baroque churches, which also include the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini and the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, in addition to Bernini's statues along Ponte Sant'Angelo.
Things to Know Before You Go
To enter the church, visitors must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
Walking tours of Rome's baroque churches require a significant amount of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
The church is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
How to Get There
The church is located on the Piazza Chiesa Nuova along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, a short walk down Via del Governo Vecchio from Piazza Navona and midway between St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza Venezia. A number of city busses stop just outside Chiesa Nuova.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Saint Filippo Neri is one of the patron saints of Italy's capital city. On and May 26, his feast day, Chiesa Nuova holds several masses and celebrations in his honor.
Caravaggio and Chiesa Nuova
An altarpiece Caravaggio originally created for Chiesa Nuova only remained in the church for a short time before a Pope took a liking to it and brought it to the Vatican, where it continues to live today at the Vatican’s art museum.
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