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Sant' Ignazio di Loyola a Campo Marzio St Ignatius of Loyola at Campus Martius

8/a Via del Caravita / Piazza di Sant'Ignazio

Church dedicated to St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. History

After the death and canonization of St Ignatius of Loyola, it was deemed fitting to build a church dedicated to him. It was built between 1626 and 1650 by Orazio Grassi S.J., funded by Ludovici Cardinal Ludovisi, a nephew of Pope Gregory XV. The latter also canonized St Ignatius and approved of the construction of this church. The Jesuits serve the church.

The current titular deacon of the church is H.E. Roberto Cardinal Tucci, S.J., who was appointed on February 21, 2001. Exterior

The piazza in front of the church, with two palaces from 1727-1728 by Filippo Raguzzini framing it on the other side, is a good example of 18th century urban planning.

The façade was designed by Allessandro Algardi. It has two storey with Corinthian columns, pilaster strips, cornices, frontispiece, side volutes and a large window, crowned by a tympanon. The chiaroscuro effect is strong and successful. Interior

The interior is laid out as in the shape of a Latin cross. It has a wide nave and apse, and is decorated in Baroque style.

The fresco paintings of the nave vault is the greatest work of Fr. Andrea Pozzo S.J., painted in 1685. It depicts the Glory of Ignatius, with St Ignatius being welcomed by Christ and the Blessed Virgin as he enters Paradise. The effect of perspective creates the illusion of looking up at the sky through open colonnades. Pozzo also painted the trompe l'oeil ceiling, a false dome in the nave, on a canvas that is 17 metres wide. The original intention was to build a dome, but this was too expensive. To get the best possible effect of the illusion, stand at the spot marked by a bronze plaque in the floor of the nave.

Scenes from the life of St Ignatius in the apse are also by Pozzo. They depict the defence of Pamplona, where St Ignatius was wounded in the leg, an event that led to his conversion; and the divine assurance that the saint received in the chapel at La Storta. There are also scenes from the life of St Francis Xavier and St Francis Borgia.

St Robert Bellarmine is buried in the third chapel on the right side.

In the chapel in the right arm of the transept, St Aloysius Gonzaga is interred in an urn of lapis lazuli. The altar is designed by Fr. Pozzo. The relief depicting the Glory of St Aloysius Gonzaga is by Pierre Legros, 1698.

The frieze of putti and the statues of Glory and Religion are by Allessandro Algardi, 1650. Special notes

The rooms of St Aloysius can be visited. The staircase leading to them is found close by his altar. There are also other rooms of interest there. At times, the door to the staircase is open, but the rooms are shut. If you find yourself on the roof in front of a closed door, taking in the view of Rome might appease you.