Sistine Chapel was Yesterday

Expensive tickets and hours of waiting in scorching heat just to catch a brief glimpse of the ceiling painting of the Sistine Chapel? We've got something better for you:

The Jesuit church of Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola! It houses one of Rome's most breathtaking treasures: The Glory of St. Ignatius fresco, a masterpiece created by the multi-talented Andrea Pozzo (1642-1709), a painter, mathematician, and Jesuit lay-brother. As you step inside this remarkable sanctuary, you'll be transported to a world where art and illusion converge in a stunning display of creativity.

Stretching across the entire vaulted ceiling of the nave, The Glory of St. Ignatius, painted between 1688 and 1694, is a testament to Pozzo's artistic prowess. To truly appreciate its magnificence, stand on the designated spot marked by a small marble disc in the floor – from here, the fresco's perspective will leave you breathless!

At each end of the celestial panorama, groups of angels ignite a symbolic fire. One end bears the inscription: "IGNEM VENI METTERE IN TERRA" (I came to send fire on the earth), while the other reads: "ET QUID VOLO NISI UT ACCENDETUR" (And what do I want except that it burns). Here, "Ignem" cleverly plays on the name Ignatius, adding a layer of wordplay to the artwork.

Beyond showcasing the elevation of St. Ignatius, the fresco pays homage to the global reach of the Jesuit Order. In the corners, allegorical representations of the four known continents of the time – Africa, Asia, America, and Europe – further enrich the narrative.

Pozzo's mastery of perspective was put to ingenious use when the church's budget constraints prevented the construction of a physical dome over the crossing. In response, Pozzo painted a faux dome that skillfully deceives the eye, providing the church with a stunning illusion of architectural grandeur. This captivating blend of artistry and ingenuity makes Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts in Rome.