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Rome, Italy Hints and Tips |
This fascinating church of St. Ignazio was built in 1626 in honour of St. Ignatius who was the founder of the Society of Jesus (also called the Jesuits) and a leading figure in the Counter Reformation. This is one of the most elaborately decorated churches with precious stones, marble and gilt all over its vast interior. The most striking aspect of this church is the cupola - which, as an architectural feature, does not actually exist. The plans to build one were scrapped because of local objection and so one was painted onto the ceiling instead. The effect is that of the appearance of a real three dimensional cupola. The idea behind this "perspective trick" is repeated with the ceiling painting of 1685 by Andrea Pozzo extolling the successes of Jesuit missionaries throughout the known world. When the ceiling and dome are viewed from the centre of the church they appear to be perfectly in perspective. As you move from this point, the cupola and ceiling become more distorted. This church is not usually a priority venue for sightseers but it has one of the most interesting interiors of any Roman church outside the Vatican and it is well worth a look. Whenever I have taken guests there, they have always considered it as one their most favourite "discoveries" in Rome. |
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