San Luigi dei Francesi Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St. Louis of the French
San Luigi dei Francesi (Italian) S. Ludovici Francorum de Urbe (Latin) Saint Louis des Français (French)
Façade of San Luigi dei Francesi, National Church in Rome of France.
41°53′59″N 12°28′29″E / 41.89972°N 12.47472°E / 41.89972; 12.47472
Location	Piazza di S. Luigi de Francesi, Rome
Country	Italy
Denomination	Catholic Church
Tradition	Latin Church
History
Status	Titular church, national church
Dedication	Saint Louis IX of France
Architecture
Architect(s)	Giacomo della Porta Domenico Fontana
Architectural type	Church
Style	Baroque
Completed	1589
Specifications
Length	51 metres (167 ft)
Width	35 metres (115 ft)
Nave width	14 metres (46 ft)

The Church of St. Louis of the French is a beautiful Catholic church in Rome, Italy. It is close to the famous Piazza Navona. This church is special because it is the national church for France in Rome.

It is named after important French patron saints. These include the Virgin Mary, Dionysius the Areopagite, and King Louis IX of France. The church was designed by Giacomo della Porta and built by Domenico Fontana. Construction took place between 1518 and 1589. Catherine de' Medici, a powerful queen, helped finish the church.

History of the Church
Outside the Church
Inside the Church
Burials
Ospizio San Luigi dei Francesi
Images for kids
See also

History of the Church

The story of this church began a long time ago. In 898, a group of monks from the Abbey of Farfa had to leave their home. They settled in Rome. Over time, their community grew and owned several churches and properties.

By 1480, one of their churches, Santa Maria, became the Church of St. Louis of the French. In 1518, Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici asked Jean de Chenevières to design a new church. This church was meant for the French people living in Rome.

Building stopped in 1527 because of a conflict in Rome. The church was finally finished in 1589. Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta completed it. They created a different design for the front of the church. Cardinal François de Joyeuse officially opened the church on October 8, 1589. The inside of the church was later updated between 1749 and 1756.

Today, a special group called Pieux Etablissements de la France à Rome et à Lorette takes care of five French churches in Rome. This group also manages apartment buildings in Rome and Loreto.

Outside the Church

Giacomo della Porta designed the front of the church. It looks like a separate, decorative piece. This style was copied by many other architects later on.

The church's French heritage is clear from its façade. You can see statues of important figures from French history. These include Charlemagne, Saint Louis, Saint Clothilde, and Saint Jeanne of Valois. Inside, there are paintings by Charles-Joseph Natoire. These paintings tell stories about Saint Louis IX, Saint Denis, and Clovis.

The beautiful ceiling painted by Charles-Joseph Natoire.

Inside the Church

The inside of the Church of St. Louis of the French is full of amazing art.

Contarelli Chapel: Caravaggio's Masterpieces

One of the most famous parts is the Contarelli Chapel. It holds incredible paintings by the master artist Caravaggio. He painted these between 1599 and 1600. The paintings show scenes from the life of Saint Matthew.

The Calling of Saint Matthew is on the left wall.
The Inspiration of Saint Matthew is above the altar.
The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew is on the right wall.

These three paintings are known all over the world.

Polet Chapel

The Polet Chapel has beautiful paintings by Domenichino. These frescoes show the Histories of Saint Cecilia.

Other Artworks

Many other talented artists have works in the church. These include Cavalier D'Arpino, Francesco Bassano il Giovane, Muziano, Giovanni Baglione, Siciolante da Sermoneta, Jacopino del Conte, Tibaldi, and Antoine Derizet.

Burials

Many important people from the French community in Rome are buried here. These include the economist Frédéric Bastiat and Cardinal François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis. He was an ambassador for French kings. Henri Cleutin, a French leader in 16th-century Scotland, is also buried here.

There is also the tomb of Pauline de Beaumont. Her lover, Chateaubriand, built it for her. The sculptor Pierre Le Gros the Younger and the painter Antoniazzo Romano are also buried in the church.

Ospizio San Luigi dei Francesi

Next to the church is the Ospizio San Luigi dei Francesi. This building was constructed between 1709 and 1716. It was a place for French religious people and travelers who needed a place to stay. The front of the building has a bust of Christ. People traditionally believe this face looks like Cesare Borgia. Inside, there is a gallery with portraits of French kings. There is also a notable Music Hall.