San Luigi dei Francesi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St. Louis of the French |
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Façade of San Luigi dei Francesi, National Church in Rome of France.
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| 41°53′59″N 12°28′29″E / 41.89972°N 12.47472°E | |
| 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 (Italian: San Luigi dei Francesi) is a Catholic church in Rome, Italy. It is close to Piazza Navona, a famous square. This church is special because it is dedicated to the patron saints of France. These saints are the Virgin Mary, Dionysius the Areopagite, and King Louis IX of France.
The church was designed by Giacomo della Porta. Domenico Fontana helped build it between 1518 and 1589. Catherine de' Medici, a powerful queen, helped finish the church. She gave money and land for its completion. Today, it is known as the national church in Rome for France. It is also a titular church, which means a Cardinal is linked to it.
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History of the Church
The idea for this church started a long time ago. In 898, a group of monks from the Abbey of Farfa came to Rome. They had to leave their home because of attacks. Over time, their property in Rome grew. By the late 900s, they owned churches and houses.
In 1480, the monks gave their property to the powerful Medici family. One of their churches became the Church of Saint Louis of the French. In 1518, Cardinal Giulio de' Medici asked Jean de Chenevières to design a new church. It was meant for the French people living in Rome.
Building stopped in 1527 because Rome was attacked. The church was finally finished in 1589. Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta completed it. They designed the beautiful front of the church. On October 8, 1589, it was officially opened.
Today, a special group called Pieux Etablissements de la France à Rome et à Lorette takes care of this church. They also manage four other French churches in Rome. This group is led by someone chosen by the French Ambassador.
Outside the Church
Giacomo della Porta designed the church's front, or façade. He made it very decorative and separate from the rest of the building. This style was copied a lot later on.
The French history of the church is clear from its front. You can see statues of important French figures. These include Charlemagne, Saint Louis, Saint Clothilde, and Saint Jeanne of Valois.
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Inside the Church
The inside of the church is just as impressive. It has beautiful paintings and decorations.
Contarelli Chapel: Caravaggio's Masterpieces
One of the most famous parts is the Contarelli Chapel. It holds amazing paintings by the artist Caravaggio. He painted them between 1599 and 1600. These paintings show scenes from the life of Saint Matthew.
You can see three world-famous paintings here:
- The Calling of St Matthew on the left wall.
- The Inspiration of Saint Matthew above the altar.
- The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew on the right wall.
Polet Chapel: Domenichino's Art
The Polet Chapel also has beautiful frescoes. These are paintings done on wet plaster. They were created by Domenichino. His paintings show the Histories of Saint Cecilia.
Other Artworks
Many other artists have works in this church. You can see pieces by Cavalier D'Arpino, Francesco Bassano il Giovane, and Giovanni Baglione. Other artists include Muziano, Siciolante da Sermoneta, and Jacopino del Conte.
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The Calling of St. Matthew
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The Inspiration of Saint Matthew
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The Martyrdom of St. Matthew
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Interior
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Merklin organ
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Polet Chapel
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Burials in the Church
Many important people are buried in the church. They include French leaders and members of the French community in Rome. For example, Frédéric Bastiat, a famous economist, is buried here. Also, Cardinal François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis, who was an ambassador for French kings, rests here.
You can also find the tomb of Pauline de Beaumont. She died in Rome in 1805. Her lover, the writer Chateaubriand, built her tomb. The sculptor Pierre Le Gros the Younger and painter Antoniazzo Romano are also buried here.
Ospizio San Luigi dei Francesi
Next to the church is the Ospizio San Luigi dei Francesi. This building was finished in 1716. It was built as a place for French religious people and pilgrims to stay. These were people who might not have had much money.
The porch of the Ospizio has a bust, which is a sculpture of a head and shoulders. This bust shows Christ. People traditionally believe its face looks like Cesare Borgia. Inside, there is a gallery with portraits of French kings. There is also a notable Music Hall.
Cardinal-Priests of S. Luigi dei Francesi
Since 1967, the Church of S. Louis has been a "titular church." This means a Cardinal is given a special link to it. So far, all the Cardinals linked to this church have been archbishops of Paris.
- Pierre Veuillot (1967–1968)
- François Marty (1969–1994)
- Jean-Marie Lustiger (1994–2007)
- André Armand Vingt-Trois (2007–Present)
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Luis de los Franceses (Roma) para niños
