Caravaggio and the Treasures of Baroque Rome – Private Walking Tour

Step into the intense, rebellious world of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, one of the most revolutionary artists in Western art history. This 3-hour private walking tour takes you on a compelling journey through Caravaggio’s masterpieces and the grandeur of Baroque Rome, exploring both the artistic brilliance and the turbulent life of the painter who redefined realism.

Your experience begins in Piazza del Popolo, at the stunning Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, home to two of Caravaggio’s early masterpieces:

The Crucifixion of Saint Peter
The Conversion of Saint Paul

These emotionally charged works mark the beginning of a trail of genius and controversy that has been left across the Eternal City. As you follow your expert guide through the streets of Rome, you’ll not only explore Caravaggio’s legacy but also walk in his footsteps. Explore the locations where he lived, such as the elegant Palazzo Madama and the stately Palazzo Giustiniani, and discover vivid stories about his passionate temperament, artistic rivalries, and encounters with the law.

Along the way, your guide will enrich the experience with fascinating insights into Rome’s political and architectural history, including monumental sites like Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi, where you’ll stand before Caravaggio’s powerful trilogy:

The Calling of Saint Matthew
The Inspiration of Saint Matthew
The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew

You’ll also admire the deeply human Madonna of the Pilgrims in Sant’Agostino, another defining example of Caravaggio’s raw, realistic style.

The walk continues through the heart of historic Rome, passing iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and the richly decorated Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. The tour concludes in the spectacular Piazza Navona, where the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini and the façade of Sant’Agnese in Agone by Borromini become the backdrop to tales of artistic rivalry, papal commissions, and the final chapters of Caravaggio’s life.

Please Note:

While we aim to follow the planned route, some locations may vary due to availability or local events. We appreciate your understanding and promise an unforgettable artistic experience either way.

What’s included?

Private 3-hour walking tour dedicated to Caravaggio and Baroque Rome
Licensed professional guide with expertise in art history and Caravaggio’s life
Visit to key churches housing Caravaggio masterpieces, including:
– Santa Maria del Popolo (Crucifixion of Saint Peter, Conversion of Saint Paul)
– San Luigi dei Francesi (The Calling, Inspiration, and Martyrdom of Saint Matthew)
– Sant’Agostino (Madonna of the Pilgrims)
Guided walk through iconic Baroque locations such as:
– Pantheon
– Palazzo Montecitorio
– Palazzo Madama
– Palazzo Giustiniani
– Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
– Piazza Navona (with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and Borromini’s Sant’Agnese)
Fascinating stories about Caravaggio’s life, artistic rivalries, and the political history of Baroque Rome
Flexible itinerary, adapted when necessary due to local events or availability.

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
Entry tickets to any paid museums or exhibitions (the churches visited are free to enter, but access may be limited during services)
Headsets (only provided for groups over a certain size, if required by venue regulations)
Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Transportation – this is a walking tour
Meals, drinks, or personal expenses
Gratuities (optional but appreciated)

Please Note

Stroller / pram accessible
Public transportation nearby
This tour is not wheelchair accessible
Infants must not sit on laps, and infant seats are not available
Pets are not allowed
Dress code is smart casual.
- Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended
- To enter churches, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women
- No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed
Some churches may be closed without prior notice due to religious functions. These closures are beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or partial refunds are possible
The order of the itinerary may vary depending on conditions or events on the day of the tour
Cultural or institutional authorities (e.g. Museums, Churches, Ministry of Culture) may close sites fully or partially without notice.
- If we receive advance communication, we will offer alternative solutions
- In case of unexpected and sudden closures beyond our control, no refund will be possible
Refund requests must be submitted no later than 48 hours before the scheduled date of the tour
- Requests made after this window cannot be accepted

What do I need to bring?

Booking confirmation (printed or digital voucher)
Valid photo ID (passport or government-issued ID), especially for entry into certain church areas if requested
Comfortable walking shoes – the tour covers several historical streets and cobbled areas
Weather-appropriate clothing – umbrella or rain jacket in winter; hat and sunscreen in summer
A reusable water bottle, especially during warmer months
Modest attire – shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches

Cancellation policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event

Starting/Meeting point

The meeting point is at the obelisk in the center of Piazza del Popolo, where your guide will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name.

Church of Santa Maria del Popolo

First Stop: Santa Maria del Popolo & the Caravaggio Masterpieces Your guided tour begins at the magnificent Santa Maria del Popolo, a gem of art and architecture located at the edge of Piazza del Popolo. This historic church, built over an ancient tomb and later redesigned by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, is the ideal starting point for your journey through Rome’s artistic heritage. Inside, you’ll visit the Cerasi Chapel, where your guide will introduce you to two of Caravaggio’s most powerful works:

The Conversion of Saint Paul
The Crucifixion of Saint Peter

These paintings are striking examples of Caravaggio’s dramatic use of light and shadow, emotional intensity, and groundbreaking realism. You’ll explore how his unique style shocked viewers of the time—and continues to captivate audiences today.

Across from Caravaggio’s works, you’ll also admire Annibale Carracci’s Assumption of the Virgin, offering a beautiful stylistic contrast and showcasing the rich artistic dialogue of the early 17th century.

With fascinating stories and expert insights from your guide, Santa Maria del Popolo becomes more than a church—it becomes a doorway into the heart of Rome’s artistic and spiritual legacy.

Piazza Augusto Imperatore

Located in the heart of Rome near the Tiber River, Piazza Augusto Imperatore is a monumental square that celebrates the legacy of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus. At its center stands the imposing Mausoleum of Augustus, a vast circular tomb originally built in 28 BC as the emperor’s final resting place. Recently restored, the mausoleum is one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Rome.

Surrounding the piazza are examples of rationalist architecture from the Fascist era, including the ARA PACIS Museum, which houses the Altar of Peace, a stunning marble monument dedicated to Augustus’s reign and the Pax Romana.

During your guided visit, you’ll explore how this square reflects layers of Roman history—from imperial grandeur to 20th-century urban planning—making it a fascinating blend of past and present in the Eternal City.

Palazzo Madama

Home to the Italian Senate, Palazzo Madama is a grand Renaissance palace once owned by the Medici family. Your guide will highlight its layered history—from a noble residence to a center of political power—and point out architectural details that reflect its Florentine heritage blended with Roman refinement. Magnificent building, property of the Cardinal Del Monte, where Caravaggio lived when he arrived in Rome.

Pantheon

A must-see architectural wonder, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. During your guided visit, you’ll learn how this former Roman temple—now a Christian church—was engineered nearly 2,000 years ago with a massive unreinforced concrete dome. Your guide will explain the building’s transformation over time, its symbolic oculus, and the tombs of notable figures, including Raphael. Visit from outside

Church of Sant’Agostino

Tucked away in the charming district of Campo Marzio, the Church of Sant’Agostino is a true hidden gem of Roman sacred architecture. Blending Renaissance structure with Baroque accents, this church holds one of Caravaggio’s most emotionally powerful masterpieces: the Madonna dei Pellegrini (Madonna of the Pilgrims, c. 1604–1606).

This striking painting depicts the Virgin Mary, barefoot and standing in the doorway of an ordinary Roman home, gently welcoming two weary pilgrims. Caravaggio’s raw, unidealized figures and dramatic lighting bring a sense of intimacy and realism that shocked viewers of the time and redefined religious art.

During your visit, your guide will highlight the unique composition, expressive light contrasts, and the controversial reception of the painting, which was criticized for portraying holy figures with peasant features and dirty feet. You’ll also hear the fascinating story of Caravaggio’s tumultuous life in Rome—and how this very church once served as a refuge during his years of exile and unrest.

Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

A hidden gem of Roman Baroque architecture, this Jesuit church stuns visitors with its optical illusions and grand ceiling frescoes by Andrea Pozzo. With your guide, you’ll discover how this church embodies the Jesuit ideals of spiritual impact through art. Don’t miss the “fake dome”—an ingenious trompe-l’œil that surprises even locals.

Palazzo Montecitorio designed by Bernini

As you pass by Palazzo Montecitorio, your guide will share its transformation from a Baroque palace designed by Bernini into the modern seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. You’ll learn about its political significance, architectural evolution, and how it continues to serve as a symbol of Italy’s democratic system today.

Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi

Just steps from Piazza Navona, this elegant church features Caravaggio’s world-renowned masterpiece cycle in the prestigious Contarelli Chapel:

The Calling of Saint Matthew
The Inspiration of Saint Matthew
The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew

These groundbreaking canvases showcase his dramatic use of light, shadow, and raw emotion—a stark contrast to the idealized religious art of his time. Your guide will reveal the symbolic meanings, hidden narratives, and the turbulent context of their commission, revealing why San Luigi is a pilgrimage site for art lovers worldwide.

Palazzo Giustiniani

This elegant palace, now used for institutional functions by the Senate, was once a private residence filled with art collections. During your guided walk, your guide will reveal how Palazzo Giustiniani was connected to influential patrons of the arts and Caravaggio’s own story, making it a key stop for understanding Baroque Rome’s social and political backdrop.

Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Four Rivers & Sant’Agnese in Agone)

One of Rome’s most iconic squares, Piazza Navona, is the perfect finale for your tour. Your guide will unravel the famous artistic rivalry between Bernini and Borromini, visible in the contrast between the dynamic Fountain of the Four Rivers and the elegant Sant’Agnese in Agone. Originally a Roman stadium, the piazza blends ancient history with Baroque theatricality—ideal for ending your journey through Rome’s artistic heart.The most iconic square of Rome, symbol of Baroque Style in Italy. Here we stop admiring the Curch of Saint Agnes, projected by Borromini, and the famous Fountain of Four Rivers, sculpted by Bernini.

You can start this experience at the following places.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, RM Roma, IT

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Rome, Caravaggio & the Baroque: An Intimate Private Tour

Caravaggio and the Treasures of Baroque Rome – Private Walking Tour

Please Note:

What’s included?

Exclusions

Please Note

What do I need to bring?

Cancellation policy

Starting/Meeting point

Church of Santa Maria del Popolo

Piazza Augusto Imperatore

Palazzo Madama

Pantheon

Church of Sant’Agostino

Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

Palazzo Montecitorio designed by Bernini

Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi

Palazzo Giustiniani

Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Four Rivers & Sant’Agnese in Agone)

You can start this experience at the following places.

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