Italy

Church of Il Gesu

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus is interesting as an architectural, historical monument and as the resting place of St. Ignatius of Loyola - the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). This is the main temple of the Jesuits. Ile Gesu is famous for its unique 3D painting on the ceiling.

Church of Il Gesu - Temple of the Jesuit Order in the center of Rome

The Church of the Blessed Name of Jesus (Chiesa del Sacro Nome di Gesù Il Gesu) occupies a special place in the history of Roman architecture. She is called the "mother of the Jesuit churches," the main temple of the Society of Jesus.

The construction of the church for the Order in Rome was initiated by Ignatius Loyola in 1551. It was built for 16 years - from 1568 to 1584. After consecration, the temple became the titular cathedral church of the Roman Order of the Jesuits.

Today, this temple is considered the progenitor of Italian Baroque, a “turning point” from Renaissance to Baroque architecture. Michelangelo created the initial sketches of the facade in 1554, but his plan was rejected by the cardinal. Seven years later, another architect, Giacomo da Vignola, created a new project and began to build the temple. The church was not yet completed when Vignola died. Work on the facade of the building was completed by Giacomo Della Porta.

Architecture Ile Gesu

The main facade of Il Gesu

The architecture of the main facade of Il Gesu testifies to the undeniable influence of Michelangelo on the work of Della Porto. The front wall is simply designed according to the canons of the Order - it is decorated with pilasters and Corinthian half-columns. The different heights of the central nave and the chapels are combined into a common composition with curved racks with volutes at the ends located along the edges of the upper tier. The facade is dominated by a triangular pediment; above the main entrance is a cartouche with a monogram of Jesus. Above the side gates, in niches under semicircular sandriks, statues of saints Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola are installed.

Church interior

Central nave

The interior of the temple contrasts with its luxury with an ascetic facade. Amazing abundance of gilding on the arches, cassette ceiling, walls and altar; impressive magnificent painting of the ceiling. Decorating the temple with stucco decoration is the work of the sculptor Antonio Raggi, a student of Bernini.

Shade

On the domed ceiling you can see the fresco "The Triumph of Jesus" by Giovanni Battista Gaulli. This is a unique multi-color painting made with the effect of a three-dimensional image. The figures of the saints, prophets, and Church Fathers seem relief on it, reflecting light and casting a shadow. In fact, the image is flat, and this is only an artistic device.

Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola

Altar of Ignatius of Loyola

In the left transept is the altar-tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola - designed by Andrea Pozzo. The tomb is decorated with gold and silver, colored marble, malachite and lapis lazuli.

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier

Altar of St. Francis Xavier, decorated in gold and blue and white, is located in the right transept.

Main altar

Main altar

The main altar was reconstructed by sculptor Antonio Sarti in the 19th century. It is made in the form of a triumphal arch of four marble columns installed under a triangular pediment with the monogram of Christ. Behind the altar painting, which moves with the help of a secret mechanism, a statue of the Sacred Heart is hidden.

Sacristy

The sacristy of the temple of Il Gesu is considered one of the largest in Rome. Designed by Girolamo Rainaldi.

Dome
Dome painting
Organ
In the temple

See other sights of Rome in my guide.

How to get there

Take tram 8 to the Venezia stop or buses 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 130F, 190F, 492, 628, 916 to the Plebiscito stop.

Watch the video: Il Gesù, including Triumph of the Name of Jesus ceiling fresco (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Italy, Next Article

Lentpark
Germany

Lentpark

Lentpark is an excellent sports and entertainment complex. It includes an indoor ice rink, several pools, saunas, a gym. Lentpark Sports Complex The sports complex in Cologne, consisting of a swimming pool and ice rink (Eis und Schwimmstadion), was demolished in 2009 and replaced in 2011.
Read More
Pillnitz Castle
Germany

Pillnitz Castle

Nice park with baroque palaces. Quiet, cozy, calm. Here you can just take a walk or visit museums (Castle and folk crafts). The pride of the garden is the huge Japanese camellia, the oldest in Europe. She is 230 years old! Schloss Pillnitz Castle, photo by Hartmut Pillnitz Castle (Schloss Pillnitz) is located on the picturesque banks of the Elbe.
Read More
Reinpark
Germany

Reinpark

In 2013, Reynpark turned 100 years old. This is Cologne's largest and most visited park. Rheinpark Rheinpark is Cologne's largest park, with an area of ​​about 50 hectares. It is so large that a miniature railway has even been laid on its territory, which will take you from one end of the park to the other.
Read More
Museum of Hygiene
Germany

Museum of Hygiene

In the "Museum of Man" is worth going to look inside yourself. "Adventure is a man," is the name of the main exposition. Most exhibits can be touched and twisted. German Hygiene Museum (Deutsches Hygiene-Museum), photo dave-patten Another interesting place that is simply impossible to ignore is the German Hygiene Museum (Deutsches Hygiene-Museum) or the Museum of Man, which is located east of the Dresden Town Hall, once owned by the Robotron factories.
Read More