A 17th century baroque church with Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Built between 1608 and 1620, the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is an example of the richest Baroque decoration.
Head to the Cornaro Chapel in the far left corner to see Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s masterpiece, the recently restored “Ecstasy of Saint Teresa“, one of the most famous Baroque sculptures. It depicts in white marble the climactic moment in which a swooning nun, pierced by the arrow of God’s love, achieves spiritual union with Christ. Sculpted members of the Cornaro family overlook the dramatic and highly sensual scene from theater-like boxes. Needless to say, this provocative sculpture has sparked controversy for centuries.
The church has seen a surge in tourism thanks to the widespread popularity of author Dan Brown’s novel Angels and Demons, which features the building.
Why it’s special
Step inside and you’re greeted by an immersive Baroque “total artwork”: polychrome marbles, gilded stuccoes, swirling angels and trophies cover every surface, drawing your eye down the single nave toward the high altar. Light is part of the design here—Bernini and the decorators use it almost like a stage spotlight to heighten emotion.
Architecture & interiors
The church has a single nave with side chapels, each richly decorated with colored marbles and stucco reliefs. The ceiling fresco celebrates the Virgin’s victory, echoing the church’s dedication (“della Vittoria”), while the main altar glitters with bronze and gold details. Don’t rush the side chapels: you’ll find fine altarpieces, playful putti, and a wealth of decorative motifs that reward close looking.
Address
Via XX Settembre, 17 (Repubblica)
Opening times
Mon-Sat 7am-12pm, 4pm-6pm
Sun 9am-12pm; 4pm-6pm
