The Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, known as Chiesa del Gesù, is the Jesuit order’s main church on Piazza del Gesù in Rome. Its single nave is lined with chapels dedicated to saints, and the richly decorated interior draws the eye up to Giovanni Battista Gaulli’s ceiling fresco, where angels and clouds appear to spill beyond the frame. Look for the overhanging panels that create a three-dimensional illusion, and visit the Chapel of Saint Ignatius for its evening light and sound show.
The Jesuits’ main church
Chiesa del Gesù is the main church of the Jesuit order. Its plan centers on a single nave, without side aisles. Chapels dedicated to different saints line the sides, and the tomb of Ignatius Loyola lies at the center of the church.
The chapels give the interior a different rhythm from a church with side aisles. Take time to look into them as you move through the nave; they are places for reflection as well as spaces where services can take place.
A ceiling designed to deceive the eye
Look upward to see Giovanni Battista Gaulli’s fresco, The Triumph of the Name of Jesus. Angels and clouds seem to break through the ceiling, extending the painted scene beyond its frame. Overhanging panels and shaded areas add to the three-dimensional effect.
A tilted mirror inside the church lets you view the ceiling paintings without craning your neck. Pause to compare the view in the mirror with the painted details above.
The Chapel of Saint Ignatius
The Chapel of Saint Ignatius is known for an evening light and sound show. The Baroque Machine performance takes place at 5:30 PM, so a late-afternoon visit gives you a chance to see the church before the performance.
Camera di Sant’Ignazio is next door. Its perspective paintings by Andrea Pozzo offer another example of painted space playing with the viewer’s sense of depth.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Chiesa del Gesù?
The church is at Piazza del Gesù in Rome.
What is the church known for?
It is the Jesuits’ main church and is known for its Baroque interior, Gaulli’s ceiling fresco and the Chapel of Saint Ignatius.
When is the Baroque Machine performance?
The performance takes place at 5:30 PM.
Is there a light and sound show?
Yes. The Chapel of Saint Ignatius has an evening light and sound show.
