Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù) Tours
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In a city famous for its impressive ceilings—think that of the Sistine Chapel—Rome’s Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù) is a standout. The massive three-dimensional trompe l’oeil ceiling frescoes are so extraordinary that a large mirror has been strategically positioned so visitors can enjoy without straining their necks.
The Basics
The baroque Chiesa del Gesù (Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù all’Argentina) is one of the main churches of Rome, and a visit is often included in walking tours of the city's most important historic and artistic churches, such as Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Santa Maria sopra Minerva. You can combine a visit to Church of the Gesù with skip-the-line Vatican tickets to also tour St. Peter's Basilica, or opt for an audio-guided tour to visit this and other attractions at your own pace.
The church was built in the 16th century to replace an older Jesuit church marking the spot where the founder of the Jesuit order, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, once prayed to an image of the Virgin Mary (still preserved inside). The ornate frescoes over the nave and inside the dome by Giovanni Battista Gaulli date from the 17th century and feature clever trompe l’oeil effects.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Remember to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter Catholic churches in Rome.
- Tours of Rome's churches require quite a bit of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Due to the stairs at the entrance to the church, it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
- Photography without a flash is allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
Church of the Gesù is located along Via degli Astalli on Piazza del Gesù right in the center of Rome, a quick walk from Piazza Venezia where many buses and tram lines stop.
When to Get There
Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and its most famous churches can be crowded during the busy summer season. Try to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the ceiling decorations in relative peace.
The Gesù Chapels
Other highlights of Church of the Gesù include the sumptuous side chapels, namely the Cappella di Sant'Andrea, the Saint Francis Xavier Chapel, and the Chapel of St. Ignatius, designed by Andrea Pozzo.
Address: Via degli Astalli 16, Rome, Puglia, Italy
9 Tours and Activities to Experience Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù)
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Half-day ToursRome Highlights Tour | Squares and Fountains | Walking small Group experience
Marvel at Rome’s magnificent architecture on a 2.5-hour walking tour of the city’s historic piazzas and palazzos. Pose for photos on the iconic Spanish Steps, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and stand in awe before the mighty Pantheon, the ‘Temple of the Gods’. Stop along the way to admire the Baroque treasures of Piazza Navona, walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar on Campo de ‘Fiori and take in the views from the Vittoriano. This small-group tour is limited to 15 for a personalized experience.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$71.01
Private Sightseeing ToursJesuit Art Treasures in Rome Guided Tour including Church of Gesù & St Ignatius
Escape the crowds at Rome’s blockbuster sights and discover the lesser-known artistic treasures in the Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola and Chiesa del Gesù with an art historian guide. Admire masterpieces like the three-dimensional trompe l'oeil dome and tomb of St. Ignatius by Jesuit artist Andrea Pozzo in two of the most important Jesuit churches in the world while learning about the history of the order and its premier artist.
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- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$183.30
Price varies by group size
Half-day ToursBaroque Churches of Rome Walking Tour
Visit Rome’s baroque churches on this walking tour that introduces you to sites not usually included in the average Rome sightseeing itinerary. As you check out places like the Church of San Giovanni de Fiorentine and the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, you’ll learn about the history of baroque architecture and its purpose by artists like Francesco Borromini, Giacomo della Porta, Carlo Moderna and Pietro de Cortona.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$77.74
Price varies by group size
Half-day ToursSpiritual tour - In-Depth Walking Tour of Rome
This In-Depth walking tour is perfect for those of you who would like to learn more about the Eternal City.
Your local guide, Luigi Senise with a Phd in Art History, will show you the marriage between art, faith and history walking through Rome's famous landmarks. Discover the churches with its treasures: Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini, Borromini and many more.
This complete three hour tour offers you the best way to experience the spiritual beauty and the fascination of Rome.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$12.04
Cultural ToursRome Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore Rome at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. Using your own smartphone or mp3 player, you'll follow a downloaded tour to check out historical sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican City area. As you go, listen to commentary to learn about Rome's ancient landmarks.
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- 1 to 3 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$16.56
Overnight ToursRome Highlights | Walking Tour Squares and Fountains & Hop-on Hop-off open Bus
Discover several landmarks in Rome during a walking tour focused on art history and architecture. See top sites in the Eternal City including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Combine this walking tour with a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus. Maximize time with a ticket valid for either 24 or 48 hours.
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- 2 days
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$101.10
Half-day ToursRome's Squares and Fountains Private Tour - The celebration of the water
Get an in-depth look at some of Rome's most public art with this private 3-hour walking tour of the city's famous squares and fountains. Join a guide with expertise in archaeology and art history to learn about some of Rome's hidden treasures of art and history. Enjoy the personalized attention of the guide for just for you and your group.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$124.21
$31.05 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$124.21
$31.05 savings
Price varies by group size
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Historical ToursAuthentic Roman adventure through Rome's Old Centre
Authentic Roman walking adventure with our amazing hosts Emanuela and Giuliano. Romans through and through, we provide you with unique Roman insights. Friendly and extremely knowledgeable, we ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
We also enjoy a coffee break and lunch at some of Rome's best kept secrets.
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- 5 to 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$201.94
Half-day ToursPrivate 3 hour tour of Baroque Rome with Borghese Gallery with an Art Historian.
Five most important Baroque Churches in Rome by Bernini and his arch rival Borromini. Most famous paintings by Caravaggio and the guided visit of Borghese Gallery a sumptuous Villa-Museum, highlighted by early Bernini sculptures, "The Rape of Persophone", "Apollo and Daphne", and "David".
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$433.29
per group
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