Chiesa del Gesù, Rome
Must-SeeRomeWhere
1568-84Period
The mother church of the Jesuits — Baciccia's ceiling appears to explode out of the vault. Baroque's mission statement.
Sant'Ignazio, Rome
Must-SeeRomeWhere
1626-85Period
Andrea Pozzo's trompe l'oeil dome (there is no dome — it's painted flat). Stand on the marble disc in the nave for the full illusion.
Sant'Andrea della Valle, Rome
Must-SeeRomeWhere
1591-1650Period
Lanfranco's dome fresco and the setting for Puccini's Tosca. The second-largest dome in Rome after St Peter's.
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice
Must-SeeVeniceWhere
1631-87Period
Longhena's octagonal church at the Grand Canal entrance — Venice's most photographed church. Built as a plague offering.
Cappella Sansevero, Naples
Must-SeeNaplesWhere
1590-1766Period
The Veiled Christ — marble so thin it appears transparent. Book tickets online — it's tiny and sells out. Naples' most extraordinary single artwork.
💡 Pro tip: These buildings are almost always free and uncrowded. Visit in the afternoon when tour groups have left.
Where to start
Start with the must-see examples, then explore the hidden gems. Italy's baroque churches reward the curious visitor.