The church of San Luigi dei Francesi.

The church of San Luigi dei Francesi stands between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

It is the national church of France in Rome; its construction was funded by the kings of France between 1518 and 1589. It is dedicated to Saint Louis, King of France (Louis IX).

Getting there : In the heart of Rome, it is best reached on foot or by bus; many bus lines run along Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II (40, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70 …)

Address : Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi, 5

Opening hours : open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 12:45 and from 14:30 to 18:30. On Saturday from 9:30 to 12:15 and from 14:30 to 18:45. On Sunday from 11:30 to 12:45 and from 14:30 to 18:45.

Ticket prices: free admission

The plans of the church are attributed to Giacomo della Porta and the architect was Domenico Fontana.

The façade of San Luigi dei Francesi is Renaissance in style, sober and adorned with a few statues, including those of Francis I (with the salamander emblem) and Charlemagne. The pediment bears the coat of arms with fleurs-de-lis.

Inside, the three aisles are richly decorated in the Baroque style: stucco, gilding and marble!

But what makes San Luigi dei Francesi’s reputation is the presence, in the Contarelli Chapel, of three superb paintings by Caravaggio devoted to the life of Saint Matthew:

On the left, the Calling of Saint Matthew. Christ, accompanied by Saint Peter, points to Matthew among the group in a customs office and asks him to follow. Around the table, the figures are dressed in Renaissance fashion, while Christ and Saint Peter wear antique dress.

Opposite, Saint Matthew and the Angel shows the evangelist as he writes, his face turned towards an angel who seems to be dictating his text.

On the right, the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew recalls his death, killed during a celebration.

Find out more about San Luigi dei Francesi: Culture and worship together at the church of San Luigi dei Francesi