See real Caravaggios. Skip the queue.
Caravaggio painted six of his greatest works for three ordinary Roman churches — and they're all still there, still free to see. This self-guided trail links them into one unhurried 90-minute walk, with the story behind each painting and the trick to lighting them up.
6
Caravaggio paintings
3
free-to-enter churches
€0
entry, ever
90 min
at an easy pace
What's on the trail
Three churches, a two-minute and a ten-minute walk apart.
San Luigi dei Francesi
The Contarelli Chapel and the three Saint Matthew paintings — the commission that made Caravaggio famous almost overnight.
Sant'Agostino
The Madonna of the Pilgrims: a barefoot, everyday holiness that scandalised and moved Rome in equal measure.
Santa Maria del Popolo
The Cerasi Chapel’s Conversion of Saint Paul and Crucifixion of Saint Peter — his realism at its most physical.
How the guide works
- 1
Buy once
A single purchase unlocks the whole trail — no subscription and no app to install.
- 2
One shared map
Every stop drops onto one Rome map you keep building as you add more guides.
- 3
Read or listen
Each stop has a written piece and a short audio summary — your choice, hands-free if you want.
The guide
Tap through to open the trail and its map.
Good to know
Is it really free to enter the churches?
Yes — all three are working churches with free entry. Bring a few coins for the coin-operated light boxes that illuminate the paintings.
Do I need to book anything?
No. There’s no ticket and no timed entry. You walk in during opening hours, mindful of any services taking place.
How long does the walk take?
About 90 minutes at an easy pace, including time to light and re-light each chapel.
Can I use it on my phone as I walk?
Yes — each stop is designed to be read or listened to on the go. Download before you set out if your data is limited.