Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
For lovers of Baroque architecture, a visit to Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza is a must. Just a short walk from Piazza Navona, this church, designed by the visionary architect Francesco Borromini, stands as one of the most extraordinary examples of Rome’s rich architectural heritage. While Rome is filled with impressive churches, Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza shines as a beacon of creativity, ingenuity, and technical mastery—characteristics that set Borromini apart from his contemporaries, most notably Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Genius of Borromini
Built between 1642 and 1660, Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII as the chapel for the prestigious University of Rome, known as La Sapienza. Borromini was tasked with creating a space that reflected both the intellectual rigor and spiritual devotion of the university.
What Borromini delivered was far from ordinary. The church’s distinctive star-shaped dome—inspired by a combination of Christian and pagan symbols—is an architectural marvel. Its twisting form creates the illusion of movement, almost as if the dome is spiraling toward the heavens. This is the essence of Borromini’s genius: the ability to take simple geometric forms and transform them into something dynamic and divine.
The interior of the church reflects Borromini’s signature style, where simplicity meets complexity. The undulating walls, combined with natural light filtering through strategically placed windows, create a sense of ethereal beauty. His use of white stucco and geometric patterns produces an atmosphere of purity, elegance, and mathematical precision, paying homage to both faith and reason.
Borromini vs. Bernini: A Duality in Roman Baroque
No discussion of Borromini’s work would be complete without mentioning his famous rivalry with Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The two men were contemporaries, often competing for the same commissions, but their approaches to architecture and art were markedly different.
- Bernini was the master of theatricality. His works, like St. Peter’s Square and the Fountain of the Four Rivers, are grand, dramatic, and often filled with exuberant emotion. He sought to captivate the viewer with powerful visual effects, making use of sculpture and space to tell a story.
- Borromini, on the other hand, was more introspective and experimental. His focus was on geometry, light, and movement, as seen in Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza. While Bernini impressed with spectacle, Borromini captivated with intellectual rigor and a deep understanding of architectural principles. In Borromini’s hands, architecture became a form of philosophy, exploring the relationships between shapes, forms, and the divine.
A perfect example of their rivalry can be found in their work at St. Peter’s Basilica. While Bernini was given the commission to design the massive Baldacchino, Borromini played a significant role in the design of the basilica’s supporting structures. Yet, Borromini’s contributions often went overshadowed by Bernini’s grander, more visible works.
Why You Should Visit Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza
Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza is not just a church; it’s a testament to Borromini’s architectural innovation and his unique place in the Baroque era. When you visit, you’ll be struck by the interplay of light, the mathematical precision of the design, and the serene beauty that contrasts so strongly with the theatricality of Bernini’s creations.
For those interested in exploring the architectural wonders of Rome, a visit to Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Rome’s most original and enigmatic architects. It’s a place where faith, science, and art converge in a harmonious blend, perfectly representing the intellectual spirit of the Baroque era.
So, next time you are in Rome, don’t miss the chance to visit this hidden gem. Just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Piazza Navona, Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza offers a moment of quiet reflection and a chance to admire one of the most innovative structures in the city
