The Church of the Gesu in Rome and its spectacular vault

The Church of the Gesu is known for being the first Jesuit church in the world and for having a single nave structure with side chapels that would mark an era and that would copy thousands of later churches on the planet.

But what really stands out is the decoration of the vault, which is really impressive and is one of the jewels of the Baroque.

When you enter this church you will not be able to stop looking at the ceiling.

The visit to the Church of the Gesu

The Gesú façade was a real revolution at the time.

It is considered the first truly Baroque façade and is the model for the Jesuit churches that came later.

In any case, the façade is not as impressive as its interior, although for many the decoration is excessively ornate.

The interior of the Gesú has a single nave and several side chapels, but it is something that goes unnoticed when you discover its impressive vault.

Its frescoes are the work of Baciccia and create a sensation of depth rarely seen.

If you manage to look down from the ceiling you will have the opportunity to admire the side chapels.

These include the Chapel of San Ignacio, where the founder of the Society of Jesus is buried, the Chapel of San Javier, where the arm of the saint is found, and the Chapel of Madonna della Strada.

It is also possible to visit the estancias of San Ignacio, where he spent the last 12 years of his life.

The Construction of the Church of the Gesu

This beautiful church is very well located in the center of Rome, just a few meters from Piazza Venezia.

It was Saint Ignatius of Loyola himself, founder of the Society of Jesus, who commissioned the construction of the church, although he could not even see the beginning of the works since he died earlier, in 1556, while the church was built between 1568 and 1575.

Its architects were Jacopo Vignola and Giacomo della Puerta, although initially Saint Ignatius of Loyola had received the great news that the most famous architect of the time, Michelangelo, was going to build it for free.

Unfortunately, this option could not be carried out. In spite of everything, the result obtained was really also impressive.

You can find more information on the official page of the Church of the Gesu.