Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle
Attraction
4.8 (4376 reviews)
A soaring, frescoed dome tops this imposing 17th-century church, with an elaborate Baroque interior.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
+39 06 686 1339
Did You Know?
Rome's Second Tallest Dome
The Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle boasts the second-highest dome in Rome, surpassed only by St. Peter's Basilica, making it a prominent feature of the city's skyline.
Puccini's Opera Setting
This basilica is famously the dramatic setting for the entire first act of Giacomo Puccini's renowned opera, 'Tosca', where the painter Cavaradossi works on his Madonna.
Theatine Order's Home
Sant'Andrea della Valle serves as the mother church for the Theatine Order, a Roman Catholic clerical congregation founded in 1524, and was built largely through their patronage.
Masterpiece Dome Fresco
The magnificent fresco adorning the dome, depicting 'The Glory of Paradise', is a masterpiece by Giovanni Lanfranco, completed between 1621 and 1625, and was once the largest fresco in Rome.
Highlights from Reviews
• Grand Baroque architecture
Features a majestic dome (second largest in Rome), stunning frescoes by Lanfranco and Domenichino, and an interior rich in gold and marble.
• Serene and uncrowded
Offers a peaceful escape from the city's bustle, often overlooked by tourists, allowing for quiet contemplation.
• Rich historical significance
Known as the setting for Puccini's opera Tosca and the final resting place of two Piccolomini Popes.
• Innovative fresco viewing
Special mirrors are installed to allow visitors to comfortably admire the intricate ceiling and dome frescoes.
• Free admission
Entry to the basilica is free, making it an accessible and valuable cultural experience.
