Shelagh J, an old slow travel board member, commented on one of my posts while I was in Rome and suggested that I go and visit this church. She said that it was stunningly beautiful inside. One afternoon, after a snack and some wine at Roscioli followed by some shopping I realized I was quite close to the church. I'd walked past it a few times during the week but today was the day to pop in.
Opera lovers know this church well - Giacomo Puccini set the first act of his opera Tosca in Sant'Andrea della Valle (in the Barberini Chapel). In fact, many call this an 'operatic church'. The open majesty of the great white marble hall , glittering with gold and bold paintings, seems to call for some kind of grand orchestral accompaniment.
The drama unfolds as soon as one enters the church. Mattia Preti's enormous paintings (1650-51), spreading the story of St. Andrew's martyrdom across the curving apse, have a powerful impact. The three frescoes, St. Andrew Raised on the Cross, St. Andrew's Crucifixion, and St. Andrew's Burial, are both uplifting (particularly as a result of the lofty classical architecture and spacious landscape) and tragic (the saint's fearful expression and mocking crowds).
The dome—long the third largest in town, after the Pantheon and St. Peter's—was, like the facade, was designed by Carlo Maderno. It was frescoed in 1608–27 by two former pupils of Carracci.
Three powerful pontifical families contributed (and even more unusual for their era, cooperated) to produce Rome's most theatrical basilica - Sant'Andrea della Valle (St. Andrew of the Valley).
The famous humanist Piccolomini popes from Siena, Pius II and Pius III, are both buried inside.
When I walked in a young man came up and offered my a audio guide. Thinking I'd rather just sit and take it in, I declined. He misunderstood and kept telling me it was free. I walked away and sat under the dome transfixed by the paintings and sculpture. It wasn't long before I rethought the audio guide. LOL
The audio guide was so good that I felt compelled to make a donation.
I'm glad Shelagh J suggested it or I might never have gone in and had this fabulous experience!
I'm glad to have been helpful! :)
Posted by: Shelagh J. (Ex SlowTrav ) | April 28, 2018 at 01:07 PM