Chiesa del Gesù

Overview

Il Gesù is the massive, overwhelmingly powerful mother church of the intellectual, militaristic Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). It is famous as the first truly Baroque facade in the entire world, revolutionizing Catholic architecture globally.

Highlights

• The Vault Fresco: The Triumph of the Name of Jesus by Giovanni Battista Gaulli. Look up to see a spectacularly violent, illusionistic masterpiece where massive painted stucco figures literally burst out of the painted frame to fall down into the nave, representing the brutal casting out of heretics.
• The Tomb of St. Ignatius: The massive, staggering, lavish altar dedicated to the Jesuit founder. It famously features a massive solid silver-plated statue of the saint framed by enormous columns of pure lapis lazuli.
• The Architecture: Notice the wide, massive single nave built without any side aisles. It was designed like a massive lecture hall so the entire congregation could clearly strictly see and hear the fiery Jesuit preaching without visual obstruction.

History

Consecrated in 1584, the church was designed aligned with the fierce decrees of the Council of Trent to combat the Protestant Reformation. Its powerful, theatrical design was meant to awe worshippers with the staggering, massive triumph of the Catholic Church.

Visitor Tips

• The Machine: Visit at 5:30 PM every day to witness a spectacular Baroque theatrical "machine." The massive altarpiece painting dramatically physically slides down, accompanied by loud booming dramatic music, to reveal the glowing massive silver statue of St. Ignatius hidden behind it.
• : 45–60 minutes.