Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

Overview

The massive Baroque church of Sant'Ignazio is a monumental testament to human ingenuity and the mastery of optical illusion (trompe l'oeil). It is basically a staggering, theatrical architectural magic trick located in the historic center.

Highlights

• The Ceiling Fresco: Andrea Pozzo's massive, dizzying, complex ceiling fresco powerfully depicting the Apotheosis of St Ignatius. It makes the flat roof of the church appear to, soar up into the infinite heavens.
• The Fake Dome: The church ran out of money to build a massive physical dome. Architect Andrea Pozzo painted a flat, massive sweeping canvas that looks, identical to a soaring interior dome when viewed from below.
• The Spot: Look for the worn yellow marble disc set into the floor of the nave. You should stand on this spot for the massive optical illusions to properly align.

History

built between 1626 and 1650, it was dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, the powerful founder of the influential Jesuit order. The intellectual Jesuits used extremely dramatic, massive Baroque art to combat the Protestant Reformation and pull awe-struck worshippers back into the massive Catholic Church.

Visitor Tips

• The Mirror: The church now features a massive tilted mirror located on the floor so to allow massive crowds of visitors a chance to easily study the dizzying ceiling fresco without breaking their necks looking upwards.
• The Dome Trick: As you walk forward from the central yellow spot towards the altar, watch the massive 'fake' dome—the fierce architectural illusion collapses and warps.