San Francesco a Ripa, Baroque church in Trastevere, Rome, Italy
San Francesco a Ripa is a Baroque church in Trastevere organized around a three-nave Latin cross floor plan with distinct architectural rhythm. Side chapels line both walls, creating a rhythm of sacred spaces along the length of the interior.
Construction began in 1603 under architect Onorio Longhi and the facade was completed between 1681 and 1701 by Mattia de Rossi. This long building process reflects how the church gradually took its present Baroque form.
The Paluzzi-Albertoni chapel displays a marble depiction of Ludovica Albertoni that visitors can observe in an intimate setting designed to encourage reflection. The sculpture's placement and surrounding space create a focus on personal devotion rather than grand ceremony.
The church opens during set hours for visitors to explore the main sanctuary and individual chapels at their own pace. Plan time to walk through the different spaces since each chapel has its own character and decoration worth noticing.
The convent garden holds an orange tree that records suggest was planted by Francis of Assisi during his visits to Pope Innocent III. This ancient tree creates a tangible link between the church and its early spiritual connections.
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