Contarelli Chapel, Historic chapel with Caravaggio paintings in San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome
The Contarelli Chapel contains three large canvases depicting Saint Matthew, painted by Caravaggio between 1599 and 1602 for Cardinal Matteo Contarelli.
Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte secured the commission for Caravaggio in 1599, marking the artist's first major public work before reaching the age of thirty.
The paintings showcase Matthew's transformation from tax collector to saint through naturalistic representations that departed from traditional religious art conventions.
The chapel remains open to visitors within San Luigi dei Francesi church, allowing examination of the paintings' innovative use of light and shadow techniques.
Caravaggio included his self-portrait as an observer in The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew, connecting himself directly to the biblical narrative.
Location: Rome
Inception: 1600
Creator: Caravaggio
Part of: San Luigi dei Francesi
GPS coordinates: 41.89944,12.47472
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:50
Four Rivers Fountain
147 m
Piazza Navona
140 m
Palazzo Madama
46 m
San Luigi dei Francesi
16 m
Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
136 m
Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio
156 m
Palazzo Giustiniani
54 m
Fountain of Neptune - Neptune fighting an octopus
148 m
Obelisco Agonale
143 m
Sant'Eustachio
144 m
Fountain of the Pantheon
164 m
Baths of Nero
122 m
Palazzo della Sapienza
143 m
Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore
167 m
Palazzo Baldassini
142 m
Biblioteca Angelica
147 m
Macuteo obelisk
167 m
Archivio di Stato di Roma
151 m
Palazzo Maccarani Stati
140 m
San Salvatore alle Coppelle
171 m
Organo della chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi a Roma
16 m
Palazzo Mazzetti di Pietralata
127 m
Saint-Louis de France Cultural Centre
60 m
Organo della basilica di Sant'Eustachio a Roma
136 m
Fontana dei Libri
123 m
Gladiator Museum
116 m
Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi
16 m
Biblioteca della Fondazione Lelio e Lisli Basso. Onlus
76 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes