If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Rome, it’s almost impossible to miss the imprint of one of the city’s most influential artists – Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His works are scattered throughout the city, making it a living museum of his genius. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just a curious traveler, Bernini’s masterpieces are a must-see. Let’s take a journey through Rome and explore some of Bernini’s most breathtaking works.
Bernini’s Architectural Marvels
Bernini’s influence extends beyond sculpture; he’s also left his mark on Rome’s architecture. One of the most iconic examples is St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Designed by Bernini, the colonnades embrace visitors in a warm, welcoming manner, guiding them towards the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. The square’s elliptical shape is both functional and symbolic, creating a sense of unity and inclusiveness.
Another architectural gem is the Church of S. Andrea al Quirinale, located on Via del Quirinale 30. This small but exquisite church is a testament to Bernini’s ability to blend architecture and sculpture seamlessly. The church’s interior is a visual feast, with its oval dome and opulent decorations.
Don’t miss the façade of the Church of S. Bibiana on Via Giovanni Giolitti 154. This is one of Bernini’s earlier works and showcases his skill in creating dynamic and expressive figures. The façade’s design is a prelude to his later, more elaborate creations.
Palazzo Montecitorio, which now houses the Italian parliament, is another notable structure. Bernini was initially commissioned to design its façade, although the building was later modified by other architects. Still, Bernini’s influence is evident in its grand, baroque style.
Another architectural wonder is Palazzo Chigi-Odescalchi, located at Piazza SS. Apostoli. This palazzo showcases Bernini’s ability to create harmonious proportions and intricate details. The building is an excellent example of Baroque residential architecture.
Palazzo Barberini on Via delle Quattro Fontane 13 is a must-visit for art lovers. This grand palace, co-designed by Bernini and his rival Borromini, now houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art. The building itself is a masterpiece, with its elegant façade and sweeping staircase.
Lastly, the Scala Regia in the Apostolic Palace at St. Peter’s Square is a marvel of perspective. This grand staircase was designed to impress and guide visitors towards the Vatican’s inner sanctum. Bernini’s clever use of optical illusion makes the staircase appear longer and more majestic than it actually is.
Bernini’s Monuments: Testaments to His Skill
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll find several of Bernini’s masterpieces. One of the most significant is the Baldachin, a grand bronze canopy over the main altar. This monumental structure is both a functional and symbolic centerpiece of the basilica.
Bernini also created the Tomb of Urban VIII and the Tomb of Alessandro VII, both located within St. Peter’s Basilica. These tombs are not just memorials but also intricate works of art, showcasing Bernini’s skill in combining sculpture, architecture, and symbolism.
Just outside the basilica, in Piazza della Minerva, stands the Elephant and Obelisk. This quirky monument features an ancient Egyptian obelisk supported by a playful, yet sturdy elephant. It’s a delightful example of Bernini’s ability to blend humor and artistry.
The Cornaro Chapel in the Church of S. Maria della Vittoria on Via XX Settembre 17 is home to one of Bernini’s most famous works, the Ecstasy of St. Teresa. This dramatic sculpture captures a moment of divine revelation with incredible realism and emotion.
In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll find the Tabernacle, another masterpiece by Bernini. This intricate work is a beautiful example of his ability to create sacred art that inspires awe and reverence.
The Raimondi Chapel in the Church of S. Pietro in Montorio on Janiculum Hill is another hidden gem. This chapel features stunning reliefs and sculptures that demonstrate Bernini’s mastery of narrative and detail.
Over at the Church of S. Francesco a Ripa, the Altieri Chapel houses another of Bernini’s masterpieces, the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni. This sculpture captures the saint in a moment of spiritual ecstasy, with a level of detail that brings the figure to life.
Bernini’s Fountains: Where Water Meets Art
Rome is famous for its fountains, and Bernini designed some of the most iconic ones. The Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona is perhaps the most famous. This grand fountain features four river gods representing the major rivers of the four continents known at the time. Each figure is intricately detailed and dynamically posed, creating a sense of movement and vitality.
Also in Piazza Navona, you’ll find the Fountain of the Moor. While the original design was by Giacomo della Porta, Bernini later added the central figure of the Moor wrestling a dolphin, enhancing the fountain’s dynamic composition.
In Piazza Barberini, Bernini designed two fountains: the Fontana del Tritone and the Fontana delle Api. The Fontana del Tritone features a muscular Triton blowing into a conch shell, while the Fontana delle Api is a smaller, more whimsical fountain adorned with bees, the symbol of the Barberini family.
At the base of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna, you’ll find the Fontana della Barcaccia. This fountain, which Bernini possibly assisted his father Pietro in designing, depicts a half-sunken boat, inspired by a flood that once submerged the square.
Bernini’s Sculptures: Capturing the Human Spirit
Bernini’s sculptures are spread across Rome, each one a testament to his extraordinary talent. At the Church of S. Andrea delle Fratte, you can see the Angel with Crown of Thorns, a beautiful and poignant work that captures the angel’s delicate features and flowing robes.
In the Church of S. Francesco a Ripa, the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni is another example of Bernini’s ability to convey intense emotion through marble. The sculpture depicts the saint in a moment of spiritual ecstasy, with intricate details that bring the figure to life.
The Museum of Sacred Art at S. Giovanni de’ Fiorentini houses the Bust of Antonio Cepparelli. This portrait bust showcases Bernini’s skill in capturing the personality and character of his subjects.
At the Basilica di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, you’ll find the Busts of Antonio Coppola and Gabriele Fonseca. These works are remarkable for their lifelike details and expressive features.
One of Bernini’s most famous portrait busts is the Bust of Innocent X, located at the Galleria Doria Pamphilj. There are two versions of this bust, each capturing the stern and imposing presence of the pope.
The Basilica di S. Sebastiano houses the Bust of The Saviour, though there is some dispute as to whether the original is actually held in the collection of the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, US. Regardless of its location, this bust is a powerful and moving representation of Christ.
The Spanish embassy to the Holy See at Piazza di Spagna 57 houses the Busts of the Blessed Soul and the Damned Soul. These contrasting works depict two extreme states of being, showcasing Bernini’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions.
In the Church of S. Maria della Vittoria, the Ecstasy of St. Teresa is perhaps Bernini’s most famous sculpture. This work captures a moment of divine revelation with incredible realism and emotion, making it a masterpiece of Baroque art.
The portico of St. Peter’s Basilica is home to the Equestrian Statue of Constantine. This dramatic sculpture captures the moment of Constantine’s conversion, with the horse rearing up and the emperor gazing upwards.
At the Chiesa di S. Bibiana on Via Giovanni Giolitti 154, you’ll find the statue of St. Bibiana. This early work by Bernini showcases his emerging talent and his ability to create expressive, dynamic figures.
Finally, in St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll find the statue of St. Longinus. This larger-than-life figure captures the dramatic moment when Longinus, the Roman centurion, recognized Jesus as the Son of God.
Bernini’s Masterpieces in Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese is home to some of Bernini’s most famous sculptures. One of the highlights is Apollo and Daphne, which captures the dramatic moment when Daphne transforms into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. The intricate details and dynamic composition make this sculpture a true masterpiece.
Also in the Galleria Borghese are the Busts of Paul V and Scipione Borghese. These portrait busts are remarkable for their lifelike details and expressive features, showcasing Bernini’s skill in capturing the personality and character of his subjects.
The sculpture of David in the Galleria Borghese is another highlight. This dynamic work captures the moment just before David launches his stone at Goliath, with a level of detail and realism that brings the figure to life.
The Galleria Borghese also houses the sculpture of Eeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius. This work depicts the three figures fleeing the burning city of Troy, with a sense of movement and urgency that is typical of Bernini’s style.
The Goat Amalthea is one of Bernini’s early works, showcasing his emerging talent and his ability to create lifelike, expressive figures. This charming sculpture depicts the goat that nursed the infant Zeus, with intricate details and a sense of movement.
The Rape of Proserpine is another masterpiece in the Galleria Borghese. This dramatic work captures the moment when Pluto abducts Proserpine, with intricate details and a dynamic composition that convey the intensity of the scene.
Finally, the sculpture of Truth Unveiled by Time in the Galleria Borghese is a powerful and moving work. This allegorical piece depicts time revealing the truth, with a sense of drama and emotion that is typical of Bernini’s style.
Bernini’s Paintings: A Lesser-Known Talent
While Bernini is best known for his sculptures and architecture, he was also a talented painter. The Galleria Borghese houses several of his paintings, including a Portrait of a Boy and two self-portraits. These works showcase Bernini’s skill in capturing the personality and character of his subjects.
The Palazzo Barberini also houses a Portrait of Urbano VIII by Bernini. This work is remarkable for its lifelike details and expressive features, showcasing Bernini’s skill as a painter.
Exploring Bernini’s masterpieces in Rome is a journey through the heart of Baroque art and architecture. His works are a testament to his extraordinary talent and his ability to capture the human spirit in marble, bronze, and paint. Whether you’re visiting the grand palazzos, the serene churches, or the bustling piazzas, Bernini’s masterpieces are sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re planning to explore Bernini’s works in Rome, I recommend checking out these Italy on foot travel tips for an unforgettable experience. Happy exploring!