Did you know that this whole church is as big as one of the pilasters of St Peter’s basilica??!
This little gem is by far my favourite church of Rome. It is so small and cozy, everything is white and soft, it feels like walking into a cloud, it feels comforting. This is a church out of the ordinary to be in Rome and most of all, to be made in the 1600s. In fact San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane was designed by Francesco Borromini, whose style was pretty simple and “modern” for his times. That is why he wasn’t totally appreciated during his time, but he is way more appreciated today. His style matched way more the taste of today, than of the 1600s. An artist way beyond his times.
Here’s a closer look at what makes this small church feel so unexpected.
See the video transcript
Just a few steps away from Piazza Barberini in Rome, you can find one of Rome’s most beautiful and tiniest churches. Walk to Via delle Quattro Fontane until you see this wavy building. In this noisy intersection, you’d never expect the peaceful oasis waiting inside. This is the church of San Carlino, and it was built by Borromini in the 1600s for free. For this church, Borromini didn’t ask for any payment. Instead of costly marble, he used simple stucco. This was his first major independent project, a chance to finally leave his mark after years of struggles.
📍You can find it in Via del Quirinale, 23
