A short walk from the Pantheon, the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is one of Rome’s most rewarding Baroque churches. Begun in 1626 by the Jesuits and dedicated to their founder, it was closely linked to the nearby Collegio Romano, the order’s influential centre of learning. Its relatively restrained façade gives little hint of the spectacle inside.
The star attraction is the illusionistic work of Andrea Pozzo, a Jesuit brother and master of perspective. His vast nave fresco depicts the glory of St. Ignatius within painted architecture that seems to soar into the heavens. Over the crossing, Pozzo created an equally ingenious dome on a flat surface. Look for the floor markers indicating the best viewpoints, then move aside to see how the illusions change.
Outside, Piazza di Sant’Ignazio is worth a pause: its curving 18th-century buildings give the square the feel of a theatrical set. The church is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and keep voices low. Check opening hours before visiting, and consider arriving in the morning for a quieter look at the ceiling.