Caravaggio-Hopping on a Roman Holiday

A Rome itinerary for art lovers: track down Caravaggio’s masterpieces in museums, palaces, and churches across the Eternal City.
Caravaggio-Hopping on a Roman Holiday
San Luigi dei Francesi, located near Piazza Navona in central Rome, serves as the national church of France in Rome. It's famous for housing three paintings by Caravaggio depicting scenes from the life of St. Matthew. Photo Beto/Getty Images
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What to do when you’ve had the good fortune of visiting a favorite city multiple times? Create a new objective. This was my mission on my last trip to Rome. Trevi Fountain, Forum, the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel? Check, check, check, and check. But what if you go on an art treasure hunt?

One of my favorite Italian artists is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, or simply Caravaggio. Born in Milan in 1571, he later moved to the town of Caravaggio. He died in 1610 at the age of 38 but spent most of his painting life in Rome—when he wasn’t on the run from debts, lawsuits or a death sentence for a murder he committed in a brawl.

Kevin Revolinski
Kevin Revolinski
Author
Kevin Revolinski is an avid traveler, craft beer enthusiast, and home-cooking fan. He is the author of 15 books, including “The Yogurt Man Cometh: Tales of an American Teacher in Turkey” and his new collection of short stories, “Stealing Away.” He’s based in Madison, Wis., and his website is TheMadTraveler.com