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Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome

4.8

#18 of 526 in Historic Sites in Rome

Church Tourist Spot

• ©

The Cornaro chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria houses Gian Lorenzo Bernini's masterpiece, "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa." The sculpture depicts St. Teresa of Avila being pierced through the heart with a golden shaft. The artwork gained renown because of its break with classical style and its exposure of a more passionate form of religious ecstasy. About two blocks from the Piazza della Repubblica and the Teatro dell'Opera, this site pays homage to the Roman Catholic victory at the 17th-century battle of White Mountain. Inside, you can see Turkish standards that were captured in the 1683 siege of Vienna. Put Santa Maria della Vittoria into our Rome travel planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.

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Santa Maria della Vittoria Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,568 reviews

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4.7

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4.7

459 likes

• By 51gregoryl

  It is a relatively small church, built in the 17th century. The two storey facade is pretty but not very impressive. The interior is very different. It is abundantly decorated with all sorts of artist...  more »

• By thiszfactor

  It was amazing - and then some. An excellent work that is as graceful, intricate and spell binding at the same time. How did Bernini achieve the effect of the rumpled clothes on the nun? The light tha...  more »

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• By Michael Chang

  This a small beautiful baroque church, quite common in Rome. For the non-church specialist, you come here for one thing - Bernini’s St. Teresa sculpture. It is sublime. The master worked marble like wax, different texture for skin, clothes, hair... The theater boxes on either side with background etched in perspective seated what I guess are the chapel patrons. This sculpture is lit by a hidden skylight from above which can be seen from the street outside. There is a person at the entrance expecting you to make a donation (name your own number). Consider the church kept the sculpture in pertinent condition, compare to other pieces there. It’s a worthwhile contribution.

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• By Johnny Fakhry

  This church is an ABSOLUTE FINE ART PIECE! From the exterior, it may look as a simple church, but once in the interior, you will be transcended to another world! Every single corner is subtly embellished and has had its well-deserved part of the sumptuous decor! The marble colors are carefully distributed and harmoniously arranged. The Altar, the organ, the roof, the chapels, the paintings and everything in this church is glorious and absolutely stunning.

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