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Anyone know if Santa Maria del Popolo church in Rome is closed ?

There are reports on Trip Advisor that Santa Maria del Popolo closed last September until November of this year for renovation. Can anyone who has been there recently confirm this? The church has 2 Caravaggio paintings we were hoping to see in June.

Posted by
16623 posts

As well, this is on the Google page for this church:

From Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo:

"********ATTENZIONE******** *AVVISO PER I VISITATORI** LA BASILICA RESTERÀ CHUSA AI VISITATORI PER LAVORI DI RESTAURO DAL 18 SETTEMBRE 2023 FINO A NOVEMBRE 2024. LE MESSE FERIALI (08.00-10.00 E 18.30) VERRANNO CELEBRATE IN SACRESTIA MENTRE QUELLE FESTIVE (08.00-10.00-11.00-12.00 E 18.30) IN BASILICA."

"********ATTENTION******** *NOTICE TO VISITORS** THE BASILICA WILL BE CLOSED TO VISITORS FOR RESTORATION WORKS FROM 18 SEPTEMBER 2023 UNTIL NOVEMBER 2024. WEEKDAY MASSES (08.00-10.00 AND 18.30) WILL BE CELEBRATED IN THE SACRESTY WHILE THE HOLIDAYS (08.00-10.00-11.00-12.00 AND 18.30) IN THE BASILICA."

And this TA poster says he was given the same info last fall:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k14538244-Just_FYI_only_Basilica_di_S_Maria_del_Popolo-Rome_Lazio.html

Posted by
86 posts

Thanks Kathy. I didn’t see the Google page because it doesn’t work properly on my tablet. Have you happened to read when the Caravaggios the Borghese lent to Shanghai will return. The Shanghai exhibit ended in early April but I haven’t seen any thing about when they will be on display again.

Posted by
68 posts

Lizcat, I was there for the first three weeks of April, and it was closed. I kept going to the piazza to check because I too wanted to see the Caravaggio's. Total bummer. I will tell you there are massive construction and renovation projects all over the city gearing up for next year's Jubilee. Add in the revenge tourism and the typical Roman chaos is amped up.....but I still love it! Have a great trip.

Posted by
16623 posts

Lizcat, the Borghese publishes the works that are not currently on display on their website, and the only Caravaggio currently on the list is "Boy with a basket of fruit". Here's the link for that list:

https://www.collezionegalleriaborghese.it/en/collezione/pittura&disp=0

So the other 5 should be on view, and maybe that 6th will be by the time you visit. They are displayed in the first floor Silenus/Sileno Room (room 8) and unaffected by the temporary closure of the 2nd floor.

https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/il-museo/la-villa/sala-8-sala-del-sileno/

https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/raffaello-tiziano-rubens-masterpieces-from-galleria-borghese-at-palazzo-barberini/

It is possible that the missing 6th was temporarily displaced by the Velázquez exhibition, which runs through June 23.

Posted by
86 posts

Jennifer:

That’s a bit alarming about the massive construction projects going on. This is my first trip to Rome. I knew next year would not be a good idea because of the Jubilee year but didn’t realize there would be so much disruption this year.

Are the renovation projects affecting the ambiance of places like Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori? I know the trams won’t be running and some metro stations will be closed. I’m more concerned that the trip will be an enjoyable one in terms of atmosphere. Any thoughts on this?
It’s too late to change travel plans but maybe I should ratchet down my expectations?

Posted by
86 posts

Kathy:

I went to the Borghese link. It does not show a red diamond which is supposed to indicate works not currently on view for any of the 6 Caravaggios which should mean they are all there. I don't know if this is accurate. Seems like a fast return for those that were on loan to Shanghai. Guess I'll find out when I'm there.

Thanks for the Trip Advisor link. Unfortunately, it does seem like quite a few areas will be compromised by the renovations taking place. I don't think many of them will be completed before my trip which will be next month. Had I known how extensive these projects are, I probably would have chosen a different destination. Just hope getting around won't be too difficult, will be walking and using some taxis primarily.

Posted by
68 posts

Lizcat, I just landed this afternoon. Sorry to alarm you. Just wanted to let everyone know that there is quite a bit going on in Rome and Vatican City in preparation for the Jubilee. Construction aside, the general ambiance is the same. Piazza Navone and Campo De Fiori are fine. Beautiful in fact. To me, Rome is a magical place. Like to other on earth (history geek here). Just allow yourself some extra time to get around because of the construction and crowds. Better yet, go off the beaten path to get away from the chaos. It's easy, just turn down any side road. There is always something to marvel at. Stop and linger over a gelato or aperitivo. My favorite thing to do is hang out down by the Forum and Colosseum when it's just getting dark. The crowds disappear and the monuments are lit up. Remember, Rome has been chaotic for nearly three thousand years. Why should now be any different?

Posted by
627 posts

If you're looking for Caravaggios, don't forget about the French church between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. There is also at least one in the Capitoline Museum.

Posted by
86 posts

Yes, San Luigi church is on the must-do list.

Jennifer: Thanks for the positive comments. Posting on the day you landed is beyond the call of duty! And I appreciate the heads-up on the renovations. Now I ‘ll be prepared.

Posted by
16623 posts

Hmmm, that one Caravaggio that showed previously on the not-on-display list (I disregarded the red diamonds and just used the 4 pages of paintings that come up when you click the link) is now off that list and back on the Silenus Room display list. Curiouser and curiouser... I'll hope all 6 are there for you when you go!

Yep, I someone thought you were going in Sept not next month; sorry for that confusion. The good news is Jennifer's report that not ALL of Rome is under renovation so go and enjoy! :O)

Jennifer, I loved this!

Remember, Rome has been chaotic for nearly three thousand years. Why
should now be any different?

Posted by
338 posts

Basilica di Sant’Agostino which is a couple of blocks from San Luigi also has a Caravaggio.

Posted by
86 posts

Thanks Marco. Did not know about that one. I will try to include it. The church also has a Raphael fresco according to Wikipedia. It did not make the cut for the RS guidebook. Tough competition