Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle is located in the Sant’Eustachio district, in Piazza Vidoni. It is one of the finest examples of Roman Baroque, conceived as a ‘theatre of the spirit’ in which architecture, painting and light engage the faithful on an emotional level. The church, built from 1582 onwards thanks to a donation by Costanza Piccolomini d’Aragona, stands along the ancient Via Papalis and takes its name from the palace opposite, owned by Cardinal Andrea della Valle.

The monumental façade by Carlo Rainaldi and Carlo Fontana leads into a grandiose interior, dominated by the second-largest dome in Rome after St Peter’s, designed by Carlo Maderno. In the dome, Giovanni Lanfranco painted the famous ‘Gloria del Paradiso’, an illusionist masterpiece of the Baroque, whilst Domenichino decorated the pendentives and the chancel with scenes from the life of St Andrew. The apse features the monumental and intensely powerful paintings by Mattia Preti.

The side chapels house works by Pietro Bernini, Passignano, Pomarancio and other leading figures of 17th-century Rome. The basilica is also linked to music and theatre: it is here that Giacomo Puccini set the first act of Tosca. Sant’Andrea della Valle thus represents a perfect synthesis of faith, art and Baroque spectacle.

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Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle

EVENT

GUIDED TOURS OF THE BASILICA OF SANT’ANDREA DELLA VALLE

As part of the ‘Oltre la soglia’ project, exclusive guided tours of the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle are being organised.

Experienced guides will help you discover one of the most beautiful churches of the Roman Baroque period, which was built along the ancient Via Papalis. Dedicated to the holy apostle, brother of Saint Peter, its imposing dome is one of the largest in Rome. This grandeur is reflected in the interior decoration: a profusion of marble, sculptures and paintings, a unique setting where the spectacle of Baroque art takes centre stage.

You will be guided on a cultural and spiritual journey that engages all the senses. It will feel as though you have been transported back to the Baroque era, when the faithful felt they were part of the work itself. As you look up, scrutinising the details reflected in the mirrors along the central nave, you will discover the ‘Cappella della Tosca’, where Puccini set the first act of his famous opera, the monumental paintings in the apse by Matteo Preti, and you can lose yourself in Giovanni Lanfranco’s *La Gloria del Paradiso*, which transforms the church’s dome into a whirlwind of light.

Let yourself be captivated by the history and the wonders preserved in one of Rome’s most beautiful basilicas!

Languages
  • Italian
  • Can be arranged on request
  • English
  • French
  • Gernan
  • Spanish
35€/person
  • A tour lasting approximately 75 minutes
  • Access to areas closed to the public
  • Always accompanied by a guide
Dates
Start 8.15 pm
  • Friday 31 July 2026
  • Wednesday 5 August 2026
  • Friday 26 August 2026
  • (Groups of between 10 and 25 people)

Information and bookings

Email us at oltrelasoglia@orpheogroup.com to check availability and book

Address

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II – 00186 Rome

Important note

  • Opening hours may be subject to change due to events such as masses, concerts or special celebrations.
  • The ticket for the exclusive guided tour is valid only on the day of booking.
  • Appropriate clothing is required, with shoulders and knees covered.
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