The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus is interesting as an architectural, historical monument and as the resting place of St. Ignatius of Loyola - the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). This is the main temple of the Jesuits. Ile Gesu is famous for its unique 3D painting on the ceiling.
Church of Il Gesu - Temple of the Jesuit Order in the center of Rome
The Church of the Blessed Name of Jesus (Chiesa del Sacro Nome di Gesù Il Gesu) occupies a special place in the history of Roman architecture. She is called the "mother of the Jesuit churches," the main temple of the Society of Jesus.
The construction of the church for the Order in Rome was initiated by Ignatius Loyola in 1551. It was built for 16 years - from 1568 to 1584. After consecration, the temple became the titular cathedral church of the Roman Order of the Jesuits.
Today, this temple is considered the progenitor of Italian Baroque, a “turning point” from Renaissance to Baroque architecture. Michelangelo created the initial sketches of the facade in 1554, but his plan was rejected by the cardinal. Seven years later, another architect, Giacomo da Vignola, created a new project and began to build the temple. The church was not yet completed when Vignola died. Work on the facade of the building was completed by Giacomo Della Porta.
Architecture Ile Gesu
The main facade of Il Gesu
The architecture of the main facade of Il Gesu testifies to the undeniable influence of Michelangelo on the work of Della Porto. The front wall is simply designed according to the canons of the Order - it is decorated with pilasters and Corinthian half-columns. The different heights of the central nave and the chapels are combined into a common composition with curved racks with volutes at the ends located along the edges of the upper tier. The facade is dominated by a triangular pediment; above the main entrance is a cartouche with a monogram of Jesus. Above the side gates, in niches under semicircular sandriks, statues of saints Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola are installed.
Church interior
Central nave
The interior of the temple contrasts with its luxury with an ascetic facade. Amazing abundance of gilding on the arches, cassette ceiling, walls and altar; impressive magnificent painting of the ceiling. Decorating the temple with stucco decoration is the work of the sculptor Antonio Raggi, a student of Bernini.
Shade
On the domed ceiling you can see the fresco "The Triumph of Jesus" by Giovanni Battista Gaulli. This is a unique multi-color painting made with the effect of a three-dimensional image. The figures of the saints, prophets, and Church Fathers seem relief on it, reflecting light and casting a shadow. In fact, the image is flat, and this is only an artistic device.
Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola
Altar of Ignatius of Loyola
In the left transept is the altar-tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola - designed by Andrea Pozzo. The tomb is decorated with gold and silver, colored marble, malachite and lapis lazuli.
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
Altar of St. Francis Xavier, decorated in gold and blue and white, is located in the right transept.
Main altar
Main altar
The main altar was reconstructed by sculptor Antonio Sarti in the 19th century. It is made in the form of a triumphal arch of four marble columns installed under a triangular pediment with the monogram of Christ. Behind the altar painting, which moves with the help of a secret mechanism, a statue of the Sacred Heart is hidden.
Sacristy
The sacristy of the temple of Il Gesu is considered one of the largest in Rome. Designed by Girolamo Rainaldi.
See other sights of Rome in my guide.
How to get there
Take tram 8 to the Venezia stop or buses 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 130F, 190F, 492, 628, 916 to the Plebiscito stop.
