San Carlo ai Catinari
Religious Site Baroque church in Rome notable for its frescoes
Near Campo de’ Fiori, San Carlo ai Catinari is a 17th-century Roman Baroque church with marble interiors and frescoes, visited by those tracing Baroque art.
San Carlo ai Catinari is a 17th-century Baroque church in central Rome dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo. It was built for the Barnabite congregation and is notable for its strong Baroque interior and twin towers.
Inside the church are Baroque decorative schemes and a single wide nave typical of Roman churches of the period, with altars and chapels added over time. The exterior combines brick and travertine elements with a prominent façade and bell towers.
The church was constructed in the early to mid-17th century and served the Barnabite community as a parish and religious house. Over subsequent centuries it has retained its function as a Roman Catholic church with periodic restorations.
San Carlo ai Catinari stands in central Rome, within the historic core not far from the Tiber and major urban landmarks, and is accessible on foot from nearby squares and thoroughfares.
- Date and dedication: Constructed in the 17th century for the Barnabite order and dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, it exemplifies Roman Baroque parish architecture.
How to Get to San Carlo ai Catinari #
San Carlo ai Catinari stands in central Rome, close to Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Farnese. It is best reached on foot if you are already in the historic centre (a few minutes’ walk from Campo de’ Fiori/Piazza Farnese). Public transport options include numerous city buses that run along nearby streets (Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the riverfront); the nearest Metro stations are a 10-20 minute walk depending on which line you use, so buses or a short taxi are a convenient choice.
Tips for Visiting San Carlo ai Catinari #
- Visit San Carlo ai Catinari in mid‑morning after Mass for a clearer view of the interior artworks without service interruptions - the church is tucked close to Campo de' Fiori and often quieter than the major Roman basilicas.
- Approach on foot from Campo de' Fiori or Piazza Farnese to appreciate the church within the characterful streets of the rione; it's an easy addition to a walking route that includes nearby piazzas and markets.
- Check parish opening times before you go; like many Roman churches, visiting hours can change around liturgies and special services, so plan around posted service times.
Best Time to Visit San Carlo ai Catinari #
For the indoor church, visit on weekday mornings (outside holidays) to avoid crowds; spring offers pleasant weather for sight-seeing.
Weather & Climate near San Carlo ai Catinari #
San Carlo ai Catinari's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (703 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.