San Luigi dei Francesi Church

San Luigi dei Francesi is the French national church in Rome, located near Piazza Navona and known for its Baroque interior and important artworks. Construction and decoration took place from the 16th century onward on behalf of the French community in Rome.

The church’s principal attraction is the Contarelli Chapel, which contains three celebrated paintings by Caravaggio illustrating scenes from the life of Saint Matthew. The nave and chapels also contain richly decorated altars and works by other Italian artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Built in the 16th century as the national church for France in Rome, the building was furnished and decorated across the late Renaissance and Baroque eras; the Contarelli Chapel paintings were commissioned in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The church long served both liturgical functions and as a focal point for the French community.

The church stands on the corner of Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi, a short walk from Piazza Navona in central Rome.

• French national church: Functioning as the national church of France in Rome, it was built and decorated from the 16th century for the French community in the city.
• Caravaggio series: The Contarelli Chapel displays three important works by Caravaggio depicting scenes from the life of Saint Matthew and is a frequent draw for visitors.

What to See#

• Contarelli Chapel (Caravaggio paintings): The Contarelli Chapel contains a trio of major paintings by Caravaggio, executed for the chapel in the early 17th century and forming a highlight of the church’s interior.

Located just off Piazza Navona; from the city center it’s a short walk from Largo di Torre Argentina or a few minutes via bus lines that serve the historic center.

• Arrive before midday to see Caravaggio's 'Call of Saint Matthew' with fewer people; the small side chapels can feel crowded by afternoon.
• Listen for the echoed footfalls-the church acoustics make even a whisper sound grand.