San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Rome
One of the smallest and yet the most impressive churches in Rome is the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane. This construction that was built in the 17th century inspires all kinds of emotions among people: some believe it is the proof of architect’s genius, others say this building is an insipid work that shows poor standards. Francesco Borromini, the architect who created said church broke the rules defined by the classicism. His artwork presents the Baroque epoch and is thought to be geometrically complicated which can definitely impress anyone.
History
From the very beginning, the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane was just a small chapel with one altar. It was opened by Italian members of Trinitarian Order in 1612. The building remained unchanged for over 20 years; however, in 1634 a young architect named Francesco Borromini began to work on it. Interestingly, he didn’t need handsome pay since he considered this work as some kind of advertisement that would help him advance his career. The construction process took long enough. A church and a monastic part were being constructed. However, all money was used way before anything was carried to the end and the construction was stopped. The friars decided to consecrate the unfinished church in 1646. The works resumed in 1665. Francesco Borromini started working on the façade, but then two years later committed suicide. Some say he wanted to be buried in the church, but monks refused to fulfill his wish because of the manner of death.
Bernardo Castelli Borromini, the nephew, took Francesco’s place. He continued constructing the building following the design created by his uncle. He built a bell tower as well as finished the façade. The main part of the project was completed in 1682.
In 1710 the convent was expanded a little bit. This happened because a house near it was bought and had a refectory moved there. Then in 1855, a fresco right above the entrance to the church was destroyed because of the wrong placement of a pipe organ.
By the way, the fountains San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is so famous for were created way before the church was. They hadn’t been moved since 1593 which is when Pope Sixtus V ordered to build them.
Church’s architectural design
Francesco Borromini created a complicated construction that goes around the dome like a ribbon. The façade is wavy and separated into two levels with different elements sticking out and sinking distinctly. The building is decorated with statues of angels and saints such as Charles Borromeo, John of Matha, Felix of Valois.
Four fountains are surrounding the church, one of them is installed into the building and looks like Neptune.
Church domes stand out for its untraditional shape – they’re oval. Interior’s color scheme has white as a dominant color which visually makes the place more spacious. The lighting gets inside through the windows on the dome. It is quite interesting that even the walls here are wavy.
How to get
The convent is located within walking distance of the Barberini subway station. There’s also the Tritone/barberini (Ma) bus stop nearby, you can catch buses 52, 53, 62, 63, 83, 85, 160, 492, C3, N4, N5, N12 there.
Opening hours: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 till 13:00 and from 12:00 till 13:00 on Sundays.
Admission: free.
