Church of Saint Andrew's at the Quirinal, Rome
Church of Saint Andrew's at the Quirinal (Sant’Andrea al Quirinale) is a small temple in Rome that was once a monastery. This old Jesuit church got its name not only thanks to Apostle Andrew, but also to the highest hill of the Eternal City, Quirinale, on which it stands.
History of the church
This church was to become the third Jesuit temple in the city after Church of the Gesù and Saint Ignatius. First of all, the new adepts of the order had to be trained here. In 1658, Pope Alexander VII approved the project of the new church, and Cardinal Camillo Pamphili took over the financing of the construction.
The works were carried out according to the drawings and under the strict guidance of architect Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. By 1661 the foundation was laid and the walls of the temple were built, and in 1670 the façade was completed. The whole structure was completed in 1678.
The temple had belonged to the Jesuit Order for 100 years. In 1773, the authorities took it away, but a powerful order returned to the basilica after the occupation of Napoleon in 1814. In 1873 it became the property of the state again, and was reconstructed by 1888. The Jesuits regained the temple only after the Second World War, and they significantly restored it.
Architecture and interior
The façade of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale is quite simple, made in the Baroque style. A large balcony with the emblem of the Pamphili family is supported by 2 monumental columns. Brick, lined with stone and marble was used for the construction. The basilica has an elliptical plan, and the main entrance and altar are located exactly on the minor axis of the ellipse, and not on the major, as in other churches of this type. Behind the altar there are 2 doors: one of them leads to the monastery, the other – to the hall of the famous Jesuit, St. Stanislaus Kostka. Several niches and a chapel are on the major axis of the ellipse.
The color of the church is rather unusual. In addition to the usual gold and bronze, there are other colors. The walls are decorated with red marble with white streaks. Behind the altar there is a blue wall, it is decorated with a beautiful mural with a scene of the martyrdom of St. Andrew. The side walls of the apse are made of green and white marble. Near them there is a statue of the Apostle Andrew. His gaze is directed towards the dome. It is decorated with 10 gilded rays in the form of palm branches. The wall of the main entrance is lined with pale green marble.
The church has 4 chapels with appropriate frescoes and decorations:
- Chapel of the Passion,
- Chapel of St Francis Xavier,
- Chapel of Saint Ignatius of Loyola,
- Chapel of Saint Stanislaus Kostka.
How to get there
The Church of Saint Andrew's at the Quirinal is located in the Monti neighbourhood, on the highest of the seven hills of Rome, on Via del Quirinale, 30. The city’s largest Exhibition Palace and the current residence of the President of Italy, the Quirinal Palace is situated very close. The Nazionale/Palazzo Esposizioni bus stop is located a few minutes away (routes 64, 70, 170, H, N7, N8, N9, N15, N18).
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. The church is closed on Mondays. Phone numbers for the information (+39) 06 4874565, (+39) 06 4819399.
Admission: free. You need to pay 2 euros to visit the hall of St. Stanislaus Kostka and the sacristy. Information about admission and opening hours may vary.
