Rome: In the Footsteps of Caravaggio Tour

Enter the intense and unsettling universe of Caravaggio on this private walking tour through Baroque Rome, where his most powerful works are still displayed in the places for which they were created. Rather than a museum visit, this experience unfolds directly inside the churches that witnessed his artistic revolution, allowing you to encounter his paintings in their original context.

The journey starts at San Luigi dei Francesi, inside the Contarelli Chapel. Here, three canvases dedicated to Saint Matthew reveal everything that made Caravaggio radical: dramatic lighting, uncompromising realism, and figures drawn from real life rather than idealized models. Your guide explains how these works shocked contemporaries and permanently altered the visual language of sacred art.

From there, the walk continues to Sant’Agostino, where you stand before the Madonna di Loreto. Bare feet, ordinary faces, and a startling closeness between the sacred and the human caused scandal at the time. Through this painting, you discover how Caravaggio deliberately challenged social, religious, and artistic boundaries, forcing viewers to confront holiness in everyday form.

The final stop is Santa Maria del Popolo, home to the Cerasi Chapel. Here, The Conversion of Saint Paul and The Crucifixion of Saint Peter mark the maturity of Caravaggio’s style. These works are defined by tension, movement, and psychological force, immersing the viewer in moments of crisis and transformation. Seen where they were meant to be seen, their impact is immediate and unforgettable.

This private tour is designed for travelers who want more than surface-level art history. It offers a direct, street-level encounter with Caravaggio’s Rome, revealing how his turbulent life, radical vision, and revolutionary technique continue to resonate centuries later.

Appropriate clothing is highly recommended. Please be aware that the access to holy sites requires a strict dress code. Three churches are part of the itinerary. Shoulders and knees have to be properly covered.

1. Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at info@eyesofrome.com.
2. Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here. To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.