Santa Maria della Vittoria
Santa Maria della Vittoria
4.5
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Sallustiano
How to get there
- Repubblica - Teatro dell'Opera • 4 min walk
- Barberini - Fontana di Trevi • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
7,102 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,186 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,633 reviews
Excellent
1,974
Very good
569
Average
71
Poor
7
Terrible
12
ClaireAdamMoss
Ilfracombe, UK4,523 contributions
Feb 2023
We only had a couple of days to explore Rome and knew we would be limited to what we could see. Because this beautiful little church was so close to where we were staying and was en route to other things we had to see we luckily walked in as it was opening and how lucky we were to chose this place.
I am not overly religious & don't know anything about sculptures or art but it really is such an amazing place as soon as you walk in.
It has such a calming and welcoming feeling and just to sit for a while and take it all in is highly recommended. So glad we paid a visit and would suggest you do the same if you are passing.
I am not overly religious & don't know anything about sculptures or art but it really is such an amazing place as soon as you walk in.
It has such a calming and welcoming feeling and just to sit for a while and take it all in is highly recommended. So glad we paid a visit and would suggest you do the same if you are passing.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dapper777
Monaco32,370 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
This beautiful church stands on the site of the previous church of San Paolo (1608-20) of the Discalced Carmelites, and was rebuilt for the victory of the Thirty Years' War, after the battle of the White Mountain near Prague between 1620 and 1626. Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned its construction, the project was by Stefano Maderno and the façade by Giovanni Battista Soria (inspired by the nearby Santa Susanna).
The interior, with a single nave, has three chapels on each side, including the famous Cornaro chapel, a masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The experience of mystical ecstasy in fact is masterfully represented by Bernini in the first chapel on the left.
This sculptural group, the “Ecstasy or Transverberation of St.Theresa of Avila" is the absolute masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598/1680.
It was completed in the mid 7th century for the tomb of Venetian Cardinal Feferico Cornaro.
The sculpture-architecture creates a magical atmosphere. The angel with a golden dart symbolizes divine love. Theresa is depicted with an incredible expression of pain and pleasure at the same time.
Bernini used alabastro nuvolato (cloudy alabaster) in the alcove behind the statue and in the panels of the side walls as if it belonged to the space of the apparition, in continuity with the clouds on which the group rests.
Not to be missed.
The interior, with a single nave, has three chapels on each side, including the famous Cornaro chapel, a masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The experience of mystical ecstasy in fact is masterfully represented by Bernini in the first chapel on the left.
This sculptural group, the “Ecstasy or Transverberation of St.Theresa of Avila" is the absolute masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598/1680.
It was completed in the mid 7th century for the tomb of Venetian Cardinal Feferico Cornaro.
The sculpture-architecture creates a magical atmosphere. The angel with a golden dart symbolizes divine love. Theresa is depicted with an incredible expression of pain and pleasure at the same time.
Bernini used alabastro nuvolato (cloudy alabaster) in the alcove behind the statue and in the panels of the side walls as if it belonged to the space of the apparition, in continuity with the clouds on which the group rests.
Not to be missed.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victoria L
Kansas City, MO324 contributions
Aug 2022
We wandered into this church while hunting for another…what a lucky discovery. Not only was in beautiful inside but the Bernini sculpture of the Ecstasy of St Theresa was towards the front. It was awe inspiring as was the altarpiece featuring a mass of clouds and rays with a piece of the original church at its center. Each chapel was a marvel of artistic expression. If you are lucky and speak Italian , the caretaker is happy to give explanation of relics and uncorrupted saints. Highly recommended. A friend once was asked where you see art in Rome and the answer was go to the churches…there was never a truer statement.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter C
Island of Malta, Malta2,494 contributions
Jul 2022
Santa Maria della Vittoria is a Baroque Catholic Basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is known for the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the Cornaro Chapel, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. This is definitely one of the most beautiful sculptures you will ever see. There are also a number of sculptures by Domenico Guidi in Capocaccia Chapel worth seeing, especially ‘The Dream of Saint Joseph’. Don’t miss the decorative ceiling and other works of art which are all truly impressive.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mie Sveistrup
Copenhagen, Denmark10 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We wanted to see the sculpture Ecstasy of Saint Teresa because of Dan Browns description of the sculpture in ‘Angels and Demons’. The sculpture is located in the church and the church was gonna open half past three but it didn’t. We waited for almost and hour and then we left…
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aussies11
Montelparo, Italy4,555 contributions
Feb 2020
By chance we popped into a second-hand bookshop on Via Nomentana and after chatting to the owner he recommended we visit this church as it was only 4 bus stops away. Not only that, but in his opinion it was one of the best examples of Baroque Roman architecture and decoration; as well as being the home of Bernini's famous sculpture of St. Teresa of Avila. We found the church easily, there were lots of visitors but we managed to capture the details of the various chapels within the church, the stained glass windows and artworks. The variety of coloured marble used in the church is amazing. The highlight is the statue of St. Teresa, it is backlit which gives it an even more splendid glow. When you think this was sculpted out of marble, it makes you wonder how Bernini managed to make the draping of the saint's clothing so realistic. Don't miss the sacristy on the right hand side of the altar. There is no entrance fee, and this is a relief in Rome!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA33,154 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Vittoria is home to the magical Bernini’s masterpiece: “The ecstasy of Santa Teresa”. For me, it is one of the most stunning example of Bernini’s art and I kind of agree with Simon Schama’s interpretation of what the ecstasy is all about. Teresa's face is so human, in Bernini’s interpretation, there is nothing divine about it, and this is exactly what I liked the most.
The interior of this small one nave church is surprisingly opulent and lavish: beautiful ceiling, multicolored marble columns, elaborate gilded stucco sculptures, beautiful paintings by Guercino, Domenichino and other masters.
I was very fortunate to visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Vittoria twice during my latest visit to Rome. Unforgettable!
The interior of this small one nave church is surprisingly opulent and lavish: beautiful ceiling, multicolored marble columns, elaborate gilded stucco sculptures, beautiful paintings by Guercino, Domenichino and other masters.
I was very fortunate to visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Vittoria twice during my latest visit to Rome. Unforgettable!
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland3,226 contributions
Aug 2021 • Business
This small but beautiful church is located just up the hill from Piazza Barberini and is worth a quick visit.
The churches most famous sight is “The Ecstasy of St. Teresa”. Unfortunately when I visited (end August 2021), this was under renovation so you I could not see it. However the rest of church is still very nice.
The churches most famous sight is “The Ecstasy of St. Teresa”. Unfortunately when I visited (end August 2021), this was under renovation so you I could not see it. However the rest of church is still very nice.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stuart Wade
Blackpool, UK42 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
My sole purpose to visit Rome was to come to this chapel. The Ecstasy of St. Theresa was stunning and something I've always wanted to see in person. The chapel itself was adorned in the most beautiful frescoes, art and design. For a chapel this size it beats any of its larger contemporaries.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Companion5746
Lakeland, FL1 contribution
You think you love baroque? You think you might hate baroque? There is simply only one way to test your tolerance/passion for this artistic display - visit St. Maria della Vittoria. After visiting numerous basillicas in Rome, Florence and Venice, I thought I'd seen it all. St. Maria is one sight you do not want to miss. It won't take but thirty minutes of your time and you will not be sorry. This is the most magnificant display of baroque art, and I thought I hated baroque. However, as a Bernini fan, I had to see his chapel. The frescos and sculptures are magnificant. You will be in awe, no matter what your opinion of baroque is. Admission is free, but go during the morning hours. This is still and active basillica, and we came just before mass. We were not unwelcome, but we didn't feel comfortable doing the "tourist" thing, so we left promptly.
Written July 14, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Abby D
1 contribution
I was just turned away from the church and could not see The Ecstasy of St. Theresa. As a Catholic and one who has taught and studied this piece I am beyond upset about this. I'm only in Rome a couple of days and really wish to view this. Please help!!
BCfromVancouver
Vancouver, Canada94 contributions
My understanding from when I was there is that the hours are:
M-Sat 8:30-12, 3:30-5.
Outside those hours it is closed.
prcrazy
Miami190 contributions
Does anyone know mass times?
Craig M
Vancouver, Canada134 contributions
Opening / Closing the Church; Morning: 7.00 / 12.00; Afternoon: 15.30 / 19.00
Time for a visit to the Church: weekdays (08: 30-12: 00) and (15: 30-18: 00)
Sundays and holidays: the morning in the interval between the Holy Mass is celebrated.
Rebeccazhou
Hong Kong, China
When is the best time of the day to see the sculpture Ecstasy of Saint Teresa?
Horace C
29 contributions
I support the comments from bob2bkk. I would add as the others have also stated, earlier the better so crowds are less and you cab enjoy fully.
bbaileyfamily
Katy, TX50 contributions
You mentioned you were at Santa Maria della Vittoria just before closing time. I find conflicting info on the closing time of this church between websites and various travel books. Do you know what the closing times are these days? And, do you know if the church is open for visiting on Saturdays?
Nice review. Many thanks.
Brad
Susie M
West Yorkshire2,050 contributions
Does anyone know what time this church closes for the night?
Thank you
Diane K
Venice, FL3,848 contributions
Per their website (which was in Italian - so I may miss something in the translation) the church is open to either 6 or 7. They are closed at lunch time from 12 until 3:30.
Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria della Vittoria
- Santa Maria della Vittoria is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun - Sat 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Santa Maria della Vittoria tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Santa Maria della Vittoria tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Santa Maria della Vittoria:
- (0.01 mi) Guest House Moses Fountain
- (0.04 mi) Hotel Mascagni
- (0.04 mi) Vacation Home in Rome with 1 bedrooms sleeps 4
- (0.10 mi) The RomeHello
- (0.05 mi) The St. Regis Rome
- Restaurants near Santa Maria della Vittoria:
- (0.02 mi) Orlando Dal 1910
- (0.03 mi) EXQUISITALY
- (0.04 mi) Exquisitaly
- (0.09 mi) Bar Gastronomia D'angelo
- (0.09 mi) The Barrel Bar & Grill