Private Tours Rome | Caravaggio In Rome

Classic sights included in our itinerary:

  • The Rest on the Flight Into Egypt in Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
  • The Calling of St. Matthew in San Luigi dei Francesi
  • The Martyrdom of Saint Peter in Santa Maria del Popolo

If you like your art gut-wrenchingly dramatic and unbearably tense, then you need to get acquainted with Caravaggio. A manic, violent genius, his incredible works caused a sensation in Rome at the end of the 16th century, dramatically ushering in the age of the Baroque. The world of Caravaggio is a world of sensory overload – a rich tapestry of saints with dirty feet being lead to martyrdom and sensual Virgins, of voluptuous angels and provocative nudes. His works vividly capture the sights and smells of Baroque Rome like no other, splendid and squalid in equal measure.

Our unique Caravaggio in Rome tour itinerary has been specially designed to give you an unparalleled insight into the mind and masterpieces of the art world’s most controversial genius. Join us as we weave our way through the cobbled streets of the Eternal City and visit four beautiful off-the-beaten-path locations that are home to some of Caravaggio’s greatest Roman masterpieces – the majestic but often overlooked Baroque art gallery Palazzo Doria Pamphili, and the churches of Santa Maria del PopoloSant’Agostino and San Luigi dei Francesi.

On our tour you’ll learn why Caravaggio’s incredibly innovative pictorial language changed the world of art forever, from the powerfully realistic stripped down visions of conversion and death in Santa Maria del Popolo’s Martyrdom of Saint Peter and Conversion of St. Paul to the swirling chiaroscuro drama of light and dark in San Luigi dei Francesi’s Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. Caravaggio’s vision of a religious art peopled by ordinary folk – peasants smeared with grime, street-walking prostitutes and lumbering old men – was as controversial as it was revolutionary, and perfectly encapsulates the contradictory spirit of the Baroque age.

Just as exciting as Caravaggio’s innovative canvases are the dramatic stories behind them. One of our expert art historian guides will make these masterpieces come alive by revealing the dark psyche and tumultuous life of their creator - the arrogant Caravaggio’s was in constant trouble with the law, and his simmering violent temperament exploded when he murdered an obscure rival in 1606. After a decade in exile being hunted by assassins, the greatest painter of his age died in penury desperately trying to make his way back to the city that had made him famous. This is Rome at its most exciting – join us on a journey to discover it through the timeless masterpieces of Caravaggio.



• All fees and taxes 

• Skip-the-line tickets 

• Expert, English-speaking private guide

• Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)