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Rome Caravaggio Art History Tour (3 Hours)

Tour Operator
Context Travel

Rome, Italy

Valid for Travel Now Through: 31 Dec 2026
Virtuoso Benefits
  • Culture, History & Arts
  • Sightseeing

Italian painter, Michelangelo Merisi (1573-1610), better known as Caravaggio, left an indelible mark on the world of art—especially in Rome, which fortunately contains a large selection of his works. Many know him as one of the most controversial artists of all time who fled the city after committing murder, but his art stands alone in its quality and originality. Caravaggio's influence led to the start of the Italian Baroque era. This three-hour Caravaggio tour of Rome, led by an art historian, explores the nature of Caravaggio's art in the context of its time, in order to fully understand his innovation and the controversy surrounding him.

Your walk takes you through the same city streets—largely unchanged—that Caravaggio inhabited in the 1600s, a lively and sometimes dangerous landscape from which he drew inspiration and (controversially) models for his work. You will see the exterior of a small house, still standing, where Caravaggio lived and had his studio. Your guide will bring you to Sant'Agostino church known for its Renaissance architecture. Here you will explore how Caravaggio's art demonstrated a radical spirituality that appealed to the lower classes. A stop at San Luigi dei Francesi will allow you to view Caravaggio's stunning series on Saint Matthew, his first publicly commissioned altarpiece painting which demonstrates his revolutionary use of tenebroso or tenebrisimo, the strong interplay of light and dark.

To conclude your deep dive into Caravaggio's legacy, your guide will take you on an exploration of the Doria Pamphili Gallery to experience some of the earliest works by Caravaggio, considered to be among the most important works of art in the world. Dating to the late 1590's, they offer a glimpse into the development of the artist's style. Here you will observe large paintings characterized by dramatic use of light and shadow, realistic depiction of human figures and emotional intensity. Considered to be among the most important works of art in the world, they are a testament to the artist's genius and lasting influence on Western art.

Meals

None

Recommended Ages

12 and Above

Activity Level

Moderate

Virtuoso Benefits

For orders over $2,000, Virtuoso clients can receive a free Context Talk – on-demand talks led by our experts that bring the details of a destination to life before travel.

Product Terms & Conditions

Context Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the tour date are eligible for a 100% refund. Cancellations made between 29 days and 48 hours before the tour date are eligible for a 50% refund. All sales are final within 48 hours of the tour date. Non-refundable ticket or reservation fees will be deducted from the refund.

For complete Context policy information please visit our site here.



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