Resist the magnetism of St. Peter’s church, the majestic centrepiece of the Vatican, and uncover Rome’s less visited churches where acoustic concerts raise the roof of gilt-edged domes..
Sant'Antonio dei Portoghesi
A 15-minute walk from both Hotel de Russie and Hotel de la Ville
Strolling among the back streets near Plaza Navona, listen closely and you can hear beautiful organ music drifting from this small Baroque church, home to the Portuguese community in Rome. Walk in and you’ll be struck by the gilt edged domed roof as the priest invites you in to hear the music.
Visit at 6.30pm on any Saturday in March 2023 and witness performers from Denmark, Germany and Switzerland creating atmospheric recitals. Check with our concierge for details of concerts at other times.
Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone
A 20-minute walk from both Hotel de Russie and Hotel de la Ville
Sitting on the edge of the charming Piazza Navona, this church is a must-see due to its unusual altarpieces and magnificent dome. Unlike most Roman churches, the altarpieces are not paintings, rather carvings in marble and the structure of the dome creates the impression that the heavens have opened above those seated within the church.
Listen to the mellifluous sounds of some of Europe’s finest composers – including such homegrown talents as Verdi, Puccini and Rossini – in the magical surrounds of this quaint church.
Chiesa di San Paolo entro le Mura (St. Paul's Within the Walls)
A 15-minute walk from Hotel de la Ville | 25-minute walk from Hotel de Russie
With its striped layers of red and white brick and good acoustics, the first Protestant church in Rome offers a wonderful atmosphere for live music. Listen to the sounds of opera singers and orchestras as you look up to the apse mosaic where Christ stands between his apostles. When the church is flooded with candles, the gold of Edward Burne-Jones’s mosaic twinkles and glows creating a particularly ethereal atmosphere.
Come for a live concert, performed every weeknight at 8.30pm, and select from classical favourites such as Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Bach's masterpieces. Further options include a trio of tenors and a costumed operatic rendition of Verdi's romantic tragedy La Traviata, with performers dressed in full ballroom attire.
Santa Maria Immacolata all’Esquilino
Just paces away from the Triton Fountain in Piazza Barberini, this 17th century church is home to treasures such as Reni’s St. Michael the Archangel Defeating Satan, but the real jewel in the crown is the underground Capuchin crypt.
The crypt is the burial spot of thousands of Capuchin friars, and was a place for prayer and reflection among the monks of the Capuchin religious order. Now it is also a music hall for an alternative, yet beautifully haunting concert by candlelight.
Contact our concierges at Hotel de la Ville on concierge.delaville@roccofortehotels.com and Hotel de Russie on concierge.derussie@roccofortehotels.com who’ll be happy to provide further information, recommendations and help with ticket bookings.
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