Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

The Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, also known as the Church of St. Charles at the Four Fountains, is a Catholic church located in Rome, Italy. It was designed by the architect Borromini and built between 1638 and 1641. This is the only building initiated during the later years of Borromini’s career.

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the church is part of the Palazzo Barberini complex on the Quirinal Hill commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Barberini. Built on a narrow plot at the intersection of Via Felice and Via Pia, the church features a cruciform plan and an unusually undulating façade. The oval dome measures 25.8 meters by 16.25 meters, adorned with intricate geometric forms (crosses, ovals, octagons, and hexagons). Other structural elements include niches, windows, various carvings, and a central oval-shaped structure.

The interior of the church can be divided into three sections, which are arranged vertically from the base upwards. The main altar at the bottom is located near the entrance, with two other altars positioned nearby. Between these altars are four sets of columns, each consisting of sixteen pillars, creating a cross-like arrangement at the base of the church. The altars are clearly visible due to the diagonal placement of the middle two columns in each set, producing a wave-like visual effect.

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

Must-visit reason: The only building initiated during the later years of Borromini’s career

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City where the attraction is located: Rome [Rome]