Rome Art And Cinema: Masterpieces Not Found In A Museum

Some of the most amazing art and culture won’t be found in a museum, but Rome art and cinema can be found around every corner and we’ll show you where.

For centuries, Rome has stood as a beacon of artistic and cinematic excellence. From the ancient sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces to the golden age of Italian cinema, the Eternal City has been a wellspring of inspiration for artists, filmmakers, and storytellers.

Whether through the dramatic works of Caravaggio, the breathtaking sculptures of Bernini, or the legendary films produced at Cinecittà Studios, the city of Rome remains a living museum of creativity, even outside the actual museums.

In art, Rome fostered movements such as the Baroque, with masters like Caravaggio revolutionizing painting through realism and dramatic lighting. The city’s churches, palaces, and even street corners are among the places where you will find some of the most renowned artworks in history. 

Following World War II, Rome has also shaped global cinema, from Federico Fellini’s dreamlike films to modern Italian neorealism, which captured the beauty and struggles of everyday life. Cinecittà Studios, often referred to as “Hollywood on the Tiber,” has hosted some of the most iconic productions in film history.

Caravaggio’s Influence On Rome Art And Cinema

My favorite painter is Caravaggio. I suspect it’s because of my background as a parttime photographer given how he uses lights and shadows, as well as my preference for realism. Luckily for visitors to Rome, many of these amazing works of art can be found simply by walking into what seems like an unassuming church.

The Santa Maria Del Popolo Caravaggio Paintings

The Santa Maria del Popolo Caravaggio paintings are among the most famous Caravaggio paintings in Rome and this small church offers a cool experience for free. The two Caravaggio paintings that you can see in Santa Maria del Popolo are actually a little tricky to see. 

First, of course, you will need to give a donation of €2 to turn on the lights in the Cerasi Chapel (La Cappella Cerasi), which is to the left of the main altar. Given the free entry to the church, this is a pretty small price to pay.

The first painting, the Conversion of St. Paul, is a depiction of the exact moment when Paul received a vision that changed his life by becoming one of the leaders of the new Christian movement.

The second painting depicts when Saint Peter was killed as a martyr. As is common in depictions of Saint Peter, he is shown being mounted on the crucifix upside down, but unlike the popular portrayals, I didn’t see his famous keys

The Madonna di Loreto (Caravaggio) Doesn’t Travel At All

The Madonna di Loreto, is another masterpiece by Caravaggio that you can find simply by entering a simple church, specifically the Cavaletti Chapel in the Basilica of Sant’Agostino, for free and turning left.

There are many interpretations of Caravaggio’s representation of the Madonna and these pilgrims that are coming to pay their respect. Interestingly, it is believed that Caravaggio lived not too far away and the doorway represented in the painting can still be found today (for free).

Caravaggio Paintings In Rome Are Waiting For You At Church

Without question, my favorite place to encounter these paintings by Caravaggio outside of a museum is at the San Luigi dei Francesi church. It can get crowded, but it is definitely worth a bit of a wait.

The church contains a Caravaggio Triptych that is unlike anything I’ve seen. His technique of using the light and shadows, known as Chiaroscuro, has been one of the most influential techniques coming out of the Baroque period.

Bernini’s Art In Rome

LIke Caravaggio, Bernini’s most famous artwork can be found in museums all around Rome, but also unexpectedly on a streetcorner or in a piazza. These free open-air displays make Rome one of the easiest cities to overdose on artwork, known as Museum Fatigue.

While some of Bernini’s best known works: Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina can be found in the Borghese Galleria, which is an amazing private museum here in Rome, more can be found in churches and on street corners.

• Fontana Delle Api – When you go to Piazza Barberini to enjoy the more famous Fountain of Triton (Fontana del Tritone) you will not be far from another, smaller fountain silently sitting on the corner of Via Vittorio Veneto and Via di S. Basilio.
• The Fountain Of The Four Rivers – My favorite Bernini fountain can be found in the center of Piazza Navona. The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) was designed by the sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and built by a team of sculptors.
• The Ecstasy Of Saint Teresa – It lives in the Cornaro Chapel of the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, which is an understated church that is tricky to find. The sculpture depicts Teresa of Ávila swooning in a state of religious ecstasy, while an angel holding a spear stands over her.
• Bernini’s Angels – The church of S. Andrea delle Fratte, also known as Shrine of Our Lady of the Miracle (Santuario Madonna del Miracolo), is a hidden gem in Rome and one that should be missed because of the statues known as being among Bernini’s Angels.

The Magic Of Italian Cinema

If I was only recommending my favorite movies, it is a list that could easily be ignored. What I am proposing are the greatest Italian movies (or movies or Italy) that are important to see if you want to better understand the culture of Italy.

As you would expect, there are no shortages of Italian films that focus on love and romance. In a city like Rome, you can’t escape it, so why not include it as a character in your movie, like: La Dolce Vita.

A Strange Movie You Need To See

Ok, this is neither an Italian made movie nor is it a movie about Italy. It is, however, culturally important in Italy as it is a family favorite that is shown on TV every Christmas season. You might be surprised to learn that the movie is: Trading Places. Yes, the Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy classic continues to be a holiday favorite here in Italy for reasons I have difficulty articulating.

Cinecittà Studios Lives The History Of Italian Cinema

Cinecittà Studios offers their guests a chance to experience the history of Italian cinema in an amazing lot south of the historic center of Rome. Founded by Benito Mussolini in 1937 as a way to promote Rome and as a propaganda tool for the Fascist leader, today the studio uses the nickname Factory of Dreams (Fabbrica dei Sogni) as it operates at full capacity.

Photography And Visual Art Exhibitions In Rome

One of my favorite experiences here in Rome is when an art exhibition outside of a museum is able to take advantage of the amazing sites around the city for their own backdrop. There is a summer event that shows Italian movies by projecting them on the ancient city walls, for example.

Two exhibitions that I was able to attend were both held at the Baths of Caracalla. These ancient Roman baths were the backdrop to more modern photography exhibits that took advantage of the amazing scale of the Baths to add grandeur to what were two different collections of photos. I’m looking forward to what is coming this summer.

Where To Find More Cinema And Art In Rome