Piazza di Sant'Ignazio

Piazza Sant’Ignazio is one of the most charming and historically rich squares in Rome, located in the Campo Marzio district. The square, as we see it today, is the result of the genius of the architect Filippo Raguzzini, who designed it in 1727 commissioned by Pope Benedict XIII. Raguzzini created a masterpiece of Baroque urban planning, inspired by the theatrical scenography of his time. The square has an almost symmetrical shape, with buildings with concave facades that seem to embrace the central space, creating an effect of movement and dynamism typical of Baroque architecture. At the center of the square stands the Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, built between 1626 and 1650 by the Jesuits as the chapel of the Roman College. The church was designed by the Jesuit mathematician Orazio Grassi, based on the plans of Carlo Maderno. The facade, majestic and harmonious, recalls that of the Church of the Gesù, with two orders of Corinthian pillars and columns. Inside, the church is a riot of Baroque decorations, with frescoes, sculptures, and precious marbles. One of the most surprising elements of the Church of Sant’Ignazio is the ceiling frescoed by Andrea Pozzo, depicting the apotheosis of Sant’Ignazio. This fresco, created between 1685 and 1694, is an extraordinary example of trompe-l’œil, a technique that creates the illusion of depth and space. Pozzo painted a fake dome in the center of the nave, which, when viewed from the right angle, looks like a real dome. This artifice is a perfect example of the Baroque skill of astonishing and enchanting the viewer. The square is also decorated with four statues of saints linked to the Jesuit order: St. Francis Xavier, St. Francis Borgia, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, and St. Stanislaus Kostka. These statues, sculpted by Camillo Rusconi between 1729 and 1734, add an additional touch of elegance and sacredness to the architectural ensemble. In addition to the church, Piazza Sant’Ignazio is surrounded by historic buildings that contribute to its charm. Among these, the Odescalchi Palace, an elegant eighteenth-century building, and other noble palaces overlooking the square, creating an atmosphere of great refinement and beauty. Over the centuries, Piazza Sant’Ignazio has witnessed numerous historical and cultural events. It was a meeting place for religious celebrations and public events, and also hosted popular assemblies and political protests. For example, in 1848, during the Roman Republic, a crowd gathered in the square to elect a constituent assembly, while in 1870, after the Italian army took Rome, protests against the occupation and in favor of papal authority took place there.