Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome

This a small beautiful baroque church, quite common in Rome. For the non-church specialist, you come here for one thing - Bernini’s St. Teresa sculpture. It is sublime. The master worked marble like wax, different texture for skin, clothes, hair... The theater boxes on either side with background etched in perspective seated what I guess are the chapel patrons. This sculpture is lit by a hidden skylight from above which can be seen from the street outside. There is a person at the entrance expecting you to make a donation (name your own number). Consider the church kept the sculpture in pertinent condition, compare to other pieces there. It’s a worthwhile contribution.

This church is an ABSOLUTE FINE ART PIECE! From the exterior, it may look as a simple church, but once in the interior, you will be transcended to another world! Every single corner is subtly embellished and has had its well-deserved part of the sumptuous decor! The marble colors are carefully distributed and harmoniously arranged. The Altar, the organ, the roof, the chapels, the paintings and everything in this church is glorious and absolutely stunning.