Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria
Explore Rome by bike, scooter, Vespa, or tuk-tuk on an exclusive tour that includes a visit to the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria to admire Bernini’s Ecstasy of Santa Teresa, a Baroque masterpiece that combines art and spirituality in a unique experience.
What you need to know about the Church of St. Mary of Victory
The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is one of Rome’s Baroque gems, located in the center of Rome on Via XX Settembre. Founded in the 17th century, this church is famous for its incredible architecture and for housing one of Bernini’s most famous works: The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a sculpture located in the Cornaro Chapel inside the church. Created between 1647 and 1652, this work depicts one of the most intense moments in the mystical life of St. Teresa of Avila, a central figure in Catholic spirituality. Bernini depicts Teresa as she experiences a mystical vision, shot through the heart by an angel with a golden arrow. The scene is emotionally charged and engages the viewer in a moment of spiritual ecstasy. The work is characterized by extraordinary dynamism, with the characters suspended in a space that seems to transcend physicality. The use of natural light, which enters through a hidden window above the sculpture, adds dramatic effect, enhancing the details of the marble and creating an atmosphere of transcendence. The Ecstasy of St. Teresa is not only a masterpiece of Baroque art, but also an example of how art can communicate mystical and spiritual experiences in a visual and engaging way. The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, therefore, is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome, not only because of its architectural beauty, but also because of the spiritual and artistic significance contained within. The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria was built between 1608 and 1620 and originally designed by architect Carlo Maderno. Initially, it was dedicated to St. Paul, but after a Catholic victory during the Thirty Years’ War in 1620, it was dedicated to St. Mary of Victory, thus becoming a symbol of triumph and divine protection. The interior of the church is a riot of Baroque decoration, with frescoes, polychrome marble, gilded stucco and numerous richly decorated altars. Of these, the “Cornaro Chapel” is certainly the most famous due to the presence of the sculpture of the Ecstasy of St. Theresa. This chapel was commissioned by Venetian cardinal Federico Cornaro and was decorated as a true “spiritual theater”: the side walls feature members of the Cornaro family observing the scene, as if they were spectators in a box. The facade of the church is more sober than the interior and respects the typical early Roman Baroque style. Surmounted by a triangular pediment and decorated with statues of saints, it has a central portal with an elaborate cornice. In addition to the Cornaro Chapel, other side chapels house important works of art, including paintings by artists such as Domenichino and Guido Reni.
Curiosities
The mystical and controversial inspiration: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa is inspired by a mystical experience actually lived by the saint and described in her writings. However, Bernini’s work has raised controversial interpretations because of its intense symbolism and almost sensual depiction of the saint’s face and body. This ambiguity makes the work fascinating and has stimulated numerous interpretations, from mystical to psychoanalytic.
Innovative “theater” technique: Bernini adopted an innovative technique by creating a kind of “spiritual theater” for the Cornaro Chapel. The scene looks like a play in progress, with the Cornaro family appearing sculpted on the sides of the chapel as spectators in a theatrical stage. This scenic device was rare and underscores the theatrical influence in Baroque art.
The hidden window: An ingenious element of the Cornaro Chapel is the hidden window above the sculpture, which lets in natural light. Bernini designed it to simulate a ray of divine light falling on the saint, enhancing the white marble and creating a mystical aura around the scene.
A chapel escaped a fire: The church was in danger of being destroyed in 1833, when a fire devastated the building. Miraculously, the Cornaro Chapel and the sculpture of the Ecstasy of St. Theresa remained unharmed, which was considered a sign of divine protection.
The Cornaro family’s commission: The chapel was commissioned by Cardinal Federico Cornaro, a member of one of the most powerful families in Venice. Cornaro wanted to leave a significant spiritual and artistic legacy, choosing Bernini as the author of a work that would reflect both the family’s prestige and religious devotion.
Bernini and his “artistic conversion”: The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa was created after a difficult period for Bernini. The work is considered the fruit of a kind of spiritual and artistic “conversion” after he had faced personal and professional crises. This work marks the rebirth of his style, a synthesis of sublime technique and emotional depth.
An inspiration for writers and artists: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa has inspired numerous artists, writers and poets over the centuries. One of the most famous was the French writer André Gide, who described the work as one of the most powerful and moving sculptures he had ever seen. Modern art has also been influenced by the intensity of this work, which is an icon of mystical passion.
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