Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
 

 

[ Back ] [ Home ] [ Next ]

The University of Roma, The Studium Urbis, was instituted by Boniface VIIl in 1303. It first seat was, probably, in Transtevere but with the bull of 1431 by Eugenius IV, it was moved to the St. Eustachio district. Over the centuries, many popes were concerned in giving the university a decorous home. Alexander VI, Borgia, at the end of the 1400s, financed the construction of a new building (situated on the site of the present complex of the Sapienza). It was later enlarged by Leo X and renovated by Pius IV in 1561.
Giacomo della Porta followed Guidetto Guidetti and Pirro Ligorio in the events of the building and it was onto his plan that Borromini added his work.. St. Ivo is remembered with the altarpiece for which Pietro da Cortona was commissioned, but which was finished by one of his students. In 1936, the faculties were moved to the University City, immediately outsiue the old city centre. Today, the ancient seat houses the State Archives and some offices of the Senate of the Republic.
 

 

 

 

 

The church is placed in a courtyard setting, it is one of the masterpieces of the architect fromTicino.The commission to complete the construction of the building was given to Borromini by Urban VIII on the advice of Gianlorenzo Bernini in 1632. In the following years, the architect planned the church, or the university chapel, which was dedicated to S1. Ivo, protector of the consistorial lawyers and generous helper of the poor.
The fac;ade coincides with the exedra by Oella Porta. Borromini added the attic to this with the mounts, the emblems of AlexanderVII, the pontiff who consecrated the church.
 

The facade is characterised by the famous lantern finishing in a spiral that seemed to want to screw into the sky. Both the exterior and the interior are completely white. The central plan, in the form of a hexagonal star, is created by the interpenetration of two equilateral triangles. The walls are decorated with architectonic items alternating with niches that were originally aimed at holding statues. The dome divided into segments, is decorated with rows of stars, cherubs, Chigi mountains, and laurel wreaths, culminating in the dove of the Holy Spirit. The entire decoration, interior and exterior, exalts the theme of divine knowledge.
     
   
Organized and guided walking tours in Rome
Walking Tours The Historic Rome Trail   Hidden Gems of Rome 
Archaeological Rome Tour A1 The Colours of Rome Tour B1 Baroque Rome Tour C1 
Archaeological Rome Tour A2  The Colours of Rome Tour B2  Baroque Rome Tour C2 

Some ideas for a walking tour in Rome with private guide 
The Heart Of Ancient Rome Papal Rome
The Trident And Baroque Rome The Place Of Democracy
From Piazza Del Campidoglio To Piazza Venezia From Piazza Di Spagna To Piazza Del Popolo
From Piazza Campo Dei Fiori To Piazza Della Rotonda From Piazza San Pietro To Castel Sant'angelo
Sacred Rome Archeological Rome 
Rome And The Fashion The Park Of The Museums

Prices (Private walking tours in Rome)

Fill in the form for major details or send an e-mail to info

Type of Walking Tour
Date of Walking Tour dd/mm/yy *
Number of people *
Starting Time 
Name *
Surname *
E-mail   *
Reconfirm E-Mail*
Telephone
Fax
Country *
Lodging in Rome
Lodging Address
Note

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ San Giovanni dei Fiorentini ] [ Falconieri Palace ] [ Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori ] [ Spada Palace ] [ San Girolamo della Carità ] [ Oratorio dei Filippini ] [ Pamphilj Palace ] [ S. Agnese in Agone ] [ Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza ] [ Propaganda Fide ] [ Sant' Andrea delle Fratte ] [ Carpegna Palace ] [ St. Carlino alle Quattro Fontane ] [ Barberini Palace ] [ St. John in Lateran ] [ San Giovanni in Oleo ]