Santa Maria della Vittoria: Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Updated on October 5, 2026

The church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, on via XX Settembre, holds one of the most famous sculptures of the Baroque: Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, made for the Cornaro Chapel between 1647 and 1652. The Carmelite church, built in the early 17th century to plans by Carlo Maderno, is small and free to enter; most people come for this marble group, staged like a theatre of light, gilded stucco and coloured marble. Allow 20 to 30 minutes. The opening hours below come from secondary sources: check them before you go, as the church closes during services.

Highlights

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

In the chapel of the left transept, the saint, swooning on a cloud, is about to be pierced in the heart by the arrow of a smiling angel. Bernini drew on the account of her vision that Teresa of Ávila left in her autobiography. Golden metal rays, lit by a hidden window above, seem to fall from heaven.

The Cornaro family spectators

On the side walls of the chapel, members of the family of Cardinal Federico Cornaro, who commissioned the whole ensemble, are sculpted in theatre-style boxes, chatting or watching the central scene. It is one of Bernini's most original ideas: the visitor steps into the staging.

The nave

The church was built by Carlo Maderno in the early 17th century. Inside, the single nave is covered in polychrome marble and gilded stucco, typical of Roman Baroque.

The name of the church

It is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, in memory of the Battle of White Mountain (1620), which the Carmelites attributed to the intercession of an image of the Virgin kept in their convent.

Practical info

Tips

Free entry; a donation is welcome. Modest dress required, shoulders and knees covered. No visits during services. View the chapel from the front, from a little way back: the marbles are easier to read in daylight. To place this group within Bernini's work, read our guide Baroque Rome: in the footsteps of Bernini and Borromini.

How to get there

Via XX Settembre 17, 00184 Rome. Metro line A, Repubblica station, 5 minutes' walk; Termini station is about ten minutes on foot. The Palazzo Barberini and the Trevi Fountain are 10 to 15 minutes' walk away.