Santa Maria del Popolo: the Caravaggios of Piazza del Popolo

Updated on October 8, 2026

The basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, at the north-east corner of Piazza del Popolo, is the church in Rome where two Caravaggio paintings are easiest to see: The Conversion of Saint Paul and The Crucifixion of Saint Peter, painted in 1600-1601 for the Cerasi Chapel. It also holds the Chigi Chapel designed by Raphael, frescoes by Pinturicchio and an Assumption by Annibale Carracci. Entry is free; the visit is short, but the church opens only in set time slots. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

Highlights

The Cerasi Chapel

The first chapel to the left of the choir holds Caravaggio's Conversion of Saint Paul and Crucifixion of Saint Peter, commissioned in 1600 by Tiberio Cerasi, the pope's treasurer, on either side of Annibale Carracci's Assumption. Photos and videos are forbidden in the chapel and access is limited.

The Crucifixion of Saint Peter

Caravaggio shows men struggling to raise the cross on which the apostle is nailed upside down, in a light that comes out of the darkness. The second version of the commission, painted in 1601, is the one you see today. For the painter's other works in Rome, read our guide to Caravaggio in Rome.

The Porta del Popolo and the rest of the church

To the left of the nave, the Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael for the banker Agostino Chigi; the statues of Daniel and Habakkuk are by Bernini. The choir keeps tombs by Andrea Sansovino and frescoes by Pinturicchio. The church stands next to the Porta del Popolo, through which travellers entered Rome. According to tradition, Martin Luther stayed in the neighbouring Augustinian convent in 1510-1511.

Opening hours and prices

Entry is free. Hours noted in October 2026: Monday to Saturday 8:30-9:45am, 10:30am-12pm and 4-6pm, Sunday and public holidays 4:30-6pm. Visits are not allowed during Mass and modest dress is required: see our guide to dress codes in churches.

Practical info

Tips

Arrive at the start of a time slot, before the groups. Do not look for the Caravaggios in the nave: they are in the Cerasi Chapel, the first chapel to the left of the choir, and how well you see them depends on the time of day. Hours noted in October 2026; they may change for religious feasts. Also read: Piazza del Popolo, Saint Louis of the French.