Borromini’s Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome

The Baroque Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome was Borromini‘s first independent commission.

The dome of the church by Borromini has intricate,  interlocking coffering composed of octagons, crosses and hexagons. These geometric shapes diminish in size as they rise to the glass window with the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The charming, church is named for the four fountains, located at the intersection of the 4 corners of Via del Quirinale and Via Quattro Fontane. This intersection has four landmark fountains; one on each corner.

The figures of the four fountains represent the River Tiber (the symbol of Rome); the River Arno the symbol of Florence; the Goddess Diana; the symbol of Chastity; and the Goddess Juno, the symbol of Strength.

The fountains of the Arno, Tiber, and Juno are the work of Domenico Fontana. The fountain of Diana was designed by the painter and architect Pietro.

The church’s bi-level, tiered façade conceals an elliptical shaped interior.

A statue of Saint Charles Borromeo by Antonio Raggi  is above the main entrance surrounded by St. John of Matha and St. Felix of Valois, the founders of the Trinitarian Order.

The church has magnificent works of art.

The statue of the Tiber river can be seen at the lower left of the facade of the church of the  Trinitarian Order.

The church has a  two-story cloister with porticos, arches and loggias.  The sacristy has a potrait of Borromini.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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