This church is an extraordinary – but often overlooked – art site. Hidden behind its unassuming façade is a trove of celebrated art treasures and unique architectural features. Sta. Maria del Popolo is virtually bursting with remarkable architecture and art … from the 800-year-old icon adorning the altar … to the first dome of the Roman Renaissance … to the last Baroque tomb!
With Jane's narration guiding you, you will be immersed in the illuminating historical context of the art, politics, culture and religion that have intertwined over centuries to create the unique character of this remarkable church. You will experience a deep and lasting appreciation of the place.
The Jane’s Smart Art™ audio guide to Sta. Maria del Popolo tells of the central role this delight-filled church has played in Rome’s history … by virtue of its location just inside the city’s principle north gate. You’ll learn about some of the historically-prominent men and women who are buried here - among the tombs of more than a dozen Cardinals – and about the artists they commissioned to decorate their chapels.
Among the art treasures you'll consider:
• Andrea Bregno’s unique Lombard architecture and sculpted tombs and altars
• Pinturicchio’s late 15th C frescoes, grotesques and trompe l’oeil decoration
• Bramante’s famous Renaissance apse
• Andrea Sansovino’s tombs for Cardinals Girolamo della Rovere and Ascanio Sforza
• Marcillat’s stained glass windows … unusual in Rome
• Raphael’s remarkable Chigi Chapel (1520), completed by Bernini (1652)
• Two Caravaggios: The Martyrdom of St. Peter and The Conversion of St. Paul
• Altarpieces by Annibale Caracci, Carlo Maratta, Sebastiano del Piombo, …
• Much work by Bernini, including Daniel and Habakkuk
• Sculpture by Mino da Fiesole, Lorenzetto, Ercole Ferrata, Algardi, Monnot, …
• Giuseppe Valadier’s design of Piazza del Popolo
• … and still more!
Jane offers insights for art-lovers and history buffs who want more than just the highlights about what they’re seeing. Unlike audio walking tours, this audio guide is site-specific, penetrating deep into the essence of this single remarkable church.
The high quality of this engaging audio guide allows you to experience the richness of history and the character of the place like never before. The audio guide conveys an extraordinary wealth and variety of information. It’s like having a knowledgeable, stimulating travel companion, or like having your own top-notch private tour guide.
Your tour of the interior can be tailored to your interest and schedule by simply skipping the tracks of your choice.
• Pre-Visit Context Guide: “A Slice of History” - 18 minutes
• On-Site Guide, Exterior - 17 minutes
• On-Site Guide, Interior - 80 minutes
An 8-page companion booklet contains a floor plan, track list, glossary, time line and tips. Other titles are available for sites in Italy: St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and Fra Angelico at San Marco in Florence. Also Our Lady Cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. More titles will be added soon.
Notes:
The audio guide is available on CD (2 discs)($19.95) or downloadable MP3 ($13.95).
Required: a portable audio player (CD, iPod or MP3) and earphones. Two people can share single guide, by plugging a “y-adapter” into one player. The audio guide must be purchased in advance of your visit to the Cathedral, from our site or from your favorite bookseller.
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