Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa Grande
Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa Grande
4.5
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
About
Built in 1231 by the Franciscans, this church is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and still serves as a place of worship today.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Trastevere
Trastevere ("beyond the Tiber") is like a faded postcard, a little worn around the edges but still charming. With its wide-open piazzas, meandering streets, weathered Renaissance buildings, and overgrown personality, it's become an irresistible mecca for visitors. Trastevere is an enclave of entertainment - a rotating set of street performers entertains almost every night, and unforgettable eateries and bars pepper its piazzas and side streets. For a trip to the past, visit the southern and western flanks of Trastevere for pockets of yesteryear, less traversed areas with a residual 1960s and 70s Roman vibe.
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4.5
175 reviews
Excellent
92
Very good
69
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,773 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This is a Baroque church located at Piazza di S. Francesco d'Assisi at Via Anicia in Trastevere. It was originally built in the 12th-century by the Franciscans and is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi who was hosted here in during his stay in Rome in 1219. The church building you see today was mostly a rebuild during the 17th-century.
There are nice things to see within the church. However, the highlight is the remarkable masterpiece 'Ecstasy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni' sculpture by Bernini (1671-74). This is one of those who sculptures by Bernini, just like what you might have already seen at Santa Maria della Vittoria or adorning the floors of the Borghese Galleria. However, far fewer tourists seem to make it to San Francesco a Ripa Grande so you will likely have less crowded viewing conditions.
There are nice things to see within the church. However, the highlight is the remarkable masterpiece 'Ecstasy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni' sculpture by Bernini (1671-74). This is one of those who sculptures by Bernini, just like what you might have already seen at Santa Maria della Vittoria or adorning the floors of the Borghese Galleria. However, far fewer tourists seem to make it to San Francesco a Ripa Grande so you will likely have less crowded viewing conditions.
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucchesa
Seattle, WA166 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
This attractive Baroque church in Trastevere holds Bernini's last masterpiece, the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni. He captures the death of this holy woman from fever; she faces her maker with a look of transcendence familiar to lovers of Bernini's St. Teresa in Ecstasy. This is simpler than that work (he was obviously paid less here) but is possibly more human and moving. There are typical Bernini touches - the invisible light source, the floating cherub heads, the combination of sculpture, architecture & painting (the altarpiece incorporated into the work is by Bernini's friend Gaulli) - but it's the saint herself who wows. If you are tracking down Berninis, this should be high on your list.
The sacristan, who seemed to have very little English, enthusiastically took our group of 6 upstairs to where St. Francis himself is said to have stayed while in Rome, pointing out the large stone (conserved behind a sort of grate) he apparently used as a pillow.
The sacristan, who seemed to have very little English, enthusiastically took our group of 6 upstairs to where St. Francis himself is said to have stayed while in Rome, pointing out the large stone (conserved behind a sort of grate) he apparently used as a pillow.
Written 6 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KXLingle
Sioux Falls, SD97 contributions
Nov 2019
This church is accessible just off the Via di San Francesco a Ripa not far from the Viale di Trastevere. You should make it a point to go.
I visited this trip in the evening, as the sun was sitting. It had been a decently long day, and many of the churches in Rome are too busy with tourists to be truly prayerful or peaceful. This was not the case at San Francesco. In fact, one of the Brothers who was in the church went and turned the lights on for our group as we sat quietly. It was a very nice experience.
Clearly the biggest draw of the church is the installation of Bernini's Blessed Ludovica, the less-famous sister (so to say) of his Saint Teresa in Ecstasy in Santa Maria della Vittoria across town. I've had the pleasure of visiting in the past, and the chapel the contains the statue is quite wonderful. It is now, however, under some form of restoration and/or cleaning. I understand that this can be frustrating, but this chapel is at least 450 years old, so you're gonna have minor periods of inaccessibility. I will say that they have done a very nice job in making sure that the statute is visible, it's just that one cannot take in the whole chapel without obstruction. Bernini will still be present long after that scaffolding is gone, and Blessed Ludovica will undoubtedly be better off as a result. While inconvenient, it's necessary and still worth a visit.
I visited this trip in the evening, as the sun was sitting. It had been a decently long day, and many of the churches in Rome are too busy with tourists to be truly prayerful or peaceful. This was not the case at San Francesco. In fact, one of the Brothers who was in the church went and turned the lights on for our group as we sat quietly. It was a very nice experience.
Clearly the biggest draw of the church is the installation of Bernini's Blessed Ludovica, the less-famous sister (so to say) of his Saint Teresa in Ecstasy in Santa Maria della Vittoria across town. I've had the pleasure of visiting in the past, and the chapel the contains the statue is quite wonderful. It is now, however, under some form of restoration and/or cleaning. I understand that this can be frustrating, but this chapel is at least 450 years old, so you're gonna have minor periods of inaccessibility. I will say that they have done a very nice job in making sure that the statute is visible, it's just that one cannot take in the whole chapel without obstruction. Bernini will still be present long after that scaffolding is gone, and Blessed Ludovica will undoubtedly be better off as a result. While inconvenient, it's necessary and still worth a visit.
Written 25 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele V
La Grange, IL22 contributions
Jul 2019
Was disappointed to find that there was a scissor lift in front of the Bernini statue so you could barely see it. Hopefully they will be done with whatever repairs they are doing to the ceiling in front of the statue so you can see it soon. But be aware that you may not be able to see it if you are visiting this summer.
Written 16 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,773 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
San Francesco a Ripa Grande is a Baroque style church situated on a small piazza in Trastevere. This is where you can see one of Bernini's masterpiece 'Ecstasy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni', which is reason enough to consider making a visit to this church in Rome.
The church origins appear to be that of a Franciscan convent built in the 12th century and famous for having hosted St. Francis of Assisi during his stay in Rome in 1219. During the 17th century, the church was rebuilt in Baroque style, providing the present building that you can see today.
The facade of the church is is quaint and unassuming. The interior is much the same, especially compared to the many opulent and decadent Baroque period churches found throughout Rome. The nave is on the smaller side of the scale, featuring attractive side chapels with nice altars, altarpieces and wall frescos. Little stands out but all is pleasant to see.
What is spectacular to see at San Francesco a Ripa Grande is found in the Paluzzi-Albertoni Chapel on the left side of the nave. Here you can see Bernini's masterpiece 'Ecstasy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni' which he created between 1671-1675. This is a remarkable white marble sculpture that is every bit as impressive as Bernini's 'Santa Teresa in Ecstasy' masterpiece found at Santa Maria della Vittoria church.
The figure of the Bernini's sculpture is Ludovica Albertoni a Roman noblewomen. You can see incredible details in the pained expressions upon her face. Ludovica rests in a sad, reclining position and just exudes emotion. You can't help but feel sorry for the soul of this figure when looking at this sculpture. Do take time to admire the immaculately carved creases and folds in the cloth that wraps her body as well. This is just stunning work by Bernini.
In the end, San Francesco a Ripa Grande is a nice church to visit in Trastevere. It is worth the stop here even if only to see the Bernini masterpiece. The church is small and can be comfortably visited in 15-20 minutes.
Note: Opening Hours are 8.00am to 1pm and then 2-7.30pm daily.
The church origins appear to be that of a Franciscan convent built in the 12th century and famous for having hosted St. Francis of Assisi during his stay in Rome in 1219. During the 17th century, the church was rebuilt in Baroque style, providing the present building that you can see today.
The facade of the church is is quaint and unassuming. The interior is much the same, especially compared to the many opulent and decadent Baroque period churches found throughout Rome. The nave is on the smaller side of the scale, featuring attractive side chapels with nice altars, altarpieces and wall frescos. Little stands out but all is pleasant to see.
What is spectacular to see at San Francesco a Ripa Grande is found in the Paluzzi-Albertoni Chapel on the left side of the nave. Here you can see Bernini's masterpiece 'Ecstasy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni' which he created between 1671-1675. This is a remarkable white marble sculpture that is every bit as impressive as Bernini's 'Santa Teresa in Ecstasy' masterpiece found at Santa Maria della Vittoria church.
The figure of the Bernini's sculpture is Ludovica Albertoni a Roman noblewomen. You can see incredible details in the pained expressions upon her face. Ludovica rests in a sad, reclining position and just exudes emotion. You can't help but feel sorry for the soul of this figure when looking at this sculpture. Do take time to admire the immaculately carved creases and folds in the cloth that wraps her body as well. This is just stunning work by Bernini.
In the end, San Francesco a Ripa Grande is a nice church to visit in Trastevere. It is worth the stop here even if only to see the Bernini masterpiece. The church is small and can be comfortably visited in 15-20 minutes.
Note: Opening Hours are 8.00am to 1pm and then 2-7.30pm daily.
Written 20 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dapper777
Monaco65,583 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
The church of San Francesco 'a Ripa' in Trastevere owes its name to the proximity to the famous port of Ripa Grande, located along the banks of the Tiber until the end of the 1800s, when it was dismantled for the construction of the walls of the Lungotevere.
The current church stands on the site of an ancient hospital / hospice for the care and hospitality of pilgrims and travelers dedicated to St. Blaise and built in the tenth century.
Between 1209 and 1223, due to the help of Giacoma (Jacopa) de' Settesoli, Francesco of Assisi found accommodation and hospitality there, in those years when he was used to come often to Rome and meet the Pope.
Giacoma (Jacopa) Settesoli, along with a Trastevere nobleman called Pandolfo II Anguillara, was responsible for the restoration of the whole complex donated in 1229 to the Order of the Friars Minor.
The current appearance of the church dates back to the late 1600s, when the building underwent a radical restoration, which involved the demolition and reconstruction of the body of the church, designed by the architect Mattia de Rossi.
Among the works preserved in this particularly interesting church you will find, inside the chapel of the Paluzzi-Albertoni family, the statue depicting the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, masterful work by an old Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a work of art made between 1671 and 1675.
It contains one of Bernini’s most daring works, a work of highly charged sexual ambiguity.
Tucked in the left transept, the sculpture shows Franciscan nun Ludovica in a state of rapture as she reclines, eyes shut, mouth open, one hand touching her chest.
The statue, ambiguous example of mystical/carnal abandon and baroque ecstasy (which is a sensual rendering in stone) represents a theme already treated by the artist previously (see the “Ecstasy of Santa Teresa" in the Cappella Cornaro, in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria).
The baroque master really had a thing for women in quite visceral states of religious ecstasy.
From the church it is possible to access the cell, today Sanctuary, where St. Francis himself stayed as a guest.
Here he was used to rest and pray during his Roman stays.
Behind a gate next to the church is a small cell where it’s believed Francis slept when he visited Rome in 1219.
The rock that he used as his pillow is also visible.
The church has been restored several times over the course of its history.
Do not miss this lovely and charming church in the lively Trastevere quarter of Rome.
The current church stands on the site of an ancient hospital / hospice for the care and hospitality of pilgrims and travelers dedicated to St. Blaise and built in the tenth century.
Between 1209 and 1223, due to the help of Giacoma (Jacopa) de' Settesoli, Francesco of Assisi found accommodation and hospitality there, in those years when he was used to come often to Rome and meet the Pope.
Giacoma (Jacopa) Settesoli, along with a Trastevere nobleman called Pandolfo II Anguillara, was responsible for the restoration of the whole complex donated in 1229 to the Order of the Friars Minor.
The current appearance of the church dates back to the late 1600s, when the building underwent a radical restoration, which involved the demolition and reconstruction of the body of the church, designed by the architect Mattia de Rossi.
Among the works preserved in this particularly interesting church you will find, inside the chapel of the Paluzzi-Albertoni family, the statue depicting the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, masterful work by an old Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a work of art made between 1671 and 1675.
It contains one of Bernini’s most daring works, a work of highly charged sexual ambiguity.
Tucked in the left transept, the sculpture shows Franciscan nun Ludovica in a state of rapture as she reclines, eyes shut, mouth open, one hand touching her chest.
The statue, ambiguous example of mystical/carnal abandon and baroque ecstasy (which is a sensual rendering in stone) represents a theme already treated by the artist previously (see the “Ecstasy of Santa Teresa" in the Cappella Cornaro, in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria).
The baroque master really had a thing for women in quite visceral states of religious ecstasy.
From the church it is possible to access the cell, today Sanctuary, where St. Francis himself stayed as a guest.
Here he was used to rest and pray during his Roman stays.
Behind a gate next to the church is a small cell where it’s believed Francis slept when he visited Rome in 1219.
The rock that he used as his pillow is also visible.
The church has been restored several times over the course of its history.
Do not miss this lovely and charming church in the lively Trastevere quarter of Rome.
Written 3 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kciff
Fox Island, WA1,003 contributions
Feb 2020
Beata Ludovica in Ecstasy is one of the most beautiful pieces by Bernini. It is hidden away in Trastevere, but worth visiting.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy F
Pittsburgh, PA53 contributions
Mar 2018
The sculpture of Ludovica by Bernini is wonderful. But don't forget to look up to see the skeletons hanging out in the side altar across from Ludavica.
Written 2 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clive M
Southampton, UK689 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
The congregation here are so welcoming and they are delighted to share their Bernini sculpture with you.
We popped in to see the sculpture and found ourselves in the midst of service to celebrate the Golden Wedding of a wonderful couple who wanted us to stay for the rest of the service. How gloriously Italian.
The lighting on the sculpture, through a lancet window, shows off the curves of the marble to perfection at all times of the day, and with the sculpture being at ground level you get a brilliant view of it - so much better than St Teresa in ecstasy which is half-way up a dark wall in a crowded chapel. This is the real gem of Bernini's talent.
We popped in to see the sculpture and found ourselves in the midst of service to celebrate the Golden Wedding of a wonderful couple who wanted us to stay for the rest of the service. How gloriously Italian.
The lighting on the sculpture, through a lancet window, shows off the curves of the marble to perfection at all times of the day, and with the sculpture being at ground level you get a brilliant view of it - so much better than St Teresa in ecstasy which is half-way up a dark wall in a crowded chapel. This is the real gem of Bernini's talent.
Written 18 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bari
Evora District, Portugal282 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
A friend who lives in Trastevere showed me this church during my recent visit to Rome. It is a beautiful church with an amazing sculpture, Bernini's Ecstasy. The church is also interesting in that there are reliquaries and skeletons in each of the stations. It is where St Francis stayed when he visited Rome and Pope Francis named himself after this saint. An important historical site and a tranquil and beautiful church. It's definitely worth a look.
Written 29 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
¿ Están permitidas las fotografías ?
Sono ammesse fotografie?
Are photographs allowed?
Written 6 November 2020
Hello wanted to check with you how long is the train ride from Rome to Assisi and is St Clare's Church close by could we do both in one day and continue to my next stop at Foggia
Written 24 October 2015
I think you've got a bit mixed up here . The church I reviewed is in Trastevere in Rome , not in Assisi . Havent been to Assisi but this church in Rome is worth the visit.
Written 25 October 2015
Hi
Can you tell if the Church of St Francis of Assisi at Ripa will be open on 1 January 2016?
If so, can you tell me what hours it will be open?
Alternatvely, can you tell me the email address where I can ask these questions?
Thank you very much.
Andrew Burns
Written 14 May 2015
Hello Andrew Burns. According to the church website it is open every day of the year, from 8-1pm and 2-7.30pm. If you want to call them to confirm, here is a phone number I found online ( +39 06 581 9020 ).
Written 21 August 2015
Hi
Can you tell if the Church of St Francis of Assisi at Ripa will be open on 1 January 2016?
If so, can you tell me what hours it will be open?
Alternatvely, can you tell me the email address where I can ask these questions?
Thank you very much.
Andrew Burns
Written 14 May 2015
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