Sant' Ivo alla Sapienza

Difficult to obtain access, but well worth pursuing. It is the undoubted masterpiece of Francesco Borromini, the contemporary and rival of Bernini. The exterior, with its spiralling dome and swirling curves, gives an idea of the daring originality of Borromini. This boldness continues in the interior. Your eye is never allowed to rest for a moment. There is a strong tension between the vertical thrust of the pilasters and ribs of the dome and the horizontal sweep of the entablature. Unlike so many Baroque buildings, the simple white colour scheme emphasises the originality of the architecture.

DIRECTIONS:
In the courtyard of Palazzo della Sapienza on Corso Rinascimento between the south side of Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.