Discover the Rubens’ Altarpiece: a painting that moves

In the heart of Rome’s historic center, in a widening of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, stands the church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Eternal City.

The church is also known as the Chiesa Nuova and is deeply linked to the figure of St Philip Neri. Here are some interesting facts.

The history of the Chiesa Nuova

In 1551 Saint Philip Neri founded the Confraternity of the Pilgrims and Convalescents to offer help and assistance to the many pilgrims arriving in Rome. As a sign of recognition Pope Gregory XIII gave him the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, so called because of the presence of a small depression. From 1557 onwards, under the Saint’s encouragement, the church was completely rebuilt and renamed Chiesa Nuova.

Inside the church is a very special work by Rubens, a unique altarpiece.

Peter Paul Rubens’ Altarpiece

Have you ever seen a painting that moves? Today we are going to tell you about an altarpiece which, thanks to a mechanism of pulleys and ropes, reveals an ancient miraculous icon: the Vallicellian Madonna.

The monumental work of art by Rubens, which on the surface reproduced the relic underneath, was then used to cover and protect the sacred image hidden underneath.

Even today, upon entering the church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, one can enjoy the spectacle: the painting is powered during the Saturday evening mass, the oval descends and rises again during the Sunday evening mass. Rubens’ Baroque machine is also activated on major feast days.

The fresco of the Madonna and Child Jesus with two angels was found in a building not far from the church, called the ‘stove room’ (a kind of public bath). A sacrilegious person had thrown a stone at the painting, which is said to have bled, making it an object of worship and a miraculous icon.

If you are in Rome in the weekend join us for a Private walking tour of Christian Rome, this is an opportunity not to be missed, it will be an experience you will not easily forget.

Our tips

After visiting the church we recommend that you enjoy an aperitif at the historic “Bar del Fico”, where you can enjoy an excellent spritz and a selection of local cured meats and cheeses.

If you still have time, just a few minutes walk away is one of Rome’s most beautiful piazzas, Piazza Navona, with its splendid Baroque fountains designed and created by Bernini and its magnificence.

Now you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable day out, the rest is up to you.