Bernini Master Sculptor
Bernini and Rome are inseparable. Learn about his life and works on our private Bernini tour in Rome, an ascent to the summit of architectural splendour!
The finest architecture in Rome can be attributed to one man, Gianlorenzo Bernini. His sculptures grace many streets and squares in the capital and nearby too. Ariccia (the owner of Eternal Tours Rome lived there between 2004 - 2006) and Castelgandolfo to name two of several old Roman towns where the master builder left his mark.
Baroque architecture in Rome brings three names to mind; Gianlorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini, and Pietro da Cortona. They were the protagonists of an ecclesiastical revolution that gained momentum near the end of the Counter-Reformation, working together during the reigns of patron popes Urban VIII, Innocent X and Alexander VII. Rivals too, who together helped shape "modern" Rome.
Bernini, the founding father of what has come to be known as the Roman Baroque urbanist tradition, was the pre-eminent sculptor and architect of his time. He was granted many commissions, even when criticised. Pope Innocent X dismissed Bernini, his design for bell towers destined to decorate St. Peter's Basilica was singularly unpopular. They never saw the light of day.
His phenomenal work on Scala Regia, Cathedra Petri and Baldachin restored his reputation. Bernini then spent four decades designing and sculpting in the Vatican City.
We visit his former residence on Via della Mercede and approach the Spanish Steps to see Fountain of the Old Boat ("Barcaccia"). Look out for the sun and the bee!
Santa Maria della Vittoria ("Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" sculpted from white marble), Palazzo Barberini (with Borromini following the death of Carlo Maderno), and Piazza Navona (Fountains of the Four Rivers and of the Moors) are visited.
Sant'Andrea al Quirinale (1658 - 1670), Sant'Andrea delle Fratte ("Angel with the Crown of Thorns", "Angel with the Titulus" - originally destined for Ponte Sant'Angelo but kept by Pope Clement IX), and Santa Maria sopra la Minerva ("Memorial to Maria Raggi", Elephant and Obelisk) are visited.
St. Peter's Square (obelisk, colonnades) is toured; St. Peter's Basilica (Baldachin, Cathedra Petri, Funerary Monument of Pope Alexander VII, "Saint Longinus") explored; St. Peter's Dome climbed.
Piazza Barberini (Fountains of the Triton and of the Bees) and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (sculpture of Philip IV), where Gianlorenzo Bernini was buried in 1680, are visited.
To conclude, we enter the Borghese Gallery to study "Rape of Proserpina", "David", "Apollo and Daphne", "Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius", and "Allegory of Truth", as well as other sculptures by Bernini.
This private Bernini tour covers the greater part of Baroque Rome. To experience more Roman Baroque, consider our full day Beauty of Baroque private tour.
Details and schedule will be sent to you in a direct confirmation e-mail from us shortly after you have received your booking confirmation e-mail. Flexible start time, 10am recommended. Let us know your prefered start time post-booking.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a fully charged powerbank for your device. What you wear must cover your shoulders and knees.
Baroque historian guide
Walking tour of historical Rome
St. Peter's Dome ticket
St. Peter's Dome climb
St. Peter's Basilica tour
First entrance Borghese Gallery
All cancellation requests must be received by e-mail (send to info@eternaltoursrome.com). If you cancel more than thirty (30) days before travel date, you will be entitled to a full refund. If you cancel less than thirty (30) days before travel date, you will not be entitled to any refund.
Eternal Tours Rome may not be held responsible for Acts of God nor service alterations caused by unforeseen or unannounced closure of all or part of venues. In the event of such closings, no partial refunds apply.