Art-lovers everywhere: this Rome private tour is perfect for you. Enjoy exclusive-behind-the-scenes access to a world-leading art restoration lab. Meet the master restorers who have restored 3 of Caravaggio's masterpieces.
Seea real restoration in action and hear the true storey of their restoration of Caravaggio's Madonna dei Pellegrini, before enjoying a complimentary aperitivo in the lab's incomparable atmosphere.
First, tour two of Rome's churches which house Caravaggio's work; then, head to the lab and peel back the curtain on art restoration.
Our 2.5-hour tour of Caravaggio’s Rome includes:
- Sant’Agostino; with Madonna dei Pellegrini — the painting the art lab restored!
- San Luigi dei Francesi, with the St. Matthew paintings
- Exclusive private visit to an art restoration lab, normally closed to the public
- Enjoy a complimentary aperitivo to close your tour in style
Your tour begins at Piazza Sant'Agostino, where you'll meet an expert guide for a tour of 2 of the most beautiful Baroque Churches in Rome, Sant'Agostino and San Luigi dei Francesi — both home to Caravaggio's masterpieces!
In Sant'Agostino, you'll see Madonna dei Pellegrini — the most controversial painting of Madonna of all time. Learn how 17th century Rome was scandalised by this Madonna's bare feet, and the implication the model may well have been a prostitute.
Madonna dei Pellegrini is one of 3 Caravaggio masterpieces the lab have actually restored. Later, in the lab, you'll learn have these master artisan/scientists conducted this restoration, on public display inside Sant'Agostino.
Onward to San Luigi dei Francesi, where Caravaggio's paintings from the St. Matthew cycle await. Here Caravaggio masterful contrasts light and dark, youth and age, glory and decay, to electrifying effect.
Last — but certainly not least — you'll head to the art restoration lab. There you'll see a real life art restoration in action, and discover all the secrets behind the restoration of 17th century paintings. Watch the restorers go about their work and learn the secrets of their restorations of Caravaggio's masterpieces. Finally, enjoy an aperitivo and a chance to chat with the restorers, inside the beautiful lab.