"Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola" Top 5 Page for this destination Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio Tip by brendareed

Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight who, after a debilitating injury, had a long recuperation period. It was during this time that he did a lot of reading and determined that if he could no longer be a warrior, then he would dedicate his life to God and be a soldier for Him. Loyola is the founder of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits, who were instrumental in enforcing the dictates of the Catholic Church’s Counter Reformation period – and not always in a good way. But equally important, the Jesuits believed that people, no matter how poor, should have the opportunity to learn and they taught reading, which helped increase literacy rates and the lives of many people. Even today, the Jesuits run many universities under the name of Loyola, determined to continue their belief in education.

The Church of Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola is dedicated primarily to this man and his works. It was built in the 1600s after Loyola was made a saint. Ironically, Loyola’s tomb is not in the church named after him, but rather is in the Gesu, the official Jesuit church of Rome. But Sant’ Ignazio does a pretty awesome job at commemorating the man and the work of the Jesuits. Three large paintings behind the altar depict scenes from Loyola’s life.

As you enter the church, to the right is a model of a large round structure on which the “façade” are many of the Jesuit churches worldwide. It is organized by continent and the churches are labeled.

Be sure to explore the wonderful ceiling in this church – see my next tip about it.

Address: Piazza di Sant’ Ignazio