Monday, September 17

The day, as usual, got off to a rousing start at 9:00. Matthew, looking particularly attractive with his voluptuous brown hair and gallant stride, led the group through the streets for about 15 minutes before arriving at Il Gesù. Restoration work inside the church prevented the class from immediately entering, so the speaker was forced to alternately speak and yell as passing traffic allowed. After twenty minutes of this, the group entered to building.

And what a sight it was. No matter of scaffolding could obscure the grandeur of the building, where the students finished the presentation and then wandered through the central nave for some minutes, observing the high alter and chapels of St. Loyola and St. Xavier. At 9:45, the group set off again, this time toward San Andrea.

Part way to the Quirnale hill the class stopped to view another church, St. Ignatius, to learn briefly about the frescoes depicting the peoples of the world being “enlightened” by Jesuit missionaries. The piazza in which the church stands is particularly interesting for its theatrical qualities, which one appreciates when standing before the church. The break to observe the church was short, though, and soon we were on our way again.

Soon, though, we were on the Quirnale, where we’ve been so many times in the last few weeks to observe obelisks and fountains, and fountains. Brianna began her presentation here, between the old papal residence and the piazza’s obelisk, telling us about the competitive church construction of Bernini and Borromini, as well as the characteristics of the Baroque school of art and design. A very short hunt for San Andrea was launched, and we went in search of that building.

Ultimately finding the church, Brianna set about informing the class of its special qualities, including the unusual stone work and eye-leading construction. We were all impressed by the difficult and expensive history that went into making this church, as well as the sumptuous décor that was used to make it such a spectacular piece of art and architecture for its time, as well as a masterpiece of the renowned Bernini.

It wasn’t long, though, before we were off again to see the nearby church of San Carlino, where we could compare the work of Bernini and Borramini. Almost all the student chose this church as their favorite of the two, with its calm white interior and light white paint. We even went into the church’s small cloister, which all agreed was comforting and relaxing with its quiet and sequestered feel.

This was the last stop on the trip, though, and after all the students had investigated the church and cloister thoroughly everyone broke for lunch and preparation for Italian class. The day was not long by our standards, but there was a significant degree of walking, making it a tiring experience. Both Il Gesù and the two Quirnale churches were interesting, though, and it was a great day, as ever, in Rome.