Can I visit the side chapels?
POS-soh vee-zee-TA-reh leh kap-PEL-leh la-teh-RA-lee.
When you want to explore all parts of a church, including the smaller chapels along the sides. Side chapels often contain the most interesting art.
Visitare means to visit. Le cappelle laterali are the side chapels — small chapels set into the walls of the main nave. They were typically donated and decorated by wealthy families or guilds, making them repositories of extraordinary art.
Questa cappella è sempre aperta?
Is this chapel always open?
Some chapels are locked and require permission or a sacristan.
C'è un'opera di Caravaggio in questa chiesa?
Is there a Caravaggio in this church?
Many Roman churches contain Caravaggio paintings in side chapels.
Chi ha commissionato questa cappella?
Who commissioned this chapel?
Asking about the historical patron of a specific chapel.
Rome's churches are treasure chests of art. Santa Maria del Popolo has two Caravaggios. San Luigi dei Francesi has three Caravaggio paintings of the life of Saint Matthew. Sant'Agostino has a Caravaggio Madonna di Loreto. Visiting Roman churches for their art is a free and inexhaustible pleasure.