![Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane (Church of St. Charles at the Four Fountains), Rome](/img/gd_attr/2178.jpg)
Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane (Church of St. Charles at the Four Fountains), Rome
During the year 1634, the Trinitarians, a Spanish order dedicated to the redemption of Christian hostages from Arab captors, enlisted the talent of Borromini to create a church and convent at the crossroads of Quattro Fontane. This remarkable church, often referred to as "San Carlino", holds profound significance not only as a tribute to Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, canonized in 1620, but also as a testament to Borromini's architectural genius.
Despite its modest dimensions, San Carlino showcases bold curves that infuse the compact space with light and vitality. The ingenious design includes an oval dome and a delicate lantern, demonstrating Borromini's ingenuity. The completion of the façade in 1667 marked one of Borromini's final endeavors.
Beyond the façade, San Carlo reveals further delights to its visitors. The playful inverted shapes in the cloister add a touch of whimsy, while the exquisite stucco work in the refectory showcases the mastery of craftsmanship. A small room adjacent to the sacristy holds a portrait of Borromini himself, donning the Trinitarian cross, serving as a poignant reminder of the artist behind this architectural marvel. Tragically, Borromini took his own life in 1667, and in the crypt, a small curved chapel intended for him remains unoccupied, serving as a solemn tribute.
Despite its modest dimensions, San Carlino showcases bold curves that infuse the compact space with light and vitality. The ingenious design includes an oval dome and a delicate lantern, demonstrating Borromini's ingenuity. The completion of the façade in 1667 marked one of Borromini's final endeavors.
Beyond the façade, San Carlo reveals further delights to its visitors. The playful inverted shapes in the cloister add a touch of whimsy, while the exquisite stucco work in the refectory showcases the mastery of craftsmanship. A small room adjacent to the sacristy holds a portrait of Borromini himself, donning the Trinitarian cross, serving as a poignant reminder of the artist behind this architectural marvel. Tragically, Borromini took his own life in 1667, and in the crypt, a small curved chapel intended for him remains unoccupied, serving as a solemn tribute.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane (Church of St. Charles at the Four Fountains) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane (Church of St. Charles at the Four Fountains)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II
The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour
A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome
Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome’s best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...
10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy
Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...