Saint Charles at the Four Fountains

Welcome to San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, known affectionately by Romans as 'San Carlino'—Little Saint Charles. Do not let its diminutive size fool you; this church is one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture…

We begin outside, at the corner that gives the church its name. This intersection is unique in Rome for having four fountains, one on each corner, representing the allegories of rivers and deities. …

Now, let us examine the facade of San Carlino. Designed late in Borromini’s life, it represents the 'summa' of his Baroque experiences. …

Step inside, and you will find yourself in an 'unexpected combination of curves.' The floor plan of the church is based on an oval, but one that is complexly modeled. Scholars have discovered that the design is rooted in two…

Look up, and you will see the crowning glory of San Carlino: the oval dome. This is not the perfect hemisphere of the Renaissance; it is an extraordinary landscape of geometric patterns. …

Beyond the church lies the small cloister, also designed by Borromini. Even in this functional space for the monks, his genius for 'managing little space' is evident. …

Beneath the church lies the crypt, which follows the same elliptical plan as the main space above. Borromini designed this area with the same care as the upper church, featuring a series of niches and a vaulted ceiling that…

As we conclude our visit to San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, take one last look at the 'astonishing view' of the dome and the 'undulating' walls. We have journeyed through a space that defies its own dimensions, a place where…