I’ve been living in Rome for a while now and this city never stops intriguing me!
Sometimes me and my boyfriend revisit familiar places and to remember old historical facts. We never stop learning new and interesting things in Rome.

This time it was about Caravaggio. I remembered doing a tour when I was learning Italian in 2018. One day in 2024, my boyfriend said:
“What do you know about Caravaggio? Do you know there are free masterpieces to see around?”
I said: “YEP! I don’t remember how to get to all the places though, but let’s try!”

Since I couldn’t remember the full itinerary, after we found our way, I decided to write some quick walking tips for myself and friends. That later became this article for YellowSquare, since I always use the spot as my starting point. This way I won’t forget it next time =)

Discover Free Caravaggio in Rome on a free walking

Who Was Caravaggio?
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, the revolutionary Baroque painter, left an indelible mark on Rome with his dramatic use of light and shadow. The Eternal City houses some of his greatest works—and the best part? Many can be seen for free!
Follow this self-guided walking tour to discover Caravaggio’s masterpieces in churches across the historic center of Rome.

Starting Point to the free walking 
I used the Yellowsquare Rome as the starting point to get the directions as it also central, near Termini Station, where I always park my car and grab a coffee. So feel free to get one yourself at Yellow Bar. From there we are going to head to the first church in Piazza Navona into the heart of the historical center. I like to walk, but you can check buses and the nearest metro station.

1. San Luigi dei Francesi

Address: Piazza di San Luigi de’ Francesi, 00186 Rome – Contarelli Chapel
Opening hours: Every day from 09:30AM – 12:15 PM, 02:30PM – 6:30PM

A short walk from Piazza Navona brings you to the French national church in Rome.
Inside the Contarelli Chapel, you’ll find one of Caravaggio’s most famous triptychs:

• The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599–1600)
• The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (1602)
• The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (1599–1600)

These paintings show key moments in Saint Matthew’s life with intense realism. The church is free to enter, but a small donation is encouraged to light up the paintings.

2. Sant’Agostino
Address: Piazza di Sant’Agostino, 00186 Rome

• Just a few minutes away is the church of Sant’Agostino, where you can admire Madonna di Loreto (1604–1606).
  Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday 09:00AM – 11:30 AM, 4:00PM – 5:00PM / On Sundays: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
  

This unconventional depiction of the Virgin Mary—with bare feet and lifelike textures—caused scandal in its time. The painting is near the entrance, on the left side of the church.

3. Curiosities About Caravaggio in Rome
His Home, Tavern, and Crime Scene

Where he lived while in Rome
Address: Vicolo del Divino Amore, near Piazza Navona
Caravaggio lived in various spots in Rome. One known residence was near Piazza Navona. He often got into brawls and disputes, which shaped his chaotic life and art.
Here you need to pay a lot of attention and you will also see signs pointing in the direction of his house. Then when you get in this small little lane, you will see another sign saying where it was his apartment and an automatic light will pop up to illuminate the street if it’s night.
Notice the window in the image below. It’s believed Caravaggio used light from such sources to meticulously study the interplay of shadows and illumination. The overhead light coming from the window creates a specific pattern, highlighting the subjects, and providing a key to his dramatic style.

Where he used to drank
Address: Bar dell’Orso, near Campo de’ Fiori
Well, we know Caravaggio’s fame about drinking and he used to frequent taverns around Campo de’ Fiori! Though this “tavern” was more than only that,  it was a place where artists, rebels, and rogues gathered to drink and debate, discuss about art and society. 

Where he stabbed someone
Address: Via della Pallacorda, 00186 Rome
In 1606, Caravaggio fatally stabbed Ranuccio Tomassoni during a violent fight. He fled Rome soon after, beginning his restless travels and went to Florence.

4. Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo

Address: Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Rome.
Opening hours: Every day from 07:30AM – 7:00PM

Inside the Cerasi Chapel, you’ll find two of Caravaggio’s most intense works:

• The Conversion of Saint Paul (1601)
• The Crucifixion of Saint Peter (1601)
  

These paintings show his signature chiaroscuro—striking contrasts of light and dark.
Tip: Go during daylight for the best natural lighting.

That is all or the free walking stroll…
I have created my own google maps for the directions I prefer doing when I’m exploring the city and they follow the itinerary above.
You can change your ways of course!
Where to see Caravaggio for free in Rome

Want More Caravaggio?
If you’re still craving more after your free walk, visit these museums (ticket required):

1. Galleria Borghese
After the free walking tour I just mentioned above, you can go up from Piazza del Popolo, pass by the beautiful “Villa Borghese” and head to the “Galleria Broghese”
Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Rome
Works: Boy with a Basket of Fruit, David with the Head of Goliath, Saint Jerome Writing
Price: €13–€17 – Reservation required

2. Palazzo Barberini
Address: Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00187 Rome
Work: Judith Beheading Holofernes
Price: €12 – Tickets at entrance or online

3. Capitoline Museums
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Rome
Work: The Fortune Teller
Price: €15–€16 – Available online or at the entrance

4. Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Address: Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Rome
Works: Rest on the Flight into Egypt, Penitent Magdalene
Price: €14 – Tickets available online or at the door

Tips for Your Caravaggio Walk in Rome

• Best time to visit: Mornings or late afternoons (for better church lighting)
• Entry fees: Churches are free; museums are not
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and coins for donations
• Transport for slow walkers: Metro Line A to Flaminio (Santa Maria del Popolo) or Barberini (Palazzo Barberini)

This self-guided tour is a nice way to experience the intensity of Baroque Rome through Caravaggio’s eyes—and without spending a cent!

P.S. I’ve created a custom Google Map with this route saved under “Caravaggio’s Free Walk” + an extra layer for “Caravaggio’s payed entry” Make sure to book those tickets in advance.

I hope this inspired you to explore more of Rome and dive into Caravaggio’s life and art.
Have a good one! 🙂

IN ITALY EVERY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH THE MUSEUMS ARE FOR FREE!

FLORENCE

#domenicalmuseo is now a fixed appointment with Free museums Florence. Every first Sunday of the month it is possible to get a free ticket to visit the most important state monuments of the city. Both you are planning a weekend in the next month and you are thinking of a year-end holiday you have to know that there is always the possibility of free admission to the museums on the first Sunday of the calendar.

Usually the state free museums Florence participating in the initiative are the following:

• Uffizi Gallery
  Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6 – Florence
• Museums of Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
  Piazza Pitti, 1 – Florence
• Accademy’s Gallery
  Via Ricasoli, 58-60 – Florence
• Garden of the Medici Villa of Castello
  Via di Castello, 44 – Florence
• MAF National Archaeological Museum of Florence
  S.S. Annunziata, 9 – Florence
• Last Supper by Andrea del Sarto in San Salvi
  via di San Salvi, 16 – 50135 Florence (FI)
• Bargello National Museum
  Via del Proconsolo, 4 – Florence
• Park of Villa Il Ventaglio
  Via G. Aldini, 10/12 – Florence
• Medici Villa of Cerreto Guidi and Historical Museum of Hunting and the Territory
  via Ponti Medicei, 7 – 50050 Cerreto Guidi (FI)

ROME

Public museums free of charge for all visitors

The museums free of charge for everybody on the first Sunday of the month are:

• Colosseum and Forum (access subject to quota)
• Galleria Borghese (mandatory booking, 2 €)
• GNAM Galleria Nazionale Arte Moderna (Modern Art National Gallery)
• Museo nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia (Etruscan national museum)
• Museo HC Andersen, Museo M. Praz, Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi per le Arti decorative e il Costume
• Museo nazionale Romano (Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, Terme di Diocleziano)
• Galleria nazionale d’Arte Antica Palazzo Barberini (national gallery of ancient art Palazzo Barberini)
• Galleria nazionale d’Arte Antica Palazzo Corsini (national gallery of ancient palazzo Corsini)
• Galleria Spada
• Museo nazionale di Palazzo Venezia (national museum of Piazza Venezia)
• Museo nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo (National museum of Castel Sant’Angelo – access subject to quota)
• Museo nazionale d’Arte Orientale “G. Tucci” (Eastern art national museum G. Tucci)
• Museo nazionale Preistorico Etnografico “L. Pigorini”(prehistoric national museum L. Pigorini)
• Museo nazionale delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari (National Museum of people’s traditions and art)
• Museo nazionale dell’Alto Medioevo (Middle Age national museum)
• Museo nazionale degli Strumenti Musicali (Musical instrument national museum)
• Scavi di Ostia Antica (Ostia Antica digs)
• Museo Ostiense
• Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella
• Terme di Caracalla
• Villa dei Quintili
• Villa Adriana in Tivoli
• Villa d’Este in Tivoli

Also Maxxi belongs to this category. It’s the national museum of modern art (XXI century) where access is always free for the permanent collection (gallery 4) from Tuesday to Friday besides the first Sunday of the month..

MILAN

Here is a list of the museums which have adhered to the initiative up to now:

• Cenacolo Vinciano
  Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie 2 (booking required)
• Galleria d’arte moderna di Milano, Museo dell’ottocento, Villa Reale, Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte
  Via Palestro 16
• Gallerie d’Italia
  Piazza della Scala 6   
• Acquario e civica stazione idrobiologica – municipal aquariumViale Gadio 2
• Casa museo Boschi-di Stefano
  Via Giorgio Jan 15
• Castello Sforzesco
  Piazzale Castello
• Museo Studio Francesco Messina
  Via S. Sisto 4a
• Museo archeologico di Milano
  Corso Magenta 15
• Museo civico di storia naturale di Milano
  Corso Venezia 55
• Museo del Risorgimento and workshop of modern and contemporary history
  Via Borgonuovo 23
• Museo diocesano di Milano
  Corso di Porta Ticinese 95
• Palazzo Morando – traditions and fashion
  Via Sant’Andrea 6