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The church of Sant'Ivo (1642-1660) does not have a main façade overlooking a street or
piazza. This is why even many Romans hardly know of its existence. It'smain entrance is in
tthe courtyard of Palazzo della Sapienza a 15th century building whichsas the headquarters
of Rome's University up to year 1936. The church is not normally open to visitors, but it
is anyway worth while to take a look at the soaring white mass ending in a spire, a
masterpiece by Borromini.
This architect's quick temper was quite different from the extrovert nature of his direct
rival, Gianlorenzo Bernini. Their
rivalry even created legends regarding their works now in Piazza Navona, the
Fountain
of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini,
and the church of Sant'Agnese in
Piazza Navona. The church see here is dedicated
to Saint Ives of Chartres (1014-1116), an expert of
 Canon law and a champion of the Church during its
struggle for power in medieval Europe. He was thus chosen because he incarnated the values
of Rome's University, founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII Caetani, and assigned this
seat during the 15th century. The church façade shows many symbols referring to the
patrons who commissioned the work: the symbols of the Chigi family (a stylized mountain
and a star), and those of the Barberini (bees). The interior is completely whitewashed and
just as original: the dome, which is made up of convex sections, covers an area which has
the shape of a hexagon, while the walls create an interesting rythm of juxtaposed convex
and concave spaces. The building today houses the State Archives and other institutions.
Accessibility
The church is usually open to visitors. To admire the façade one may enter the courtyard
of Palazzo della Sapienza either from Corso Rinascimento (steep stairs lead up to the
entrance) or from the back entrance in via del Teatro Valle, which is free of
architectural barriers.
in the photo: façade of Sant'Ivo |
