The church of Santa Maria Della Vittoria was built in 1603 and is a fantastic example of Baroque architecture. The interior with its multi coloured marble and gold detailing is a feast for the eyes.
Whilst the church is a spectacle in itself many go to see Bernini’s masterpiece, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. The scene depicts a moment which Saint Teresa spoke of in her diary, she describes an angel coming down to earth and piercing her heart with a spear. Bernini’s work captures this moment where heaven meets earth, Teresa looks towards heaven as the angel pulls back his hand, ready to plunge the arrow into her chest. The Cornaro family, who commissioned this work, sit in wings, leaning out of their seats trying to catch a glimpse of this divine moment. The whole work looks like a stage set with double columns flanking the sculpture in various colours of marble. The gold rays are illuminated by the small window Bernini put in above the work as Teresa levitates on a cloud. The opening hours can vary day to day so check before you go!
