A church with three masterpieces, steps from Piazza Navona

The Basilica di Sant'Agostino (St Augustine) is one of the most art-rich churches in Rome, yet it stays refreshingly uncrowded. Just steps from Piazza Navona, it holds three masterpieces signed by three towering names — Caravaggio, Raffaello and Sansovino. It's one of those churches where free admission hides works that elsewhere would mean hours in line. For art lovers it's an unmissable stop, perfect to pair with nearby San Luigi dei Francesi for a flawless "Caravaggio trail."

Built at the end of the fifteenth century, it was one of Rome's first great Renaissance churches.

The three masterpieces you can't miss

  • Caravaggio's Madonna of the Pilgrims (or Madonna of Loreto), with its pilgrims and their dirty feet.
  • The Prophet Isaiah, frescoed by Raffaello on a pillar.
  • The Madonna del Parto (Madonna of Childbirth) by Jacopo Sansovino, a deeply venerated sculpture covered in ex voto (votive offerings).

We go deeper in our guide on what to see at Sant'Agostino.

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Caravaggio's Madonna of the Pilgrims

The most famous masterpiece is Caravaggio's Madonna of the Pilgrims (in the Cappella Cavalletti): the Virgin appears to two humble kneeling pilgrims, their dirty feet turned toward the viewer. That raw, down-to-earth realism scandalized audiences at the time — but it's exactly what makes the work so powerful and modern. We devote a separate guide to it: the Madonna of the Pilgrims.

The Madonna del Parto and Raffaello's Isaiah

Right inside the entrance you'll find the Madonna del Parto (Madonna of Childbirth) by Sansovino, a statue beloved by expectant mothers and Roman moms alike, surrounded by ex voto (votive offerings). Just beyond, on a pillar, stands the Prophet Isaiah frescoed by Raffaello: a commanding figure that clearly absorbs Michelangelo's lessons from the Sistine Chapel.

How much time you need

A visit takes just 20-30 minutes. It's perfect to pair with San Luigi dei Francesi (home to three more Caravaggios), Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, for a half-day of art in the heart of Rome.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at Sant'Agostino? Three masterpieces: Caravaggio's Madonna of the Pilgrims, the Prophet Isaiah frescoed by Raffaello, and the Madonna del Parto sculpted by Sansovino — all in a church just steps from Piazza Navona.

How much does admission cost? Admission is free, as in most Roman churches. You may need coins to light up the Caravaggio.

Where is Sant'Agostino? In the historic center, just steps from Piazza Navona and San Luigi dei Francesi, in the Pantheon area.

How long does the visit take? About 20-30 minutes. It pairs perfectly with San Luigi dei Francesi for a tour of Rome's Caravaggios.

Is Sant'Agostino crowded? No: despite holding masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raffaello and Sansovino, it's a relatively quiet church — ideal for taking in the works at your own pace.

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Article #407 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026