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Sant'Andrea della Valle

Where the Opera Tosca Took Place

Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome was built in the 16th and 17th centuries with a large dome. This minor basilica is the general seat for the religious order of the Theatines and is dedicated to St. Andrew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes and dome paintings.

Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, Sant’Andrea della Valle, or Church of St. Andrew of the Valley in Rome is dedicated to St. Andrew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and has been designated as a minor basilica.

With its Baroque Facade and a massive dome, it is second in size only to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The church’s ceiling and dome have numerous Fresco Paintings, and the dome fresco Gloria del Paradiso (Glory of Paradise) was highly appreciated by Italian artist Bernini.

The church’s Main Altarpiece depicts the religious scenes of St. Andrew’s death, including his martyrdom and burial.

Manywhere Trivia:
The first act of Puccini’s opera Tosca took place in Sant’Andrea della Valle. Incidentally, the second act of the opera is set in the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, and the tragedy of the third act takes place in the famous Castel Sant'Angelo.

Sant’Andrea della Valle is the general seat for the religious order of the Theatines, and the nave transept is dedicated to Saint Cajetan, founder of the Theatines. The church also contains the crypt of Cardinal St. Giuseppe Maria Tomasi, who also came from the Theatine.

Sant’Andrea della Valle is also the burial place of Popes Pius II and Pius III. The eight chapels to the left and right of the basilica contain numerous paintings and sculptures by Italian artists from the 17th to the 19th centuries.