Chiesa di San Tommaso da Villanova

Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the Greek-cross collegiate church of San Tommaso da Villanova on Castel Gandolfo's main square. Begun in 1658, the year Alexander VII canonised its Spanish Augustinian patron, the church has a lantern-lit dome with Antonio Raggi's stuccoes and a high altarpiece by Pietro da Cortona.

Why it matters

Alexander VII Chigi commissioned the church as the palatine chapel of his summer palace. It remains attached to the papal palace and serves as Castel Gandolfo's parish church, completing the Baroque ensemble of palace, square and church on Piazza della Libertà.

What to notice

The Greek-cross plan is covered by a lead-sheathed dome whose lantern directs light onto the crossing. The facade has two levels, with a portal below and a broad window above; the tympanum bears the Chigi arms. Antonio Raggi modelled the dome's stuccowork. Pietro da Cortona's high altarpiece shows the Crucifixion with Mary, Mary Magdalene and John. Other paintings are attributed to Guglielmo Cortese, known as il Borgognone, and Giacinto Gimignani.

Context and history

Work began in 1658 under Alexander VII, with Bernini as architect. The church was inaugurated in 1661 after Raggi completed the dome's stuccoes. Its dedication followed the canonisation of Thomas of Villanova in the same year construction began. The church was attached to the Papal Palace as its chapel. Augustinians served it from Alexander VII's era; in 1929, under Pope Pius XI, the Salesians received the pontifical parish.