San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

Carlo Borromini’s first solo composition (1631-41), and the one of which he was most proud, San Carlo (often called Carlino, due to its diminutive scale) is one of the star pieces of the Roman Baroque. The most remarkable feature is the dizzying oval dome: its geometrical coffers decrease in size towards the lantern to give the illusion of additional height – Borromini is all about illusion – and the subtle illumination, through hidden windows, makes the dome appear to float in mid-air. There is also an austere adjoining courtyard and a sobering crypt.