Church of Saint Charles at the Four Fountains in Rome

The Church of Saint Charles at the Four Fountains is one of much interest and is very exquisite in Rome. It belongs to an order of monks known as the Trinitarians who wanted to free Christian slaves.
Also known as San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane this is the first church that was ever dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo who was canonized in 1610. It was also Borromeo’s first independent commission.

There are four fountains at the intersection corners where the Church of Saint Charles stands. Two river gods (Arno River and Tiber) and two river goddesses (Juno and Diana) are shown in these fountains.
This church is on two levels and is mostly done in white. Although several years later, the interior was redone and color was added to the altars. There is a niche above the doorway in which two angel’s wings form a tympanon crown for the niche.

Inside the Church of Saint Charles at the Four Fountains in the refectory, or dining room for the monks, you can see a painting of Saint Charles Borromeo. This painting was done in 1611 by Orazio Borgianni. In the refectory you can also see some wonderful and beautiful stucco decorations.

There was a room set aside outside the sacristy which was to be used as Borromeo’s tomb. Yet it remains empty since Borremeo committed suicide and his remains were not allowed to be entombed at the church.The church usually opens around 9:30 A.M. on weekdays and closes around 12:00 or 1:00 for a long lunch. You may have to ring the bell at the monastery to obtain admittance.