There are many churches in Rome, neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo–you name it. None of them, however, is as secret and as well guarded as this one. What was once a place of prayer is now incorporated inside a luxurious 5-star hotel. Located right between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, in the heart of the Trident, the church has been deconsecrated and is now used for exclusive events and concerts.
Founded as a church in 1728 under Pope Benedict XIII, the structure still retains the architectural layout of the 18th-century ecclesiastical hall. An unmistakable Baroque style, with imposing vaults and a large fresco in the center of the ceiling, the Salone Bernini in Palazzo Ripetta may very well be the work of the renowned sculptor–whose name, however, it takes only. That’s right, the structure was designed by Marquis Gerolamo Theodoli, an architect with ties to the Accademia di San Luca, but it exploits the name of the great Baroque master to immediately evoke that expectation of spectacularity associated with the surname Bernini.
From church to concert hall
Throughout the year, the Salone Bernini hosts music lovers who want to be wowed by evocative candlelight concerts. The Candlelight series, holds some of its most beloved tributes in this very structure, which is also set to host the great Christmas Candlelight Concert on December 19 and 21, 2025. A unique opportunity to experience the best holiday music in an exciting new classical version and discover this secret venue in all its glory.