Caravaggio Exhibition Tours:

On March 7, Palazzo Barberini in Rome opened its doors to the hotly anticipated new Caravaggio exhibit. Hailed as one of the most impressive and ambitious exhibitions of his work, it showcases 24 of the Baroque master's art, including pieces from international galleries, rare loans from private collectors, and two newly rediscovered masterpieces.

The show was timed to coincide with the Vatican's Jubilee Year and aims to highlight the "power and modernity" of his art, showing how Caravaggio (1571-1610) shaped the artistic, religious, and social landscape of the time.

Among the highlights are some of his most celebrated works like "Judith and Holofernes," "David with the Head of Goliath," and "The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula," the last painting before his death. 

On loan from international collections, you'll find "Ecce Homo" and "Saint Catherine of Alexandria" and "Martha and Mary Magdalene". Visitors will also get to marvel at the celebrated "Taking of Christ",  rediscovered in Dublin in the 1990s after being lost for 200 years.

Two treasures from private collections are also on display. The "Conversion of Saint Paul" from the Odescalchi family collection is rarely seen by the public. This was the first version of the more famous piece that hangs in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo today, but it was rejected by his patron. A chance to appreciate the original masterpiece is part of what makes this exhibition so special. The "Portrait of Maffeo Barberini" is another star of the show, only attributed to Caravaggio 60 years ago and held in a private collection; this is its first time on display.

This is the hottest ticket in town, with over 60,000 tickets sold before the exhibition even opened. Tickets are selling out fast. At TE  we've got or hands on tickets and have devised a special new tour just for the Caravaggio exhibition. So, if you're in Rome this spring, you need to add this spectacular show to your "must-visit" list. Not in Rome between March and July? Then don't worry. Rome is Caravaggio central, with the bulk of his work available to see scattered among Rome's stunning churches and galleries.