About this tour
Spend two and a half hours tracing Caravaggio's most visceral works across Rome's churches, then slip behind the velvet rope of a world-renowned restoration studio. You'll watch the craftspeople who've brought three of his paintings back to life work on 16th-century canvases, then raise a glass with them over aperitifs. It's part gallery crawl, part studio visit—a chance to see how masterpieces are saved from decay.
Highlights
- Watch restorers actively work on 16th century paintings
- Sip aperitif with the artisans who revived Caravaggio's works
- See Madonna of Loreto in Sant'Agostino, freshly restored
- Study the St. Matthew series at San Luigi dei Francesi
- One of only two labs worldwide to restore three Caravaggios
- Expert guide reveals techniques and conservation stories
What to expect
Your guide walks you through Sant'Agostino first, where you'll stand in front of Madonna of Loreto—the painting this restoration lab brought back to life. Next, San Luigi dei Francesi showcases the St. Matthew series in all its chiaroscuro drama. Then you'll enter the studio itself. You'll watch restorers hunched over canvases, carefully removing centuries of grime and damage. The atmosphere is unhurried; there's time to ask questions. An aperitif follows, letting you chat directly with the craftspeople about their methods, challenges, and the philosophy behind restoration work.
Good to know
The lab is staffed entirely by women and holds rare credentials in Caravaggio restoration. Public transport is nearby; hotel pick-up isn't included. Children and infants are welcome, with prams and specialised seats available. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.