Rome Most Wanted - Beauty of Baroque

17th century Baroque Rome was the period during which the Roman Catholic Church took artistic control in almost every respect. Exceptionally talented architects and painters became the standard bearers for Catholic propaganda, and in doing so, engendered the classical traditions of Rome which have come to define the city in modern times. Taking Carlo Maderno's lead, Da Cortona, Bernini, and Borromini created outstanding works of art, all of which have become must-see sites in Rome due in no small part to the overflow of stylistic excess apparent in each. Of course we cover all the highlights, but the modus operandi of this tour proffers an academic focus on Roman Baroque art and architecture.
You will visit a large number of churches, palaces, piazzas and fountains, including the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria ("Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" marble), Church of Sant'Andrea al Quirinale (designed by Bernini between 1658-1670), Sant'Andrea delle Fratte ("Angel with the Crown of Thorns" and "Angel with the Superscription I.N.R.I." - both originally destined for Ponte Sant'Angelo but kept by Pope Clement IX), Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (Borromini's tour de force of Baroque architecture, and his first commission), Rome's Jesuit church of Sant'Ignazio (Andrea Pozzo, High Roman Baroque), Santa Maria sopra la Minerva ("Elephant and Obelisk", "Memorial to Maria Raggi"), Piazza Navona and Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, St. Peter's Square (design, colonnades) and Basilica (including the Tomb of Pope Alexander VII and "Saint Longinus"), Piazza Barberini to see Fountain of the Triton and Fountain of the Bees, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (sculpture of Philip IV) where Gian Lorenzo Bernini was buried in 1680, and other sites time permitting at the discretion of your guide. 
Your skip-the-line ticket for the Borghese Gallery and Museum (self-guided) will introduce you to the absolute masterpieces of Roman Baroque.