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Oratory of San Francisco Javier

17th-century Baroque oratory next to the former Roman College, in the Pigna district. Its single-nave interior, preceded by an atrium, follows the Jesuit principles of a visible altar and audible preaching. In the atrium are preserved 17th-century frescoes of the life of St Francis Xavier, made from designs by Lazzaro Baldi, and two holy water stoups shaped like a crab and a bronze crucifix. Inside, highlights include carved walnut pews from the 17th century, an altarpiece by Sebastiano Conca and a Priori organ of 1790 in the upper gallery. A bridge of 1716, the Arco dei Gesuiti, connects it with the Roman College. Since 2000 it has hosted an international English-speaking Catholic community that holds liturgies, organises concerts and maintains ecumenical activities.

Near Oratory of San Francisco Javier

Source: caravita.org