Oratorio dei Filippini (Oratory of St. Philip Neri): The Bell Tower Moment, Rome

If you happen to find yourself on one of the numerous balconies facing south along Via Margutta, you can admire the exquisite Baroque bell tower seen from Joe's apartment window 鈥� the same one that chimed to awaken Joe on the day Princess Ann's interview was unexpectedly canceled. The tower, more accurately described as a turret, is situated on the opposite side of the downtown area and belongs to the Oratory of Saint Phillip Neri. This structure was built between 1637 and 1650 under the skillful guidance of architect Francesco Borromini.

Borromini's oratory fa莽ade embodies his dynamic Baroque style, featuring a concave design symbolizing outstretched arms welcoming worshipers and the less fortunate. This graceful curvature reflects his intent to infuse movement and warmth into architectural form.

Despite its grandeur, the facade was intentionally secondary to the adjacent New Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, the mother church of the Filippini congregation. The oratory includes the Vallicelliana Library, courtyards, a refectory, and the remarkable turret added in 1649 at the corner overlooking the charmingly small Clock Square.

The Vallicelliana Library, founded by Philip Neri, features a peaceful courtyard accessible during opening hours, with guided visits available upon request by email. Designed for optimal acoustics, the building enhances music, central to Filippini prayer.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Oratorio dei Filippini (Oratory of St. Philip Neri): The Bell Tower Moment
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Food Tasting Walking Tour

Whether it鈥檚 a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy鈥檚 most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caff猫s are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

On this... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

t's a known fact that Rome wasn't built in a day. But since it was built, the city has stood the test of time and become "eternal." A popular proverb says, "all roads lead to Rome," but very few realize that, inside Rome itself, all roads lead to the Forum.

Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

Filmed entirely in the heart of Rome, Roman Holiday is one of those timeless films that beckons you to hop on a Vespa and lose yourself in the intoxicating beauty of the Italian capital. Released in 1953, this beloved classic has captured hearts across generations, thanks to its irresistible blend of romance, adventure, and charm鈥攁nchored by two of Hollywood鈥檚 brightest stars, Audrey Hepburn... view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy

Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...

Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome

Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...

17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy

For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...