Baroque · Italian · 1571–1610
Caravaggio
~65 surviving paintings
Italy's most dangerous genius
Judith Beheading Holofernes, c.1599 · Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome
Baroque · Italian · 1571–1610
Italy's most dangerous genius
Judith Beheading Holofernes, c.1599 · Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome
Rome is where it began. Caravaggio arrived around 1592 and immediately overturned the conventions of Italian painting. The works he installed in the Contarelli Chapel at San Luigi dei Francesi and the Cerasi Chapel at Santa Maria del Popolo are still there, in situ, unchanged since 1600. Walking in off the street and standing in front of The Calling of Saint Matthew is unlike any museum experience in the world. The Galleria Borghese and the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj add to Rome's extraordinary concentration; no other city comes close.
He killed a man in 1606 and spent the rest of his life on the run — and painting harder than ever. Naples gave him sanctuary and a staggering commission: The Seven Works of Mercy at the Pio Monte della Misericordia, which has never left the room where it was installed. Malta gave him the largest canvas he ever attempted — The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, still hanging in St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. No other major artist has paintings of this calibre in situ in consecrated spaces, still doing the work they were made for.
His posthumous journey scattered works across Europe's great collections: the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, the Louvre in Paris, the Prado in Madrid, the National Gallery in London. But Caravaggio rewards most in the places where the paintings can't be moved. A serious Caravaggio itinerary means churches as well as museums — and it means Rome first, always.
“His most powerful works still hang in the exact spots they were made for, in Roman chapels and a Maltese cathedral.”
Travel guide
We have a dedicated travel guide for Caravaggio
A city-by-city itinerary to see the paintings in person
Greatest collections
Museums and galleries with the largest holdings, based on live Wikidata records.
Browse by country
Select a country to see all cities and museums where Caravaggio's work is currently on display.
Argentina
1 city
Australia
1 city
Austria
1 city
Belgium
4 cities
Brazil
1 city
Canada
1 city
China
1 city
Czech Republic
1 city
Denmark
1 city
Finland
1 city
France
1 city
Germany
5 cities
Greece
1 city
Hungary
1 city
Ireland
1 city
Italy
6 cities
Japan
1 city
Mexico
1 city
Netherlands
2 cities
Norway
1 city
Poland
1 city
Portugal
1 city
Russia
2 cities
Spain
2 cities
Sweden
1 city
Switzerland
1 city
Turkey
1 city
United Kingdom
2 cities
United States
4 cities
Questions & answers
How many Caravaggio paintings survive?
Around 65 paintings are widely accepted as authentic — one of the smallest oeuvres of any major Old Master, which makes every original encounter feel significant.
Which city has the most Caravaggio paintings?
Rome, by far. Works are spread across multiple churches — San Luigi dei Francesi, Santa Maria del Popolo, Sant'Agostino — plus the Galleria Borghese and the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. No other city comes close for depth or variety.
Can I see Caravaggio paintings in churches for free?
Most Roman church paintings are free to enter, though chapels are sometimes roped off during Mass. Carry a handful of €1 and €2 coins for the light boxes that illuminate the paintings. The Galleria Borghese requires a timed ticket booked weeks — sometimes months — in advance.
Where is Caravaggio's most important painting?
The Calling of Saint Matthew in the Contarelli Chapel at San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome — still in the spot it was installed in 1600. Many who have seen all his major works rank it above everything else.
Is it worth travelling to Malta for Caravaggio?
Absolutely. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, is his largest work and arguably his greatest. The painting has never left the island.
Are there Caravaggio paintings outside Italy and Malta?
Yes — the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, the Louvre in Paris, the Prado in Madrid, and the National Gallery in London all hold major works.
Artwork data sourced from Wikidata, the free knowledge base. Coverage varies — always confirm with the museum before visiting.
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