Yet another Hidden Masterpiece: Cavallini’s Last Judgment

Discovering a Breathtaking Fresco in the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

After many visits to the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere—one of my favorite places in Rome, with its evocative undergrounds and serene atmosphere—I thought I had seen it all. I even wrote a post about it some time ago. But as it often happens in Rome, there’s always something more, something unexpected waiting to surprise you.

This time, I finally got to see Pietro Cavallini’s Last Judgment fresco. I had heard whispers of its beauty before, but I hadn’t realized how hidden it was. To access it, you don’t go through the main entrance of the church. Instead, you need to go to the side—on the right of the church entrance—and ring the bell at the doorway of the Benedictine nuns.

Yes, it feels a bit like a secret mission, but that’s exactly part of the charm.

Once inside, you’re led upstairs to the former convent refectory, and there it is: a stunning 13th-century fresco that fills the entire wall.

Cavallini painted this masterpiece in 1293, and it’s considered one of the earliest and most important examples of naturalistic painting in Rome—predating Giotto!

The figures are incredibly expressive and full of life. Christ sits in majesty, surrounded by apostles and angels, while the saved and the damned are portrayed below in striking detail.

You can still see the richness of the colors and the depth of the faces—it’s astonishing how vivid it remains, despite centuries of history.

This fresco not only showcases Cavallini’s talent but also marks a turning point in Western art, moving toward realism and emotion.

It’s a treasure that many miss, simply because it’s not immediately visible or accessible. But it’s absolutely worth the small effort to find it.

The Basilica of Santa Cecilia is located in the heart of Trastevere, on Piazza di Santa Cecilia 22, a peaceful square that seems far from the hustle of the city. Next time you’re wandering those cobbled streets, take a moment to explore this quiet corner of Rome—and don’t forget to ring that bell.

Let me know if you’ve seen it too, or if you plan to go! It’s truly one of Rome’s hidden gems.

As always, if you want to use any of the photos from my visit, please remember to give credit to the author. Happy exploring!