🇮🇹 My Eyes Were Deceived in Rome!

After visiting the Pantheon, I stumbled upon a seemingly ordinary church—turned out to be the legendary Church of St. Ignatius, home to the €1 mirror illusion! (The line was too long, so I skipped it.) Then I looked up... and gasped. 😲 🎨 The Ceiling That Tricks Your Brain At first glance, the dome looked real—curved, towering, breathtaking. But... it’s a flat painting! 🖌️ Artist: Andrea Pozzo (1685–1694) Masterpiece: Sant’Ignazio in gloria (St. Ignatius’ Ascension) Secrets: Trompe-l'œil (3D illusion): Saints "float," columns "protrude"—all on a flat surface. Four continents (Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas) surround the heavenly scene. Best view: Stand on the brass disk (marked on the floor)! 🕳️ The "Fake Dome" That Fooled Everyone The church planned a real dome but ran out of money. So Pozzo painted one—so convincing that even up close, your brain struggles to believe it’s flat! ⛪ Baroque Splendor Golden altar: Light pierces through, creating a divine glow. Side chapels: Dedicated to Jesuit saints (like St. Francis Xavier). Free entry! (But bring coins for the mirror if you dare.) ✅ Tips: 📍 5 mins from Pantheon | ⏰ 7:30 AM–7:00 PM 📸 For best photos: Stand on the brass disk + wide-angle lens! #RomeMagic #BaroqueWonders #OpticalIllusion #HiddenRome #TravelMindBlown