The article calls San Carlo Francesco Borromini's first independent commission. The Spanish Trinitarians, an order dedicated to freeing Christian slaves, bought the land in 1611 and 1612, and Borromini received the commission in 1634. The church was built from 1638 to 1641 and dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo in 1646. The facade was built late in his life, and its upper part was finished after his death in 1667.
The plan is non-classical, combining curves and ovals with cubic forms to fit a cramped corner site. Sixteen columns in groups of four stand obliquely, creating an undulating effect, under pendentives and an oval coffered dome with an oval lantern, where the light is brightest.
The text says the church is 66 feet wide and 39 feet long, while the infobox reverses them. The crypt has a low pierced vault. The article gives no visiting hours.
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