'I'm just here for the selfie' Church mirror reflecting Rome's TikTok visitor boom

There are two entrances for visitors to Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, a prominent 17th-century church in central Rome that has an illustrious baroque facade.

- Angela Giuffrida

The one on the left is for those seeking to soak up its history and artistic treasures, or perhaps have a moment of reflection. The one on the right is for those seeking to capture their reflection in what has become known as "the best selfie mirror" in Rome.

The mirror was strategically positioned in the church a few years ago to provide visitors with a unique perspective of the sublime ceiling fresco. Painted by the Italian architect Andrea Pozzo, the work depicts Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish priest who founded the Jesuit order, being welcomed into paradise by Christ and the Madonna.

But it is not the fresco that those waiting for up to an hour in the mirror queue care about. Ever since TikTok was recently deluged with videos of influencers flaunting their perfect selfies, thousands have flocked to the church, suddenly transforming the former hidden gem into a major tourist attraction.

Entering the church is free, but it costs €1 (83p) for a mirror selfie.

Such is the popularity, the Colosseum and Trevi fountain are no longer the priorities for some first-time visitors to Rome.

"I'm just here for the selfie," said Noemy Timelli, a 20-year-old from Puglia as she prepared to take a selfie with her friend in the church.