Our world is full of architectural, natural and historical. Wherever you turn you will be amazed by truly amazing creations or unforgettable landscapes. Vatican City is no exception to the rule. In it is one of the most emblematic works on the planet, built and decorated by great artists —among which stands out Miguel Angel—. In this Supercurious article we will focus on her, telling you about the incredible history of the Sistine Chapel. Join us on this journey through one of the best curiosities in Italy!
First of all, what is the Sistine Chapel and where is it located?
Before starting with the history of the Sistine Chapel, the first thing is to contextualize it, so we want to tell you the general aspects of this beautiful place.
As we mentioned before, the Sistine Chapel is located in Vatican City (Rome), more specifically to the right of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is one of the chapels of the Apostolic Palacewhere the official residence of the Pope is located.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most visited monuments in the Vatican, which, by the way, is considered the smallest country in the world. The attraction of the Sistine Chapel is concentrated, above all, in the iconographic complexity of the vault and, of course, the frescoes by the famous Michelangelo.
This is the reason why it is full of curiosities and interesting facts that attract the attention of everyone who visits it. In fact, we anticipate that the vault of the Sistine Chapel is considered one of the largest paintings in the world.
History of the Sistine Chapel: The origin of a monumental creation
The history of the Sistine Chapel dates back to the time when the Vatican was a fortress. Originally it was known as the Chapel Magna or Magna Chapel. The structure of this chapel was made up of self-supporting walls, built in oblique bricks and developed on three levels.
However, due to its advanced deterioration, between 1473 and 1481 Its reconstruction was ordered by Pope Sixtus IV. In fact, from the name of this Pope (Sixto) comes the name of the chapel.
Initially, the work was carried out by the architect Giovanni de Dolci. In addition, its decoration was carried out by various Renaissance artists, who considered it the ideal place for artistic expression. This structure broke with the molds of Renaissance art and, today, is one of the wonders of the time.
Art in the history of the Sistine Chapel: What talents brought it to life?
One of the most important facts about the history of the Sistine Chapel is the large number of artists who collaborated in its decoration.
Throughout the pontificate of Sixtus IV, several Renaissance painters were called to work, among which it is worth highlighting Sandro Botticelli, Pinturicchio, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pietro Perugino and Luca Signorelli, among others.
This group of artists was in charge of making two series of fresco panels: the first one is about the life of Moses —located to the left of the altar—, the second, about the life of Jesus Christ —located to the right of the altar. The panels were accompanied by the portraits of the Popes, head of the church until now.
These paintings were finished in 1482. It was at that moment that the first mass was held, consecrated to the Virgin Mary and on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption.
Despite the work done so far, the most recognized intervention in the history of the Sistine Chapel, of course, is that of Michelangelo. This artist was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the vault of the Sistine Chapel. This is the reason why all the frescoes that adorn the ceiling were created by this brilliant artist. Michelangelo took four years to finish the work (1508 to 1512). A few years later, he was commissioned by Popes Clement VII and Paul III to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall.
Despite the fact that the artist’s works are today recognized and acclaimed worldwide, their development entailed several complications. An example of this was the creation of the fresco of the Universal Flood. This is a technique that does not admit errors and must be carried out in a very short time. In the first attempts, the painting was damaged and had to be partially removed from the wall. Everything was anguish until, a few months later, the artist and collaborators managed to master the technique.
Today, more than 500 years later, Michelangelo’s frescoes are considered the pinnacle work in the history of Renaissance painting.
Today: What did the story of the Sistine Chapel lead to?
Today the Sistine Chapel functions as the headquarters of the Conclavethat meeting in which the new Pope is elected.
Different events of the papal calendar are held in the enclosure. Among the most outstanding celebrations are the baptisms, the papal mass with the cardinals and the meeting in full of the pontifical household.
In addition, some extraordinary events are held there, such as meetings with artists or the making of short films (there is a space reserved for these).
If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel you must buy the ticket on the Vatican website or book an official tour.
This is how we came to the end of our article on the history of the Sistine Chapel. We have really enjoyed it, and you? Do not leave without telling us what you find most interesting about this monument and what other information you know that can complement this information. And so that you know a little more about this place, do not miss this other article on: curiosities of the Sistine Chapel. We are eager to read you!