Chapels of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This small collection of chapels of Italy recognises the need to highlight not only the churches, cathedrals and palaces that they're housed in, but the chapels themselves.
The fame of the Sistine Chapel in Rome with its ceiling fresco by Michelangelo spreads far and wide but outside of Italy, some glorious chapels are relatively little-known. The incredible Palatine Chapel in the Royal Palace of Palermo is like an Aladdin's Cave of gold mosaics while the tiny Scrovegni Chapel in the city of Padua in Veneto is famous for its frescoes by Giotto. |
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The collection is completed by the Pazzi Chapel in Florence designed by Brunelleschi which forms part of the Basilica di Santa Croce complex.
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Sistine Chapel
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The Sistine Chapel, located within Vatican City in Rome, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Renaissance. Built between 1473 and 1481 during the papacy of Sixtus IV, it serves as the official papal chapel and the site of papal conclaves.
Its fame largely stems from its breathtaking frescoes, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling, depicting scenes from Genesis, and *The Last Judgment* on the altar wall. The chapel also features frescoes by renowned artists like Botticelli and Perugino. A symbol of artistic and spiritual grandeur, the Sistine Chapel attracts millions of visitors annually, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the brilliance of Renaissance art and Catholic heritage. |
Sistine Chapel, Rome
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Palatine Chapel (Palermo)
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The Palatine Chapel, or Cappella Palatina, is a stunning masterpiece of Norman architecture located within the Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo, Sicily. Built in the 12th century under King Roger II, it served as the royal chapel of the Norman kings.
The chapel is renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics, which depict biblical scenes in vibrant gold and intricate detail, including the famous Christ Pantocrator in the apse. The wooden muqarnas ceiling showcases Arab craftsmanship, reflecting the blending of Norman, Byzantine, and Islamic artistic traditions. Visitors are captivated by the chapel’s shimmering interior, rich history, and its role as a symbol of Sicily’s multicultural heritage. |
Palatine Chapel, Palermo
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Scrovegni Chapel
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The Scrovegni Chapel, located in Padua, is a masterpiece of medieval art, renowned for its breathtaking fresco cycle by Giotto.
Commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni in the early 14th century, the chapel was built as a private family chapel and a means of atoning for usury sins. Giotto’s frescoes, completed between 1303 and 1305, depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, showcasing innovative use of perspective and expression. The Last Judgment, covering the entrance wall, is particularly striking. The chapel’s vivid blue ceiling, adorned with golden stars, enhances its celestial ambiance. |
Scrovegni Chapel, Padova
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Pazzi Chapel
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The Pazzi Chapel, or Cappella Pazzi, is a Renaissance masterpiece located within the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, it was commissioned by the Pazzi family as a private chapel.
The chapel’s harmonious proportions and geometric design showcase the principles of Renaissance architecture. Notable features include the central dome with intricate terracotta decorations by Luca della Robbia and the elegant use of pietra serena, a grey sandstone that contrasts beautifully with the white plaster walls. The Pazzi Chapel is celebrated as an architectural gem, embodying the humanist ideals of balance and symmetry. |
Pazzi Chapel, Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence
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Archiepiscopal Chapel
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The Archiepiscopal Chapel, located in the historic center of Ravenna, is a significant early Christian site. Built in the 5th century, it was originally part of the archbishop’s residence and is renowned for its stunning mosaics.
The chapel’s most notable feature is the intricate mosaic decoration on its ceiling, depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints in vibrant colors. These mosaics are masterpieces of early Christian art, showcasing a blend of Roman and Byzantine styles. The chapel’s simplicity, combined with its rich artistic elements, highlights the religious and cultural importance of Ravenna during the early Christian period. |
Archiepiscopal Chapel, Ravenna
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