CHIGI CHAPEL

The Chigi Chapel, in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome, houses masterpieces by artists such as Raphael and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Commissioned by the banker Agostino Chigi, Raphael designed the architecture and the cartoons for the dome mosaics. The work, initiated in 1513-1514 by Lorenzetto, was completed by Bernini in 1652-1656 for Cardinal Fabio Chigi, who later became Pope Alexander VII. The chapel features central architecture with a cubic space and a hemispherical dome. Raphael's mosaics, executed in 1516 by Luigi de Pace, depict God the Creator and celestial allegories. The chapel also houses frescoes by Francesco Salviati and an altar with works by Sebastiano del Piombo and Salviati. The Chigi tombs, alternating with niches with sculptures, are by Raphael and Bernini. A suggestive conception of space characterizes this unique religious building by Raphael, inviting the viewer to explore diverse perspectives to appreciate its beauty.