Cappella Paolina (Pauline Chapel), Rome
The Pauline Chapel, located within the Vatican Palace and positioned adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, is a remarkable chapel with its own distinct charm. Designed by Antonio de Sangallo the Younger in 1538 under the commission of Pope Paul II, it served as the Chapel of the Concave and the Chapel of the Sacrament.
When it came to selecting an artist to execute the chapel's frescoes, there was no doubt in the pope's mind. He had his heart set on Michelangelo, despite the artist being in his 60s, exhausted, and already occupied with completing Pope Julius II's tomb鈥攁 commission for which he had been paid. Despite his reservations, Michelangelo felt compelled to accept the pope's insistence. The two frescoes he painted, "The Crucifixion of St. Peter" and "The Conversion of Saul", were not considered his most exceptional works. Perhaps the pressure he faced during their creation is reflected in the final outcome. In "The Conversion of Saul", for example, Saul is depicted as an elderly man with white hair, conveying a sense of weariness鈥攑ossibly a reflection of Michelangelo's own state at the time.
Additional paintings within the chapel were created by Lorenzo Sabbatini and Federico Zuccari, while Prospero Bresciano contributed to the statues and stuccowork.
In 2004, the Vatican announced plans to restore the frescoes in the Pauline Chapel, and by 2009, the restoration work was completed. The restoration revealed vibrant colors and hues that had been dimmed by centuries of accumulated dirt and grime. Furthermore, in 2010, the Vatican website unveiled a virtual reality rendering of the chapel, presenting a captivating blend of 3D rendering and high-resolution photography, showcasing its renewed brilliance following the restoration efforts in 2009.
When it came to selecting an artist to execute the chapel's frescoes, there was no doubt in the pope's mind. He had his heart set on Michelangelo, despite the artist being in his 60s, exhausted, and already occupied with completing Pope Julius II's tomb鈥攁 commission for which he had been paid. Despite his reservations, Michelangelo felt compelled to accept the pope's insistence. The two frescoes he painted, "The Crucifixion of St. Peter" and "The Conversion of Saul", were not considered his most exceptional works. Perhaps the pressure he faced during their creation is reflected in the final outcome. In "The Conversion of Saul", for example, Saul is depicted as an elderly man with white hair, conveying a sense of weariness鈥攑ossibly a reflection of Michelangelo's own state at the time.
Additional paintings within the chapel were created by Lorenzo Sabbatini and Federico Zuccari, while Prospero Bresciano contributed to the statues and stuccowork.
In 2004, the Vatican announced plans to restore the frescoes in the Pauline Chapel, and by 2009, the restoration work was completed. The restoration revealed vibrant colors and hues that had been dimmed by centuries of accumulated dirt and grime. Furthermore, in 2010, the Vatican website unveiled a virtual reality rendering of the chapel, presenting a captivating blend of 3D rendering and high-resolution photography, showcasing its renewed brilliance following the restoration efforts in 2009.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Cappella Paolina (Pauline Chapel) on Map
Sight Name: Cappella Paolina (Pauline Chapel)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour
A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II
The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome
Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...
10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy
Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...