Chigi Chapel, Renaissance chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome, Italy
The Chigi Chapel sits within the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo and is a Renaissance work with a hemispherical dome decorated in mosaics. The interior is defined by four prophet statues and colorful marble decoration that create a cohesive visual whole.
In the early 16th century, banker Agostino Chigi received papal permission to build this chapel as a family mausoleum. The structure was later modified under Bernini, who shaped its Baroque elements.
The chapel shows a blend of Renaissance and Baroque forms that reflects the legacy of two master artists. Visitors can see the hand of Raphael and Gian Lorenzo Bernini in every corner of the space.
The chapel is open during the regular visiting hours of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, which sits near Piazza del Popolo. The space is compact, so early visits or quieter times of day offer better viewing conditions.
The chapel floor shows a geometric pattern with a skeleton holding the Chigi family coat of arms. This striking motif embodies a Renaissance idea: victory over death through the family's lasting legacy.
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