Bufalini Chapel

The Bufalini Chapel is a Renaissance chapel within Santa Maria in Aracoeli church on Rome's Capitoline Hill, featuring extensive frescoes across its surfaces. Three walls and the ceiling display scenes from the lives of Saint Bernardino and Saint Francis, while the floor shows Cosmatesque mosaic work and four Evangelists appear in dynamic oval frames above.

Niccolò Di Manno Bufalini commissioned the chapel in 1486 and hired artist Pinturicchio to create a fresco cycle depicting events from Saint Bernardino of Siena's life. The work was completed during the Renaissance, a period of significant artistic growth in Rome.

The central wall presents the Glory of Saint Bernardino arranged in two tiers, surrounded by angels and saints set against a detailed landscape. This composition shapes how visitors experience the spiritual character of the space.

Access to the chapel requires climbing 124 marble steps to reach Santa Maria in Aracoeli church on the Capitoline Hill. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing extra time to explore the surroundings is advisable for visitors.

The chapel features Cosmatesque mosaic decorations on its floor, a distinctive decorative technique that represents a particular Roman craftsmanship tradition not common in many other chapels of the period. These geometric patterns are integral to the overall artistic design of the space.

Location: Rome

Inception: 1486

Creator: Pinturicchio

Part of: Santa Maria in Aracoeli

GPS coordinates: 41.89377,12.48291

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10