Cappella dei Papi in Santa Maria Novella in Florence

The Cappella dei Papi inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a small chapel with painted vault and wall decorations. The ceiling displays nine sections arranged in geometric frames, while monochrome patterns and colorful ornaments adorn the walls and vault surfaces.

This chapel was built in the early 16th century and takes its name from the occasion of its creation. Later artists added painted decorations to the walls, reflecting the artistic practice of the period.

The chapel displays works by Florentine artists working in different styles and periods. Visitors can observe how local painters applied their individual approaches to the decorated walls and vault.

The chapel is part of the Santa Maria Novella museum complex and is open during the basilica's visiting hours. To fully appreciate the paintings and architectural details, visitors should allow time to observe the decorations carefully in good lighting.

Two different artists painted the wall decorations and left distinctly different artistic marks on the space. These contrasts between the artist sections are visible during a visit and demonstrate the range of skills working on the chapel.