The Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Chapel Sistine or the Sacrament of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

The Chapel Sistine The Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome drew its name from Pope Sixtus V.

In 1585, the latter asked the architect Domenico Fontana (1543-1607) to build this Chapel.

The work took two years, until 1587.

The magnificence of the marbles, frescoes and paintings that adorn this vast Chapel, which was the largest in Rome at the time it was built, is truly remarkable.

The Chapel is located on the same site as the former Santa Barbara Chapel.

Angels and tabernacle from the Sacrament altar in the Chapel Sistine in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Angels and tabernacle from the Sacrament altar On the left side you can see the tomb of Pius V, while on the right side you can see that of Sixtus V.

In the centre of and beneath the Sistine Chapel is the ancient chapel which contained the relics of the cradle of Jesus.

These were subsequently transferred to the crypt of confession.

Above this former Chapel is a second papal altar known as the Altar of the Sacrament, surmounted by an impressive Gilded bronze tabernacle borne by four angels, a magnificent work that we owe to the sculptor Bastiano Torrigiani (1542-1596).

Chapel Sistine or of the sacrament of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

The Chapel Sistine