Tempietto at San Pietro in Montorio, Rome
Tempietto at San Pietro in Montorio (Tempietto di Bramante) in Rome is a small temple built inside the San Pietro church in Montorio. It is also called the Bramante Chapel, on behalf of the creator. This is one of the most significant examples of Renaissance architecture. And it was erected exactly in the place where the apostle Peter was once crucified on an inverted cross.
History of the chapel
After the reconstruction of the main church of San Pietro in Montorio, it was decided to create a chapel on the site of the martyr death of St. Peter. The project was undertaken by the greatest master Donato Bramante on the order of the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, who previously financed the construction of the church of St. Peter.
According to various sources, the work was completed either in 1502, or in 1510. After the opening, the chapel was a real sensation among connoisseurs and critics of that time in Rome. And Bramante was soon hired by the Pope to work in the Vatican.
Some changes were made in the 17th century: raising the dome and creating a staircase to access the crypt. And at the end of the 20th century, the chapel was restored, again thanks to the assistance of Spain. The opening on May 25, 1999 was attended by the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I.
Architecture and interior
The chapel has a round shape of a monopter, it is a kind of rotunda. It is surrounded by 16 Tuscan columns of gray granite, which are a Peripteros. They are decorated on top with various friezes. The main material used in the construction was travertine, marble was used for decoration. From above the building is crowned with a dome. Internal diameter is 4.5 meters.
The chapel has a more symbolic than liturgical significance. Inside there are 4 small niches with statues of evangelists. In the niche behind the altar there is a large sculpture of St. Peter. The floor is lined with multicolored marble.
But the original idea of Bramante was even more ambitious: he planned to create the same circular courtyard of the church, with the same 16 columns that would form a portico. But something went wrong, and the architect was forced to abandon this plan.
In the center of the chapel there is a small hole, and a staircase leads from it to a crypt, which is also artfully decorated. According to the legend, the cross on which Peter was crucified was installed here.
How to get there
Tempietto at San Pietro in Montorio is located in Trastevere, on the right bank of the Tiber, on the square with the same name, Piazza di S. Pietro in Montorio, 2. These ancient historical quarters contain a lot of attractions, including the National Gallery of Ancient Art, the Ponte Sisto and Garibaldi. Nearby there is a bus stop Garibaldi/Iacobucci (route 115).
Opening hours: from 8:30 to 12:00 every day, and on Monday-Friday from 15:00 to 16:00. Visiting is possible for groups by previous appointment. Phone number (+39) 06 581 2806.
Admission: you can find out the information about the price of the visit by calling the phone number above.
