Churches of Rome: Renaissance Treasures Designed by Bramante and Raphael with Cecilia Martini

Beyond the overwhelming masterpieces concentrated in the Vatican City, bright gems of Renaissance Art are spread across the city. Our conversation will follow the path of the greatest architect of the time, Bramante, and his friend Raphael. Between the end of the XV and the end of the XVI century, thanks to the patronage of the Popes, these two men helped craft Rome into the capital city of the High Renaissance.

Our discussion will begin from the St. Maria della Pace, where Bramante was the architect of the cloister and Raphael painted the Chigi Chapel. Then we will climb up the hill to the church of St. Pietro in Montorio where stands the famous “Tempietto” and where originally was Raphael’s “Transfiguration of Christ”.  From there, we will discover the hidden talent of Raphael as an architect in the church of St. Eligio degli orefici and in St. Maria del Popolo.  And finally, we will discuss the contribution of the two artists to the main architectonical project of the century: St. Peter’s Basilica.

Led by an expert Art Historian and a native roman Cecilia Martini, this conversation will guide us through the hidden gems of an amazing period of the history of art, too often overshadowed by other well-known highlights. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge about the personalities of Bramante and Raphael and of Renaissance Art and Architecture in Rome.

This seminar has been designed as part of an extended series, each spotlighting a unique church in Rome. For additional details, please click here.