The Sistine Chapel's Origins

Pope Sixtus IV, elected in 1471, initiated significant changes in the papal court, including the construction of a new chapel to replace the dilapidated Capella Maggiore. With around 200 members, the papal chapel played a crucial role in religious services, especially during major holidays. The new chapel, designed by architect Bacchio Pontelli, was built between 1473 and 1481, marking a pivotal moment in the architectural evolution of the Vatican.