Sistine Chapel
savona
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Just a few steps from the cathedral stands the Sistine Chapel, built in 1481 by Pope Sixtus IV, a native of Savona. With this funerary chapel, the pontiff intended to pay homage to his parents.
The main façade, in a simple Gothic style, overlooks the cloister of the former convent of San Francesco. A small circular rose window opens at the centre of the façade. The right side is entirely decorated with architectural illusions using the trompe-l'œil technique.
The interior, in its original version, consisted of a simple rectangular hall with a square apse, decorated with an apse fresco cycle and a polyptych on the altar.
In the 18th century, under the patronage of Francesco Maria Della Rovere, the last member of the dynasty, the chapel was transformed into a Baroque church. Between 1762 and 1764, it acquired its current elliptical layout, was adorned with Rococo stucco work by Lombard masters, and was enriched with a vaulted fresco depicting the Mystery of the Redemption.
In honour of the pontiff’s parents, a beautiful marble tomb was designed and sculpted by the brothers Giovanni and Michele d’Aria
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
One of its outstanding features is the organ, built in 1764 by Felice and Filippo Piccaluga. It has a scenically animated case, opening doors, and a parapet decorated with stucco musical instruments. Recently restored, the instrument also features symbolic decorative motifs, including an oak tree, which was the Della Rovere family emblem, and their coat of arms.
The chapel and its organ are emblematic of the strong connection between Savona and Rome.