Apostolic Palace

Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, located in Vatican City. It is also known as the Papal Palace, the Palace of the Vatican, and the Vatican Palace. The Apostolic Palace is a complex of buildings that includes the Papal Apartments, various offices of the Catholic Church and the Holy See, chapels, the Vatican Museums, and the Vatican Library.

History

The construction of the Apostolic Palace began in the late 15th century under the direction of Pope Nicholas V, who initiated the building of the Vatican Library. The palace was expanded and modified by subsequent popes, including Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned the Sistine Chapel, and Pope Julius II, who employed the architect Donato Bramante to design the Cortile del Belvedere.

Architecture

The Apostolic Palace is a sprawling complex that includes over 1,000 rooms. Notable architectural features include:

• The Sistine Chapel, famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
• The Raphael Rooms, a suite of reception rooms decorated by the artist Raphael and his workshop.
• The Borgia Apartments, which were decorated by Pinturicchio and are now part of the Vatican Museums.
• The Vatican Library, one of the oldest libraries in the world, housing a vast collection of historical texts and manuscripts.

Function

The Apostolic Palace serves several functions:

• It is the official residence of the Pope, where he lives and works.
• It houses the administrative offices of the Holy See, including the Secretariat of State.
• It is a place of worship, with several chapels, including the Sistine Chapel, where papal conclaves are held to elect new popes.
• It is a cultural and historical site, with parts of the palace open to the public as part of the Vatican Museums.

Access

While the Papal Apartments are private, many parts of the Apostolic Palace are accessible to the public through the Vatican Museums. Visitors can view the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and other significant areas.

See Also

• Vatican City
• Pope
• Roman Catholic Church
• Vatican Museums

References

• "The Apostolic Palace". Vatican.va. Retrieved 2023-10-15.

External Links

• Official Vatican Website