Gallery of Maps

Explore the Vatican Museums' Gallery of Maps in Rome, Italy. Discover 16th-century frescoed maps of Italy, rich history, and unique cartographic details.

Overview

The Gallery of Maps, or Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, is a breathtaking corridor nestled within the sprawling Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy. Stretching an impressive 120 meters (approximately 394 feet) in length and 6 meters wide, this magnificent hall serves as a grand passage leading towards the iconic Sistine Chapel. Adorned with a series of 40 meticulously frescoed maps, it presents a stunning visual chronicle of Italy's regions and the territories under the Church's influence during the late 16th century. Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII, its creation between 1580 and 1585 transformed a simple corridor into one of the most visually stunning and historically significant spaces within the Vatican.

History & Cultural Background

The genesis of the Gallery of Maps dates back to the pontificate of Pope Gregory XIII, who reigned from 1572 to 1585. Driven by a desire to both decorate the Vatican Palace with grandiose art and symbolically unify the diverse regions of Italy, the Pope commissioned this ambitious project. The task of overseeing this monumental undertaking fell to Ignazio Danti, a remarkably talented Dominican friar, mathematician, astronomer, and cosmographer from Perugia. Danti, who was also involved in the reform of the Gregorian Calendar, directed a team of Italian and Flemish artists who executed the frescoes between 1580 and 1585.

The maps themselves are far more than mere geographical representations; they are a profound cultural and political statement. Created at a time when Italy was fragmented into multiple states, the gallery was designed to highlight the power and influence of the Catholic Church across these regions. The frescoes on the vaulted ceiling complement the maps below, depicting miraculous events and religious scenes associated with the respective Italian territories. This intricate interplay between earthly geography and divine providence crafts a powerful narrative of Italy's identity through the eyes of the Church.

What Makes It Special

The Gallery of Maps holds a unique position as the largest pictorial cartographical cycle in the world. Each of the 40 frescoed panels is immense, measuring approximately 4.5 by 3.5 meters (or 300 x 400 cm), covering the walls from near floor to high ceiling. The sheer scale, combined with the gallery's 120-meter length, creates an immersive experience, making visitors feel as though they are literally walking across the Italian peninsula.

The layout of the maps follows an ingenious design: as one walks along the corridor from the south entrance, the individual territories are arranged sequentially from north to south, conceptually divided by the Apennine mountain range. The regions facing the Tyrrhenian Sea are depicted on one wall, while those bordering the Adriatic Sea are on the opposite side. This arrangement, coupled with the incredible detail of mountains, rivers, cities, and even historical events, makes the gallery a remarkable fusion of artistic grandeur and scientific cartographic knowledge from the 16th century.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Beyond their geographical accuracy, the maps in the gallery are rich with fascinating details and historical anecdotes. Ignazio Danti, the mastermind behind the project, ensured that the maps were not only scientifically precise for their time but also imbued with cultural significance. For instance, some of the maps uniquely feature historical events that occurred in the depicted territories. Notable examples include the Battle of Lepanto, where the "Holy League" secured a naval victory over the Turkish fleet in 1571, and various battles in the Milanese region, such as Hannibal's encounter with Scipio. The map of "Flaminia" even commemorates Julius Caesar's legendary crossing of the Rubicon.

A peculiar aspect that often catches the eye of modern visitors is the "upside down" orientation of some maps. In the 16th century, it was not customary to consistently place north at the top of a map, leading to varying perspectives that reflect the cartographic conventions of the era. The gallery also includes maps of territories like Corsica and Malta, which were under Genoese rule or the Knights Hospitallers at the time, and the French town of Avignon, which was then a papal territory. The meticulous detail extends to depictions of mythical sea creatures in the oceans and inset city plans of major urban centers, offering a whimsical yet informative glimpse into Renaissance Italy.

Visitor Perspective

A stroll through the Gallery of Maps is an essential and often unforgettable part of the Vatican Museums experience, forming a key section of the route leading visitors to the Sistine Chapel. To fully appreciate its grandeur and intricate details, it is highly recommended to take your time rather than rushing through. Gaze not only at the expansive maps on the walls but also at the richly decorated vaulted ceiling above, where biblical and allegorical scenes unfold.

For an optimal visit, consider purchasing your Vatican Museums tickets online in advance to bypass potentially long queues. Comfortable footwear is a must, as exploring the vast expanse of the Vatican Museums involves a considerable amount of walking. While photography is generally permitted within the Gallery of Maps, it’s always courteous to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash. The gallery offers a unique opportunity to journey through 16th-century Italy, combining art, history, and cartography into an extraordinary visual spectacle that continues to captivate millions of visitors annually.