Tomb of Raphael

Discover Raphael's Tomb inside Rome's Pantheon, the final resting place of the Renaissance master. Explore its history, unique epitaph, and cultural significance.

Overview

Deep within the awe-inspiring walls of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, lies a poignant and historically significant site: the Tomb of Raphael. This architectural marvel, originally an ancient Roman temple dedicated to all gods, transitioned into a Christian church, the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres, in 609 AD, preserving its grandeur through centuries. Today, it stands not only as a testament to Roman engineering but also as a revered mausoleum, housing the remains of celebrated Italian figures, among whom the High Renaissance painter and architect, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, holds a prominent place. His tomb draws visitors from across the globe, offering a moment of reflection on the immense legacy of a true artistic genius.

History & Cultural Background

The Pantheon itself boasts a rich history, initially commissioned by Marcus Agrippa around 25 BC and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 125 AD after fire damage. Its conversion into a Christian church by Pope Boniface IV in the 7th century was instrumental in its remarkable preservation, sparing it the fate of many other ancient Roman structures. Raphael, a central figure of the Italian High Renaissance, was born in Urbino in 1483 and died tragically young in Rome on Good Friday, April 6, 1520, at the age of 37.

His burial within the Pantheon was not a posthumous decision by others but a personal request made by the artist himself. Raphael held a deep admiration for the Pantheon, viewing it as a symbol of perfect beauty and a bridge between the ancient world and Christian faith. This was an unusual choice for an artist at the time, but Pope Leo X, acknowledging Raphael's extraordinary artistic contributions and his efforts in preserving ancient Roman monuments, granted his wish. Raphael thus became the first prominent individual to be interred in the Pantheon, setting a precedent that would later see Italian kings and other notable figures laid to rest within its hallowed space.

Centuries later, in 1833, a renewed interest in Raphael led to an examination of his tomb to verify the presence of his remains. Pope Gregory XVI ordered the tomb's opening, and the bones found were confirmed to belong to the Urbino artist. Subsequently, a 1st-century AD marble sarcophagus, donated by the Pope, was provided for his remains.

What Makes It Special

Raphael's tomb is a focal point within the Pantheon, located to the left of the main altar, beneath the statue of the Madonna del Sasso. This statue, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus with her foot resting on a stone, was sculpted by Lorenzo Lotti, known as Lorenzetto, a close friend and student of Raphael. It was commissioned and designed by Raphael himself.

The sarcophagus is famously inscribed with an epitaph penned by Raphael's friend, the cardinal, poet, and humanist Pietro Bembo. The eloquent Latin verse reads: “ILLE HIC EST RAPHAEL TIMUIT QUO SOSPITE VINCI RERUM MAGNA PARENS ET MORIENTE MORI.” This translates to: “Here lies Raphael: by him, when he lived, nature feared to be vanquished; now that he is dead, she fears to die.” This powerful inscription eloquently encapsulates the profound impact of Raphael's genius on the world.

Even today, visitors often leave fresh flowers at his resting place, and art students continue to sketch nearby, demonstrating the enduring reverence for his artistic spirit. Raphael’s decision to be buried in the Pantheon transformed it into an important cultural landmark, inspiring others to seek their final rest in this prestigious monument.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• A Birthday's End: It is widely believed that Raphael died on his 37th birthday, Good Friday, April 6, 1520. While historical records confirm his death on that date, whether it was precisely his birthday is a romanticized detail, though widely accepted.
• Papal Mourning: Upon Raphael's death, Pope Leo X reportedly visited the artist's body at the Pantheon, kneeling and weeping, a testament to the high esteem in which Raphael was held.
• The Madonna of the Stone: Lorenzetto's Madonna del Sasso statue, above Raphael's tomb, is easily identifiable by the Virgin Mary's left foot resting on a stone. This detail adds a unique element to the tomb's immediate surroundings.
• A Fiancée Remembered: Near Raphael's tomb, a plaque commemorates Maria Bibbiena, his fiancée.
• The 1833 Rediscovery: The opening of Raphael's tomb in 1833 was a significant public event, attended by 75 distinguished figures, including artists, church representatives, and medical experts, who confirmed the identity of the remains.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting Raphael's Tomb within the Pantheon offers a deeply moving experience. The tomb is positioned on the left side of the main altar, identifiable by its smooth marble arch and the Lorenzetto statue above it. The atmosphere within the Pantheon is one of quiet contemplation and respect. As the Pantheon is an active church, visitors are requested to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered. While general admission to the Pantheon was historically free, as of July 3, 2023, an entrance ticket is now required to access the monument. This historic site continues to be a pilgrimage for art lovers and historians, offering a tangible connection to the Renaissance master whose spirit still enriches its ancient halls.