The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the pope in Vatican City, a vast complex of buildings that grew over centuries. The popes began to build residences next to Saint Peter's in the Middle Ages, and from the 15th century successive pontiffs enlarged and decorated the complex. The main part of the present building, with its large courtyards, was largely constructed under Pope Sixtus V by the architect Domenico Fontana in the late 16th century. It houses the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, the Vatican Library and parts of the Vatican Museums, and the papal apartments. Some popes have chosen to live elsewhere, but it remains the center of papal administration.
Before and after
- from 25 April 1588 to 1 August 1588Spanish Armada
- 17 July 1588Death of Mimar Sinan
- 1589Construction of Harmandir Sahib
- from April 1589 to July 1589English Armada
- 30 April 1589Construction of Apostolic Palace
- from 15 September 1589 to 29 September 1589Battle of Arques
- from 16th century to 18th centuryBaroque
- from 7 May 1590 to 30 August 1590Siege of Paris
- 13 July 1590Birth of Clement X
More in Art, literature & culture
- 31 October 1517Origins of Lutheranism
- 10 November 1517Origins of Protestantism
- 1563Construction of Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
- 1565Construction of Agra Fort
- 1622Publication of Othello
- from 17th century to 19th centuryAge of Enlightenment
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 16th century.