Oldest Stained Glass Windows in Rome

Map

The coat of arms of Pope Julius II

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Access to the choir of the church of Santa Maria del Popolo is denied to the public, but it is just possible to catch a glimpse of some of its stained glass windows, the oldest in Rome, from the nave. 

The choir was designed by Bramante at the behest of Pope Julius II (r. 1503-13). The stained glass windows were made by the French artist Guillaume de Marcillat (c.1470-1529) in 1509. 

The windows depict scenes from the childhood of Christ on one wall, and the life of the Virgin Mary on the other. Each wall is crowned with a circular stained glass window containing the coat of arms of Pope Julius II. 

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Early-16th century stained glass windows