Wooden Coffered Ceilings in the Churches of Rome

Coffered Ceilings in Roman Churches

26/10/2019

15th century wooden ceiling of church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

15th century wooden ceiling, Santa Maria Maggiore

Towards the end of the 15th century a spectacular wooden coffered ceiling was erected in the nave of Santa Maria Maggiore. It would be the first of many such ceilings to be installed in the churches of Rome.

The gilded ceiling bears the coat of arms of the Borgia pope Alexander VI (r. 1492-1503). The gold was presented by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Below are some examples of other impressive coffered ceilings in Roman churches.