Santa Maria Maggiore


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In 1455, Pope Callixtus III had the central nave covered by a flat coffered wooden ceiling by Leon Battista Alberti. The later gilding was done using the first shipment of gold to Spain from the conquered Inca Empire, presented to Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) by Ferdinand and Isabella. Both popes belonged to the Borgia family, hence its heraldry is displayed in the ceiling.

Related links:  Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472)