Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1506
Pope Julius II employs 150 Swiss mercenaries to protect him. The 100-strong Swiss Guard, all prac-
tising Catholics from Switzerland, are still responsible for the pope's personal safety.
1508
Michelangelo starts painting the Sistine Chapel, while down the hall Raphael begins to decorate
Pope Julius II's private apartments, better known as the Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms).
1527
Pope Clement VII takes refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo as Rome is overrun by troops loyal to Charles V,
king of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor.
1540
Pope Paul III officially recognises the Society of Jesus, aka the Jesuits. The order is founded by Igna-
tius de Loyola, who spends his last days in the Chiesa del Gesù.
1555
As fear pervades Counter-Reformation Rome, Pope Paul IV confines the city's Jews to the area
known as the Jewish Ghetto. Official intolerance continues on and off until the 20th century.
1626
After more than 150 years of construction, St Peter's Basilica is consecrated. The hulking basilica re-
mains the largest church in the world until well into the 20th century.
1632
Galileo Galilei is summoned to appear before the Inquisition. He is forced to renounce his belief that
the earth revolves around the sun and is exiled to Florence.
1656−67
Gian Lorenzo Bernini lays out St Peter's Square for Pope Alexander VII. Bernini, along with his great
rival Francesco Borromini, are the leading exponents of Roman baroque.
1798
Napoleon marches into Rome, forcing Pope Pius VI to flee. A republic is announced, but it doesn't
last long and in 1801 Pius VI's successor Pius VII returns to Rome.
1870
Nine years after Italian unification, Rome's city walls are breached at Porta Pia and Pope Pius IX is
forced to cede the city to Italy. Rome becomes the Italian capital.
