Sistine Chapel
While nothing can overshadow the paintings inside the Sistine Chapel, its architecture, designed by Baccio Pontelli, is nothing to be snuffed at. The Chapel's internal measurements are 134 ft long by 44 ft wide, and the vaulted ceiling rises 68 feet. There are six windows on each side and two at either end. The ceiling is a flattened barrel vault that is cut transversely by smaller vaults over each window. It was originally painted a brilliant blue hue and dotted with gold stars designed by Pier Matteo d' Amelia. The internal space is divided into three stories, the lowest being a robustly vaulted basement with several utilitarian windows and a doorway leading to the exterior court. The pavement is done in opus alexandrium, a decorative style using marble and colored stone that marks the processional way from the main door. The exterior is surprisingly, plain, a simple high, rectangular brick building unadorned by architectural or decorative details......
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