Tempietto

The Tempietto is a small, circular chapel in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio, Rome. It is situated on the supposed site of Saint Peter's martyrdom.

Commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, the chapel was built in 1502 after designs made by Bramante. The design was inspired by a type of classical temple (the temple of Vesta at Tivoli) with a circular plan and surrounded by columns.

Included in Bramante's designs was a dome fashioned after the Doric order, but the dome has since been altered.

The Tempietto is noteworthy for its simple reinterpretation of classical designs. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of High Renaissance architecture.