Renaissance Urban Construction in Rome

Timeline

1. 1447–1448Rome · LazioImmediately after his election, Nicholas V began repairing walls, bridges and water systems, clearing ruins and replanning the core of the papal district, laying the foundation for later large-scale construction.
2. 1448–1449Vatican · LazioThe pope commissioned humanist architects such as Leon Battista Alberti to participate in design proposals for the reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica and expanded the Vatican Palace as the papal residence, introducing classical proportions and facade aesthetics.
3. 1449–1450Rome · LazioThe papacy repaired pilgrimage roads to the seven major basilicas, restored ancient churches such as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, and improved transport facilities along the Tiber, preparing for the pilgrimage peak of the 1450 Jubilee.