Renaissance Rome refers to the period in the city during the 14th to 17th centuries when art, culture, and architecture flourished. This era saw the rise of influential artists like Michelangelo and Raphael, who created masterpieces that transformed the visual landscape of the city. The construction of iconic structures, such as St. Peter's Basilica, marked a significant shift in architectural styles, blending classical elements with innovative designs. During this time, the Papacy played a crucial role in promoting the arts, commissioning works that reflected the power and prestige of the Church. The city became a center for humanism, where scholars and thinkers like Erasmus gathered to exchange ideas, contributing to the broader cultural movement that defined the Renaissance across Europe.