Emperor Constantine, the first Christian
emperor of Rome, ordered to build a basilica on Vatican
Hill. The location was symbolic: this was the place
where Saint Peter, the chief apostle, was buried in
64 A.D. A small shrine already existed on the site but
it was now replaced by a new building church was completed
around 349 A.D. In the middle of the 15th century, the
basilica was falling into ruin and pope Nicolas V ordered
the restoration and enlargement of the church after
plans by Bernardo Rossellino. After Nicolas V died,
works were halted. In 1506 pope Julius II laid the first
stone of a new basilica which was to become the largest
in the world.
Julius II appointed Donato Bramante as the chief architect
of the new Basilica. In 1547 Michelangelo succeeded
Bramante. He designed the imposing dome and altered
some of the original plans. Michelangelo died in 1624,
two years before the completion of the dome. The St.
Peter's basilica was dedicated by pope Urban VIII in
1626. Ever since, this church has been the center of
Christianity, drawing pilgrims from all over the world.
The building itself is truly impressive. The largest
church in the world, it has a 218 meter long nave. The
basilica's dome, designed by Michelangelo is the largest
dome in the world measuring 42m in diameter and reaching
138 meter high (more than 450ft). The interior, which
includes 45 altars, is decorated by many famous artists.
Some of the most important works in the church are the
Pietà by Michelangelo, the papal altar by Bernini,
the Throne of St. Peter - also by Bernini - and the
Monument to the Stuarts by Canova.
The opulent interior can be visited
daily for free although a strict dress code is enforced.
You can also visit the dome itself (entrance is not
free, but it's worth it). You have the option of taking
the elevator or the stairs, the latter being a bit cheaper.
The elevator brings you to the bottom of the dome from
where a small, long and mostly spiral staircase brings
you to the top of the dome. From there you have a magnificent
view of Rome and of the Saint Peter's square in particular.
The famous square with long symmetrical colonnades was
designed by Bernini. It features a central obelisk and
two identical fountains. Near the entrance of the Basilica
you will probably encounter some of the famous Swiss
guards. Since 1506 when pope Julius II invited Helvetian
soldiers to join the small Vatican army, they have been
the guards of the Vatican and the pope in particular.
All entrants to the army must be Swiss, catholic and
they must take the oath of loyalty to the pope. This
oath is taken May 26th, to commemorate the sacking of
Rome on the same day in 1527 when Swiss guards protected
pope Clement VII during his escape to the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Of the 189 guards, only 42 survived.
St. Peter's is located in Vatican state,
across the river Tiber, west of Rome's center. Vatican
State is completely surrounded by the city of Rome. |
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