St. Peter’s Basilica In Rome

History of St. Peter’s Basilica

In AD, the 4th century, this church was built and it began in 1506 by Pope Julius II and completed under Paul V in the year 1615 as now called as Old St. Peter’s Basilica. The church is extremely wide and is in the form a Latin cross. The central part is known as the “Nave” with each side having two aisles and a front entrance with a huge courtyard. The old basilica has a huge number of memorials and tombs, including the popes until the 15th Century.

Why the concept of this church came in?

The idea to build this church was first perceived by Pope Nicholas V who is known to reign from 1447 to 1455. After his death, the work stopped for a while and Paul II later commenced the whole work.

In the year 1506, Julius II laid down the first stone of the basilica. However, to finish building this masterpiece, 120 years were consumed too.

Therefore, to put it all in a crux just the building of this church lasted over the rules of 21 popes and almost eight architects tried building it. It has gone through the designs and modifications of Bramante, Raphael and then Michelangelo.

Interior and Architecture

The interior is extremely beautiful and portrays the Renaissance era as well as the Baroque Art. In addition, this place has many treasures and Tombs of many Popes and many other people of great historic significance.

Christian relics and interesting artwork of statues, fountains, sculptured decorations, mosaic decorations, the carved altarpiece, the dove of peace and the tomb of Christina, the Queen of Sweden. There are four large statues in St. Peter’s Basilica of Saint Helena holding a true cross, Saint Longinus carrying a spear, Saint Veronica carrying the veil and Saint Andrew carrying the cross. The Cross and the Veil which all carrying is very important for Christian Mythology as the cross pierced Jesus’s side and was crucified on it.

Places of Interest

At St. Peter’s Basilica, make sure that you see St. Peter’s Square, Exterior of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Nave, Dome Area with Baldachin, right aisle and transept, The Confession, Left Transept and Aisle, Crypt and the St. Peter. Michelangelo’s throne, the famous sculptor designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica as the chief architect in the year 1546.

The intricate work on the dome is noteworthy. Four Piers is also something, which cannot be missed at all. The north-west pier is of St. Helena, St. Veronica on the South-West Pier, on the Southeast pier is St. Andrew and on the Northeast pier is St. Longinus.

St. Peter’s Basilica is a very traditional and revered site for the people of the Catholic faith. This place still attracts a number of tourists all year round. Being the holiest Catholic shrine and its magnificent architecture, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must visit attraction in Rome. The entry to this holy shrine is free of cost. One needs to dress appropriately in order to enter the basilica as they follow a strict dress code. Mini skirts, shorts, and bare shoulder dresses are not allowed inside the basilica.