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ROME
Churches
San Pietro in Vaticano (Piazza San Pietro)
The basilica originally was built in 324 at the request of Constantine on the site of the tomb of the Apostle. For more than a thousand years it was the center of Cristiandom, until in 1452 Nicolos V decided to have it rebuilt.
This rebuilding, however, was was not begun until 1506, under Julius II. He gave the task to Bramante, who made a plan in the form of a Greek-cross with a large central vault and four small domes.
In 1514, the year of Bramante's death, the four large central pillars and the large arches supporting the vault were finished.
The work continued under the direction of Antonio da Sangallo, until in 1546 Michaelangelo took over and created a basilica in the shape of the Greek cross, with a grandiose and imposing appearance, conceptualizing a new dome that would constitute the dominant element of the entire structure.
At the death of Michaelangelo in 1564, Giacomo della Porta followed the plans of the master.
In 1605 Paolo V wanted to transform the plan of the Greek cross to a Latin cross. He assigned the task to Carlo Maderno, who prolonged the nave so that it reached what is now Saint Peter's Square, adding three chapels per side and finally erecting the facade.
The 18th of November 1626, the immense basilicia was consecrated by Urban VIII. Bernini was assigned the task of continuing the work. The impressive baroque decorations inside are due to him.
In the first chapel on the right one finds the incomparable marble group of the Pietà, done by Michaelangelo when he was still young. At the far end of the nave is the statue of Saint Peter in bronze by Arnolfo di Cambio.
The main altar is dominated by the celebrated drapery of Bernini. From the left nave one enters the area of the Treasures of Saint Peter.
The Museum of Art History includes objects of great value saved from the Saracen invasions, the Sack of Rome and the Napoleonic assaults. One can even climb up to the dome or descend into the caves of the Vatican. |
