Saint Peter's Basilica
It stands as one of the grand monuments of the Christian religion, boasting around 450 statues, 500 columns, and 50 altars, and ranking among the most visited landmarks in the world. Every Sunday, over 150,000 faithful gather for Mass in St. Peter's Square. The tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles and the very first Pope in the history of Christianity, lies at the heart of the Basilica, as the renowned saying goes, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church." Several other Popes also have their final resting places in the Basilica's crypt or nave, including John Paul II. Over the years, various Popes have modified the Basilica's Renaissance style. From the 17th century onward, the Baroque style emerged in Italy, leading to more extravagant colors and decorations. The façade stands 45 meters tall and spans 115 meters in width, while the dome, the world's tallest, soars to 136 meters.
The 9 Hotel Cesàri offers an optimal location for visiting St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
To fully enjoy your visit to St. Peter's Basilica, it's advised to arrive early in the morning. Proper attire is also crucial—avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, and bare shoulders.
History of the world's largest Basilica
Roman Emperor Constantine was responsible for Rome's conversion to Christianity. Consequently, he commissioned the construction of the original St. Peter's Basilica in the 4th century, which was built over Saint Peter's tomb. This Basilica was emblematic of the strength of the Christian Roman Empire and the Christian faith at large.
Built in the traditional Roman architectural style—with columns, arches, and vaults—it was revered as one of the Empire's grandest and most beautiful churches. Consecrated in 324 AD, it became the religious epicenter of Rome and the Empire.
While the original Basilica underwent many modifications and restorations over the centuries, its significance as a symbolic and spiritual center of Christianity remained unshaken. Until the end of the 16th century, it was recognized as one of the world's most expansive churches and continued to be a pilgrimage site for believers globally.
A Shift in Scale
By the 16th century, as the first Basilica began deteriorating, the decision was made to raze it and build a new Basilica in its place. Pope Sixtus V initiated this endeavor in 1586.
Domenico Fontana, the lead architect, collaborated with other gifted architects and artists to design a Basilica that mirrored the contemporary architectural trends. The new Basilica embraced the Renaissance style but was later infused with Baroque elements.
Its construction was a colossal undertaking that spanned several decades, involving numerous artists, architects, and skilled laborers. Eventually, the new Basilica was consecrated in 1626 and gained renown as one of the world's largest and most exquisite churches. Sadly, the Colosseum's superior materials were sourced for its construction, explaining its current state.
The demolition of the original Basilica and the rise of the new one marked pivotal chapters in St. Peter's Basilica's history, resulting in an even grander and more majestic church, continuing to be a significant spiritual hub for Catholics worldwide.
The Crafting of the World's Tallest Dome
Michelangelo—famed Italian sculptor, painter, and architect, celebrated for masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel and David's statue—was the chief architect for the dome.
In 1547, Pope Julius III entrusted Michelangelo with the task of incorporating a dome into St. Peter's Basilica. He conceived this impressive dome with a central dome flanked by lanterns. Constructing it was technically challenging, given its massive size and weight.
Despite obstacles, Michelangelo persevered with the dome until his passing in 1564. Subsequent architects and engineers furthered his vision, making it one of the world's grandest domes. Completed in 1590, it became a defining symbol of St. Peter's Basilica.
Michelangelo's addition significantly elevated the Basilica's stature in Rome's skyline. His dome remains an exceptional example of Renaissance architecture in Italy and continues to be revered for its artistic brilliance and technical ingenuity.
Today, visitors can explore the dome up close, either by elevator or climbing 300 steps, revealing a breathtaking panorama of Rome and a unique perspective of the Basilica.
A New Façade's Introduction
In 1607, Pope Sixtus V initiated a project to add a façade to the existing Basilica to enhance its accessibility and appeal. Carlo Maderno was assigned this task, and he designed a grandiose façade infused with Baroque elements like columns, arches, statues, and decorative friezes.
The Baroque façade's construction was an ambitious project that spanned several years, culminating in its completion in 1614, becoming one of the most iconic features of St. Peter's Basilica.
Maderno's Baroque façade significantly enriched the Basilica's aesthetic, making it more welcoming for visitors. It seamlessly combined Renaissance and Baroque styles, rendering the church more harmonious. Maderno's Baroque façade remains a standout example of Italian Baroque architecture.
Necessary Restorations
By the 19th century, St. Peter's Basilica showed signs of wear due to its age and exposure to the elements. Pope Pius IX initiated a Basilica restoration project.
This endeavor was vast, spanning several years, and necessitated collaboration from numerous artists, architects, and skilled laborers. Restoration works included mosaics, murals, sculptures, and other decorative elements of the Basilica.
The 19th-century restoration ensured the Basilica's architectural and artistic integrity was preserved for future generations. It also enhanced the worship experience, offering a more comfortable and inviting environment for the faithful.
The restoration undertaken during Pope Pius IX's papacy underscores St. Peter's Basilica's significance to Christianity and the dedication to preserving its legacy. This effort also highlighted the Vatican's commitment to safeguarding Rome's historical sites and essential landmarks.
More recently, in the 20th century, Michelangelo's dome began displaying degradation signs. To address this, Pope John XXIII inaugurated a dome restoration project.
This restoration was another monumental undertaking that spanned several years and required the expertise of numerous architects, engineers, and skilled laborers. Restoration efforts included repairing cracks, restoring mosaics and murals, and updating interior lighting.
Lastly, it's noteworthy that many Popes are interred within the Basilica, including:
Benedict XVI (1922 - 2022)
John Paul II (1978-2005)
Paul VI (1963-1978)
John XXIII (1958-1963)
Pius XI (1922-1939)
Pius X (1903-1914)
Leo XIII (1878-1903)
Pius IX (1846-1878)
