Difference between revisions of "St. Peter's Basilica" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox religious building
 
{{Infobox religious building
 
|building_name=Saint Peter's Basilica<br/>Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano
 
|building_name=Saint Peter's Basilica<br/>Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano
 
|image=[[Image:Petersdom von Engelsburg gesehen.jpg|300px|]]
 
|image=[[Image:Petersdom von Engelsburg gesehen.jpg|300px|]]
|caption=The Basilica of Saint Peter from [[Castel Sant'Angelo]]. The basilica is the largest religious building in the world<ref name="UNESCO Article">[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286]</ref> and is often used by the Pope.
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|caption=The Basilica of Saint Peter
 
|location=[[Vatican City]]
 
|location=[[Vatican City]]
 
|geo={{coor dms|41|54|08|N|12|27|12|E}}
 
|geo={{coor dms|41|54|08|N|12|27|12|E}}
 
|religious_affiliation=[[Roman Catholic]]
 
|religious_affiliation=[[Roman Catholic]]
|district=
 
 
|consecration_year=
 
|consecration_year=
 
|status=Major basilica
 
|status=Major basilica
|leadership=
 
|website=
 
 
|architect=[[Donato Bramante]], [[Antonio da Sangallo the Younger]] (1520 - 1546), [[Michelangelo]] (1546 - ?), [[Giacomo della Porta]]
 
|architect=[[Donato Bramante]], [[Antonio da Sangallo the Younger]] (1520 - 1546), [[Michelangelo]] (1546 - ?), [[Giacomo della Porta]]
 
|architecture_type=[[Church]]
 
|architecture_type=[[Church]]
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|construction_cost=
 
|construction_cost=
 
|capacity=60,000 +
 
|capacity=60,000 +
|length=
 
|width=
 
|width_nave=
 
|height_max=
 
|dome_quantity=
 
|dome_height_outer=
 
|dome_height_inner=
 
|dome_dia_outer=
 
|dome_dia_inner=
 
|minaret_quantity=
 
|minaret_height=
 
|spire_quantity=
 
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}}
 
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The '''Basilica of Saint Petrus''', commonly called '''Saint Peter's Basilica''', is considered one of the holiest of all Christian sites in the Catholic tradition and is the location of principal church of the [[Pope]], over which [[St. Peter]], the chief disciple of [[Jesus Christ]] is said to be buried.
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One of four [[major basilica]]s of [[Rome]]—([[St. John Lateran]], St. Peter's, [[Santa Maria Maggiore]], and [[St. Paul outside the Walls]]), it is the most prominent building inside [[Vatican City]]. [[St. Peter's Basilica#Dome|Its dome]] is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Until recently the largest [[church building]] in [[Christianity]],<ref>The [[Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro]] in Africa has a higher dome and is both longer and wider. However, measurements of the latter include also a rectorate and a villa not strictly part of the church.</ref> it covers an area of 5.7 [[acre]]s and has a capacity of over 60,000 people.
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Construction on the current basilica, over the old Constantinian edifice, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed in 1626. Although a number of architects worked on the structure, [[Michelangelo]] played a key role in saving all that was possible of [[Donato Bramante]]'s original plan for the basilica, done in the [[High Renaissance]] style.
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Today, tens of thousands of [[pilgrim]]s and [[tourist]]s daily visit the basilica, including [[St. Peter's Square]] and the church itself, which notably contains Michelangelo's [[Pieta]], the traditional "Chair of Peter," numerous important altars, and the tombs of [[St. Peter]] and [[Pope John Paul II]].
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==Significance==
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[[Image:Cathedra Petri.jpg|thumb|115|The triumphal "Chair of Peter"]]
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One of the holiest sites of [[Christendom]] St. Peter's is traditionally the burial site of its namesake [[Simon Peter]], who was one of the 12 [[apostle]]s of [[Jesus]], the first [[Bishop of Antioch]], and later the first [[Bishop of Rome]]. Although the [[New Testament]] does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, ancient tradition holds that his [[tomb]] is below the baldachin (a permanent ornamental canopy) and [[altar]]. For this reason, many [[Pope]]s have been buried there.
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Although the Basilica of [[Saint John Lateran]] is the Pope's official ecclesiastical seat, St. Peter's it is most certainly his principal church, as most Papal ceremonies take place at there, due to its size, huge adjoining square, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the [[Vatican City]] walls. The basilica also holds a relic of the ''[[Cathedra]] Petri'', the episcopal throne of the basilica's namesake when he led the Roman church. It is believed that a piece of this cathedra, or chair, is contained within the altarpiece, designed by [[Bernini]].
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==History==
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===First basilica by Constantine===
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[[Image:Basilica di San Pietro 1450.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Nineteenth century drawing of Old Saint Peter's Basilica as it is thought to have looked around 1450.]]
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After his conversion to [[Christianity]], [[Constantine the Great]] ordered the building of a [[basilica]] to replace the simple sanctuary of the Prince of the [[Apostles]]. Begun in the year 323 but not completed until after his death, the southern side of Constantine's basilica was erected along the northern side of the [[Circus Maximus]] where the ancient Romans held their games. Known in the [[Middle Ages]] as the [[Palatium Neronis]], it was constructed in the shape of a cross and consisted of five naves divided into four rows of 22 columns each.
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In its role as the main sanctuary of Western Christendom, the basilica became a repository for vast treasures, including precious mosaic decorations, magnificent vestments, richly decorated entablature, and paintings. A covered [[colonnade]] extended from the basilica to the Porta di St. Pietro at the [[Castle of Sant' Angelo]], through which countless [[pilgrim]]s passed. [[The Vatican]] territory provided for their shelter. Soon a palace was built for the pope near the basilica so than the pontiff could receive visitors while officiating at St. Peter's. A number of [[church]]es, [[monastery|monasteries]], [[cemetery|cemeteries]], and hospices sprang up around the tomb of the "fisher of men."
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===Current basilica===
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[[Image:SaintPierre4.JPG|thumb|200px|Bramante's plan for St Peters]]
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During the papal residence at [[Avignon]], the deterioration of Saint Peter's by the fifteenth century had become obvious. [[Pope Nicholas V]] therefore decided to level the old structure and build a new one in its place. [[Bernardo Rossellini]] of [[Florence]] was selected for the project, and following the pope's plans, the new basilica was to completely surround the choir and transept of the old one. The ground plan was to be a Latin cross with an elongated nave. However, when the pope died in 1455, progress stopped except for the tribune begun in 1450 and the foundations of the wall surrounding the transept.
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The next pope, [[Julius II]], kept the idea of reconstructing the basilica. He held a contest in which the Italian architect, [[Donato Bramante]], who introduced the [[High Renaissance]] style to [[Rome]], won the prized commission. Bramante's enthusiasm in this monumental undertaking are today found in his numerous plans and drawings, which are preserved in the [[Uffizi Gallery]], Florence. The [[architecture|architect]] wanted to place the [[Pantheon]] upon Constantine's basilica, in order that a colossal dome would top the building in the shape of a Greek cross. In 1506, Julius, before 35 cardinals, laid the foundations of this enormous structure.
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[[Image:michdome.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The dome, as designed by [[Michelangelo]].]]
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When Bramante died in 1514, [[Giuliano da Sangallo]] and [[Fra Giacondo da Verona]], together with [[Raphael Sanzio]], continued his work, but they died in 1516 and 1515, respectively. [[Raphael]] was influenced to make changes in Bramante's plan, which he did to some extent. However, after his death, an argument arose as to whether the structure should form a Greek cross, or the nave be extended so create a Latin cross.
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The next two architects, [[Antonio da Sangallo]], who was appointed in 1518, and [[Baldassari Peruzzi]], appointed in 1520, tried out all kinds of experiments on the structure. But it was not until 1548, when and aging [[Michelangelo]] took control, that Bramante's plan could be clearly followed. Michelangelo strengthened the central piers to bear the weight of the immense dome. Although he died in 1564 without seeing the completion of his artistic conception—only the drum, the base on which the [[dome]] rests, was completed—when he died, nonetheless the work was faithfully completed following the great master's vision. The dome was redesigned and vaulted by the architect [[Giacomo della Porta]], with the assistance of Domenico Fontana, who also built the lantern, and the finial was placed in 1593.
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[[Image:Vivianocodazzi stpetersbasilica.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The Basilica of Saint Peter, portrayed by [[Viviano Codazzi]] in a 1630 painting. Note the two bell towers, later removed.]]
  
The '''Basilica of Saint Petrus''', officially known in [[Italian language|Italian]] as the '''Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano''' and commonly called '''Saint Peter's Basilica''', is one of four [[major basilica]]s of [[Rome]] ([[St. John Lateran]], St. Peter's, [[Santa Maria Maggiore]] and [[St. Paul outside the Walls]]). It is the most prominent building inside the [[Vatican City]]. [[St. Peter's Basilica#Dome|Its dome]] is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Saint Peter's is also incidentally the patriarchal basilica of Constantinople whereas the Lateran Basilica is the patriarchal basilica of Rome. Possibly the largest [[church building]] in [[Christianity]]<ref>The [[Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro]] in Africa has a higher dome and is both longer and wider. However, measures of the latter include also a rectorate and a villa not stricly part of the church; its capacity is also much lower: 18,000 people against St. Peter's 60,000.</ref>, it covers an area of 5.7&nbsp;[[acre]]s (2.3&nbsp;[[Hectare|ha]]) and has a capacity of over 60,000 people.  One of the holiest sites of [[Christendom]] in the Catholic tradition, it is traditionally the burial site of its namesake [[Saint Peter]], who was one of the twelve [[apostle]]s of [[Jesus]], first [[Bishop of Antioch]], and later first [[Bishop of Rome]]. Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, ancient tradition holds that his [[tomb]] is below the baldachin and [[altar]]; for this reason, many [[Pope]]s, starting with the first ones, have been buried there. Construction on the current basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed in 1626<ref>''Columbia Magazine'', April 2006, page 18.</ref>.
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Yet, the structure itself might not have been completed at the start of the next century if, in 1606, [[Pope Paul V]] had decided not follow through on the form of the Latin cross. For the next 20 years, [[Carlo Maderna]] constructed the current façade and [[Gianlorenzo Bernini]] spent considerable time and money adorning the front with bell towers in the [[Italy|Italian]] [[Baroque]] style, which for artistic reasons were removed in their current state of construction. On November 18, 1626, [[Pope Urban VIII]] solemnly dedicated the church, which except for some remaining details was virtually complete.
  
Although the Vatican basilica is not the Pope's official ecclesiastical seat ([[Saint John Lateran]]), it is most certainly his principal church, as most Papal ceremonies take place at St. Peter's due to its size, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls.  The basilica also holds a relic of the ''[[Cathedra]] Petri'', the episcopal throne of the basilica's namesake when he led the Roman church, but which is no longer used as the Papal ''cathedra''. It is believed that a piece of this cathedra, or chair, is contained within the altarpiece, designed by [[Bernini]].
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In the construction of St Peter's, there were three identifiable stages: (1) Bramante's Greek cross with the [[dome]]; (2) [[Michelangelo]]'s, a Greek cross with dome, plus a [[vestibule]] with a [[portico]] of [[column]]s; and (3) [[Paul V]]'s, a Latin cross with [[Baroque]] [[façade]].
  
==Details==
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===Indulgences===
[[Image:Vivianocodazzi stpetersbasilica.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Basilica of Saint Peter, portrayed by [[Viviano Codazzi]] in a 1630 painting. Note the two bell towers, later removed.]]
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Part of the funding for the early stages of the rebuilding of St. Peter's came about in very controversial fashion. Archbishop [[Albert of Mains]] had taken out a loan from a German banking house, reportedly in order to provide a gift to the Pope that secured Albert's episcopal office. To pay back this sum, Archbishop Albert sold [[indulgence]]s for the rebuilding of St. Peter's, with half the collection going to Rome and half to pay back his debt.
[[Image:St Peter's Square, Vatican City - April 2007.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Saint Peter's Square|Piazza di San Pietro]].]]
 
===Burial site of St Peter===
 
{{Main|Saint Peter's tomb}}
 
  
===Old St. Peter's===
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[[Johann Tetzel]], a [[Dominican]] monk employed by Albert, promoted these indulgences in [[Germany]], using questionable sales tactics that prompted [[Martin Luther]] to write his historic disputation in 95 theses, on October 31, 1517, a copy of which he also sent to Archbishop Albert, thus sparking the schism between [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Protestantism]].
{{Main|Old Saint Peter's Basilica}}
 
  
===Other burials===
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==Exterior==
There are over 100 tombs located within St. Peter's Basilica, many located in the ''[[Vatican grotto]]'', beneath the Basilica. These include 91 popes, St. [[Ignatius of Antioch]], and the composer [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina]]. Exiled Catholic British royalty [[James Francis Edward Stuart]] and his two sons, [[Charles Edward Stuart]] and [[Henry Benedict Stuart]], are buried here, due to being granted asylum by [[Pope Clement XI]].  The most prominent woman entombed is [[Christina of Sweden]], who abdicated her throne in order to convert to Catholicism. The most recent interment was [[Pope John Paul II]], on April 8 2005. Beneath, near the [[crypt]], is the recently-discovered vaulted fourth-century "[[Tomb of the Julii]]."
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===St. Peter's Square===
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[[Image:View from Dome of St. Peters Square.jpg|thumb|275px|View of St. Peters Square from the Dome]]Directly to the east of the church is [[Saint Peter's Square|St. Peter's Square ''(Piazza di San Pietro)'']], built by Gianlorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667. It is surrounded by an elliptical colonnade with two pairs of [[Doric]] [[columns]] which form its breadth, each bearing [[Ionic order|Ionic]] [[entablatures]]. The colonnade wraps around the square, embracing the faithful in "the motherly arms of the church"
  
===St Peter's Square===
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This is an excellent example of [[Baroque]] [[architecture]], where creativity is coupled with flexible guidelines. In the center of the [[colonnade]] is a 83.6-[[foot]]-tall obelisk. [[Domenico Fontana]] finished moving the [[obelisk]] to its present location on September 28, 1586 by order of [[Pope Sixtus V]]. The obelisk dates back to the thirteenth century B.C.E. in [[Egypt]], and was moved to Rome in [[Anno Domini|AD]]&nbsp;37 to stand in the [[Circus of Nero]] some 820 feet away. Including the cross on top and its base, the obelisk reaches 131 feet. The Vatican obelisk is notable for being the second-largest standing obelisk, and the only one that has remained standing since it was erected during the Roman Empire. An original bronze globe on top of the structure was removed when the obelisk was re-erected in St Peter's Square by Domenico Fontana. There are also two fountains in the square, the north one by [[Carlo Maderno|Maderno]] (1613) and the southern one by [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini|Bernini]] (1675). The square is reached mainly through the [[Via della Conciliazione]] built by [[Mussolini]] after the conclusion of the [[Lateran Treaties]].
{{main|Saint Peter's Square}}
 
Directly to the east of the church is [[Saint Peter's Square|St Peter's Square (''Piazza di San Pietro'')]], built by Gianlorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667. It is surrounded by an elliptical colonnade with two pairs of [[Doric]] [[columns]] which form its breadth, each bearing [[Ionic order|Ionic]] [[entablatures]]. The colonnade wraps around the square, embracing the faithful in "the motherly arms of the church"<ref name="greatbuildings">[http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Piazza_of_St._Peters.html Piazza of St. Peter's - Bernini]</ref>. This is an excellent example of [[Baroque]] [[architecture]], where creativity is coupled with flexible guidelines. In the center of the [[colonnade]] is a 25.5 [[metre]] (83.6&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length)|ft]]) tall obelisk. [[Domenico Fontana]] finished moving the [[obelisk]] to its present location on September 28, 1586 by order of [[Pope Sixtus V]]. The obelisk dates back to the 13th century B.C.E. in [[Egypt]], and was moved to Rome in [[Anno Domini|AD]]&nbsp;37 to stand in the [[Circus of Nero]] some 250 metres (820&nbsp;ft) away. Including the cross on top and its base, the obelisk reaches 40 metres (131&nbsp;ft). The Vatican obelisk is notable for being the second largest standing obelisk and the only one that remained standing since it was erected during the Roman Empire. An original bronze globe on top of the structure was removed when the obelisk was re-erected in St Peter's Square by Domenico Fontana. There are also two fountains in the square, the north one by [[Carlo Maderno|Maderno]] (1613) and the southern one by [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini|Bernini]] (1675). The square is reached mainly through the [[Via della Conciliazione]] built by Mussolini after the conclusion of the [[Lateran Treaties]].
 
  
 
===Dome===
 
===Dome===
There is a widespread assumption that the dome, or ''[[cupola]]'', as it presently stands, was designed by [[Michelangelo]], who became chief architect in 1546.  In fact, Michelangelo's design called for a spherical dome.  At the time of his death (1564), only the drum set, the base on which a dome rests, had been completed. The dome proper was redesigned and vaulted by the architect [[Giacomo della Porta]], with the assistance of [[Domenico Fontana]], who was probably the best engineer of the day. Fontana built the lantern the following year, and the finial was placed in 1593. Many are fascinated by the ability of the artist of who created it.
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[[Image:StPetersDomePD.jpg|thumb|right|The dome, redesigned and completed by Giacomo della Porta in 1590.]]
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As built, the double dome is brick, 138.8 [[feet]] in interior diameter (almost as large as the [[Pantheon, Rome|Pantheon]]), and rises to 394 feet above the floor. In the mid-eighteenth century, cracks appeared in the dome, so four iron chains were installed between the two shells to bind it, like the rings that keep a barrel from bursting. The four piers of the [[crossing (architecture)|crossing]] that support it are each 59 feet across.
  
[[Image:michdome.jpg|thumb|left|260px|The dome, as designed by [[Michelangelo]].]]
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The egg-shaped dome exerts less outward thrust than a lower [[hemisphere|hemispheric]] one would have done. The dome conceived by [[Donato Bramante]] at the outset in 1503 was planned to be carried out with a single masonry shell, a plan discovered to be infeasible. [[Antonio da Sangallo the Younger]] came up with the double shell, and [[Michelangelo]] improved upon it. The piers at the crossing, which were the first masonry to be laid, and which were intended to support the original dome, were a constant concern, too slender in Bramante's plan, they were redesigned several times as the dome plans evolved.  
As built, the double dome is brick, 42.3 meters (138.8 [[feet (unit of length)|ft]]) in interior diameter (almost as large as the [[Pantheon, Rome|Pantheon]]), rising to 120 meters (394 ft) above the floor. In the mid-18th century, cracks appeared in the dome, so four iron chains were installed between the two shells to bind it, like the rings that keep a barrel from bursting. (Visitors who climb the spiral stairs between the dome shells can glimpse them.) The four piers of the [[crossing (architecture)|crossing]] that support it are each 18 metres (59 ft) across. It is not simply its vast scale (136.57 m or 448.06 ft from the floor of the church to the top of the added cross) that makes it extraordinary. Della Porta's dome is not a [[Sphere|hemisphere]], but a [[paraboloid]]: it has a vertical thrust, which is made more emphatic by the bold ribbing that springs from the paired [[Corinthian order|Corinthian columns]], which appear to be part of the drum, but which stand away from it like buttresses, to absorb the outward thrust of the dome's weight. The grand arched openings just visible in the illustration but normally invisible to viewers below, enable access (but not to the public) all around the base of the drum; they are dwarfed by the monumental scale of their surroundings.  Above, the vaulted dome rises to Fontana's two-stage lantern, capped with a spire.
 
  
The egg-shaped dome exerts less outward thrust than a lower hemispheric one (such as [[Jules Hardouin Mansart|Mansart]]'s at [[Les Invalides]]) would have done.  The dome conceived by [[Donato Bramante]] at the outset in 1503 was planned to be carried out with a single masonry shell, a plan discovered to be infeasible.  [[Antonio da Sangallo the Younger]] came up with the double shell, and Michelangelo improved upon it. The piers at the crossing, which were the first masonry to be laid, and which were intended to support the original dome, were a constant concern, too slender in Bramante's plan, they were redesigned several times as the dome plans evolved.
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It is not simply its vast scale (448.06 feet from the floor of the church to the top of the added cross) that makes the dome extraordinary. Della Porta's dome is not a [[Sphere|hemisphere]], but a [[paraboloid]]: it has a vertical thrust, which is made more emphatic by the bold ribbing that springs from the paired [[Corinthian order|Corinthian columns]], which appear to be part of the drum, but which stand away from it like buttresses, to absorb the outward thrust of the dome's weight. Above, the vaulted dome rises to Fontana's two-stage lantern, capped with a spire.
[[Image:StPetersDomePD.jpg|thumb|right|275px|The dome, redesigned and completed by Giacomo della Porta in 1590.]]
 
[[Image:Holy-door.jpg|thumb|right|275px|[[Holy Door]], the northern most entrance at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.]]
 
[[Image:Altar of St Peter's Basilica.jpg|right|thumb|275px|''Cathedra Petri'', Altar of the [[Chair of St. Peter]].]]
 
Other domes around the world, built since, are generally compared to this one or contrasted with it.
 
  
 
=== Entrances ===
 
=== Entrances ===
Above the main entrance is the inscription, {{cquote|<small>IN HONOREM PRINCIPIS APOST PAVLVS V BVRGHESIVS ROMANVS PONT MAX AN  MDCXII PONT VII</small><br/> (''In honor of the prince of apostles; by [[Pope Paul V|Paul V]] Borghese, a Roman, Supreme Pontiff, in the year 1612 and the seventh year of his pontificate'').}}
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[[Image:St peters2 hh.JPG|thumb|250px|Statue of Saint Peter in foreground with the façade and main entrance in the rear]]
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Above the main entrance is the inscription (translated from Latin), "In honor of the prince of apostles; by [[Pope Paul V|Paul V]] Borghese, a Roman, Supreme Pontiff, in the year 1612 and the seventh year of his pontificate."
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The façade is 376.28 feet wide and 149.44 feet high. On top are statues of [[Christ]], [[John the Baptist]], and 11 of the apostles; The statues of St. Peter and St. Paul are in front of the parish. Two clocks are on either side of the top, the one on the left has been operated electrically since 1931, its oldest bell dating to 1288.
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[[Image:Holy-door.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The [[Holy Door]]]]
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Between the façade and the interior is the [[portico]]. Mainly designed by Maderno, it contains an eighteenth-century statue of [[Charlemagne]] by [[Agostino Cornacchini|Cornacchini]] to the south, and an [[equestrian sculpture]] of [[Constantine I|Emperor Constantine]] by Bernini (1670) to the north. The southernmost door, designed by [[Giacomo Manzù]], is called the "Door of the Dead." The door in the center is by [[Antonio Averulino]] (1455), and preserved from the previous [[basilica]].
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The northernmost door is the "Holy Door" in bronze by [[Vico Consorti]] (1950), which is by tradition, only opened for great celebrations such as [[Jubilee (Christian)|Jubilee years]]. Above it are inscriptions, the top reading <small>PAVLVS V PONT MAX ANNO XIII</small>, and the one just above the door reading <small>GREGORIVS XIII PONT MAX</small>. In between are white slabs commemorating the most recent openings.
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==Interior==
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[[Image:Michelangelo's Pieta 5450 cropncleaned.jpg|thumb|250px|Michelangelo's Pieta]]
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===The Pieta===
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At St. Peter's, [[Michelangelo]]'s famed [[Michelangelo's Pietà|''Pietà'']] (1498–1499) is situated among several noteworthy [[church monument|monuments and memorials]].
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This famous work of art depicts the [[body]] of [[Jesus]] on the lap of his mother [[Mary]] after the [[Crucifixion]]. The theme is of northern origin, popular in [[France]] but not yet in [[Italy]]. Michelangelo's interpretation of the ''Pietà'' was unique in its time. It is an important work as it balances the [[Renaissance]] ideals of classical beauty with [[naturalism]]. It was commissioned by the French cardinal [[Jean de Billheres]], who was a representative in [[Rome]]. Originally made for the cardinal's [[funeral]] [[monument]], it was moved to its current location, the first [[chapel]] on the right as one enters the basilica, in the eighteenth century.
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After an incident in 1972 when an individual damaged it with an [[axe]], the sculpture was placed behind protective glass. The statue is one of the most highly finished works by Michelangelo and is a major attraction for visitors.
  
The façade is 114.69 metres (376.28&nbsp;ft) wide and 45.55 metres (149.44&nbsp;ft) high. On top are statues of Christ, [[John the Baptist]], and eleven of the apostles; The statues of St Peter and St Paul are in front of the parish. Two clocks are on either side of the top, the one on the left has been operated electrically since 1931, its oldest bell dating to 1288.
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===Monuments===
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Along the same aisle are the monuments of popes [[Pope Pius XI|Pius XI]] and [[Pope Pius XII|Pius XII]], as well as the altar of [[Sebastian|St. Sebastian]]. Even further up is the [[Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament]], which is open during religious services only. Inside it is a tabernacle on the altar resembling [[Donato Bramante|Bramante]]'s ''Tempietto'' at [[San Pietro in Montorio]]. Bernini sculpted this gilded bronze tabernacle in 1674. The two kneeling angels were added later. Further still are the monuments of popes [[Pope Gregory XIII|Gregory XIII]] (completed in 1723 by [[Camillo Rusconi|Rusconi]]) and [[Pope Gregory XIV|Gregory XIV]].
  
Between the façade and the interior is the [[portico]]. Mainly designed by Maderno, it contains an 18th century statue of [[Charlemagne]] by [[Agostino Cornacchini|Cornacchini]] to the south, and an [[equestrian sculpture]] of [[Constantine I|Emperor Constantine]] by Bernini (1670) to the north. The southernmost door, designed by [[Giacomo Manzù]], is called the "Door of the Dead." The door in the center is by [[Antonio Averulino]] (1455), and preserved from the previous basilica.
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In the northwestern corner of the nave sits the statue of St. Peter Enthroned, attributed to late-thirteenth century sculptor [[Arnolfo di Cambio]] (with some scholars dating it back to the fifth century). The foot of the statue is eroded due to centuries of pilgrims kissing it. Along the floor of the nave are markers with the comparative lengths of other churches, starting from the entrance (not an original detail). Along the pilasters are niches housing 39 statues of saints who founded religious orders.
  
The northernmost door is the "Holy Door" in bronze by [[Vico Consorti]] (1950), which is by tradition, only opened for great celebrations such as [[Jubilee (Christian)|Jubilee years]]. Above it are inscriptions, the top reading <small>PAVLVS V PONT MAX ANNO XIII</small>, and the one just above the door reading <small>GREGORIVS XIII PONT MAX</small>. In between are white slabs commemorating the most recent openings. <!-- This is taken from an old source, has the inscription been renewed since 2000, and, if so, what does it read? —>
+
[[Image:Monument Stuwt.jpg|thumb|left|Monument to the Stuart kings of England]]
  
{|
+
In the the left aisle there is the Altar of Transfiguration. Walking down toward the entrance are the monuments to [[Pope Leo XI|Leo XI]] and [[Pope Innocent XI|Innocent XI]] followed by the ''Chapel of the Immaculate Virgin Mary''. After that come the monuments to [[Pope Pius X|Pius X]] and [[Pope Innocent VIII|Innocent VIII]], then the monuments to [[Pope John XXIII|John XXIII]] and [[Pope Benedict XV|Benedict XV]], and the Chapel of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin.
| style="vertical-align:top;" |
 
<small>IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.<br/>
 
PORTAM SANCTAM<br/>
 
ANNO IVBILAEI MCMLXXVI<br/>
 
A PAVLO PP VI<br/>
 
RESERVATAM ET CLAVSAM<br/>
 
APERVIT ET CLAVSIT<br/>
 
ANNO IVB HVMANE REDEMP<br/>
 
MCMLXXXIII &ndash; MCMLXXXIV<br/>
 
</small>
 
| style="vertical-align:top;" |
 
<small>
 
IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.<br/>
 
ITERVM PORTAM SANCTAM<br/>
 
APERVIT ET CLAVSIT<br/>
 
ANNO MAGNI IVBILAEI<br/>
 
AB INCARNATIONE DOMINI<br/>
 
MM-MMI<br/>
 
</small>
 
| style="vertical-align:top;" |
 
<small>
 
PAVLVS VI PONT MAX<br/>
 
HVIVS PATRIARCALIS<br/>
 
VATICANAE BASILICAE<br/>
 
PORTAM SANCTAM<br/>
 
APERVIT ET CLAVSIT<br/>
 
ANNO IVBILAEI MCMLXXV<br/>
 
</small>
 
|-
 
|<small>In the jubilee year of human redemption 1983-4, [[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]], [[Pontifex Maximus]], opened and closed again the holy door closed and set apart by Paul VI in 1976.
 
</small>
 
  
|<small>John Paul II, Pontifex Maximus, again opened and closed the holy door in the year of the great jubilee, from the incarnation of the Lord 2000-2001.
+
After that comes the [[Monument to the Royal Stuarts]], directly opposite the one to [[Maria Klementyna Sobieska|Maria Clementina Sobieska]]. Symmetrically, the two monarchs who gave up their thrones for their [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] faith in the seventeenth century, are honored side by side in the most important church in [[Catholicism]]. Finally, right before the end of the church, is the baptistry.
</small>
 
  
|<small>Paul VI, Pontifex Maximus, opened and closed the holy door of this patriarchal Vatican basilica in the jubilee year of 1975.
+
The right transept contains three altars, of [[Saint Wenceslas|St. Wenceslas]], [[Processus and Martinian|St. Processus and St. Martinian]], and [[St Erasmus|St. Erasmus]]. The left transept also contains three altars, that of [[St Peter's Crucifixion]], [[St. Joseph]], and [[Thomas (apostle)|St. Thomas]]. West of the left transept is the monument to [[Pope Alexander VII|Alexander VII]] by Bernini. A skeleton lifts a fold of red marble drapery and holds an hourglass symbolising the inevitability of death. He is flanked on the right by a statue representing religion, who holds her foot atop a globe, with a thorn piercing her toe from the [[British Isles]], symbolizing the pope's problems with the [[Church of England]].
</small>
 
|}
 
  
===Interior===
+
===St. Peter's baldachin===
Walking along the right aisle of the basilica, there are several noteworthy [[church monument|monuments and memorials]]. The first is Michelangelo's [[Michelangelo's Pietà|''Pietà'']], located immediately to the right of the entrance. After an incident in 1972 when an individual damaged it with an [[axe]], the sculpture was placed behind protective glass. Up the aisle is the monument of [[Queen Christina of Sweden]], who abdicated in 1654 in order to convert to Catholicism. Further up are the monuments of popes [[Pope Pius XI|Pius XI]] and [[Pope Pius XII|Pius XII]], as well as the altar of [[Sebastian|St Sebastian]]. Even further up is the [[Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament]], which is open during religious services only. Inside it is a tabernacle on the altar resembling [[Donato Bramante|Bramante]]'s ''Tempietto'' at [[San Pietro in Montorio]]. Bernini sculpted this gilded bronze tabernacle in 1674. The two kneeling angels were added later. Further still are the monuments of popes [[Pope Gregory XIII|Gregory XIII]] (completed in 1723 by [[Camillo Rusconi|Rusconi]]) and [[Pope Gregory XIV|Gregory XIV]].
+
[[Image:Het Baldakijn van Bernini - The Baldachinno.jpg|thumb|200px|Saint Peter's baldichin]]
 +
Over the main altar stands a 98-foot-tall [[St. Peter's baldachin|baldachin]], an elaborate, ornamental canopy held by four immense pillars, all designed by Bernini between 1624 and 1632. The baldachin was built to fill the space beneath the cupola, and it is said that the bronze used to make it was taken from the Pantheon. The representation of a chair, part of the sculpture, is said to contain the remnants of the chair belonging to Saint Peter (It is also said that it is the largest bronze piece in the world.)
  
In the northwestern corner of the nave sits the statue of St. Peter Enthroned, attributed to late 13th century sculptor [[Arnolfo di Cambio]] (with some scholars dating it back to the 5th century). The foot of the statue is eroded due to centuries of pilgrims kissing it. Along the floor of the nave are markers with the comparative lengths of other churches, starting from the entrance (not an original detail). Along the pilasters are niches housing 39 statues of saints who founded religious orders.
+
===St. Peter's tomb===
 +
Underneath the baldachin is the traditional tomb of St. Peter. In the four corners surrounding the baldachin are statues of [[Helena of Constantinople|St. Helena]] (northwest, holding a large cross in her right hand, by [[Andrea Bolgi]]), [[Longinus (Christian mythology)|St. Longinus]] (northeast, holding his spear in his right hand, by Bernini in 1639), [[Saint Andrew|St. Andrew]] (southeast, spread upon the cross which bears his name, by [[Francois Duquesnoy]]), and [[Saint Veronica|St. Veronica]] (southwest, holding her veil, by [[Francesco Mochi]]). Each of these statues represents a relic associated with the person, respectively, a piece of [[True Cross|The Cross]], the [[Spear of Destiny, The Spear of Longinus]], St. Andrew's head (as well as part of his cross) and [[Veronica's Veil]]. In 1964, St. Andrew's head was returned to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Greek Orthodox Church]] by the Pope. It should be noted that the Vatican makes no claims as to the authenticity of several of these relics.
  
Walking down the left aisle there is the Altar of Transfiguration. Walking down towards the entrance are the monuments to [[Pope Leo XI|Leo XI]] and [[Pope Innocent XI|Innocent XI]] followed by the ''Chapel of the Immaculate Virgin Mary''. After that come the monuments to [[Pope Pius X|Pius X]] and [[Pope Innocent VIII|Innocent VIII]], then the monuments to [[Pope John XXIII|John XXIII]] and [[Pope Benedict XV|Benedict XV]], and the Chapel of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. After that comes the [[Monument to the Royal Stuarts]], directly opposite the one to [[Maria Klementyna Sobieska|Maria Clementina Sobieska]]. Symmetrically, the two monarchs who gave up their thrones for their [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] faith in the 17th century, are honored side by side in the most important church in Catholicism. Finally, right before the end of the church, is the Baptistry.
+
===Interior dome inscriptions===
 +
[[Image:Interior9m.jpg|thumb|200px|The dome, interior view]]
 +
Along the base of the inside of the dome is written (translation from Latin), in letters six feet, five inches high, from {{bibleverse||Matthew|16:18-19|4}}; "...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. ... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven...."  Near the top of the dome is another, smaller, circular inscription: "To the glory of St. Peter; Sixtus V, pope, in the year 1590 and the fifth year of his pontificate."
  
The right transept contains three altars, of [[Saint Wenceslas|St. Wenceslas]], [[Processus and Martinian|St. Processus and St. Martinian]], and [[St Erasmus|St. Erasmus]]. The left transept also contains three altars, that of [[St Peter's Crucifixion]], [[St. Joseph]] and [[Thomas (apostle)|St. Thomas]]. West of the left transept is the monument to [[Pope Alexander VII|Alexander VII]] by Bernini. A skeleton lifts a fold of red marble drapery and holds an hourglass symbolising the inevitability of death. He is flanked on the right by a statue representing religion, who holds her foot atop a globe, with a thorn piercing her toe from the [[British Isles]], symbolizing the pope's problems with the [[Church of England]].
+
''[[St Petronilla Altarpiece|The Burial of St. Petronilla]]'' is an altarpiece painted by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri ([[Guercino]]) in 1623. It simultaneously depicts the burial and the welcoming to heaven of the martyred [[St. Petronilla]]. The altar is dedicated to the saint, and contains her relics.
  
Over the main altar stands a 30 metres (98 ft) tall [[St. Peter's baldachin|baldachin]] held by four immense pillars, all designed by Bernini between 1624 and 1632. The baldachin was built to fill the space beneath the cupola, and it is said that the bronze used to make it was taken from the Pantheon. The representation of a chair, part of the sculpture, is said to contain the remnants of the chair belonging to Saint Peter (It is also said that it is the largest bronze piece in the world.)  Underneath the baldachin is the traditional tomb of St. Peter. In the four corners surrounding the baldachin are statues of [[Helena of Constantinople|St. Helena]] (northwest, holding a large cross in her right hand, by [[Andrea Bolgi]]), [[Longinus (Christian mythology)|St. Longinus]] (northeast, holding his spear in his right hand, by Bernini in 1639), [[Saint Andrew|St. Andrew]] (southeast, spread upon the cross which bears his name, by [[Francois Duquesnoy]]) and [[Saint Veronica|St. Veronica]] (southwest, holding her veil, by [[Francesco Mochi]]). Each of these statues represents a relic associated with the person, respectively, a piece of [[True Cross|The Cross]], the [[Spear of Destiny, The Spear of Longinus]], St Andrew's head (as well as part of his cross) and [[Veronica's Veil]]. In 1964, St Andrew's head was returned to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Greek Orthodox Church]] by the Pope. It should be noted that the Vatican makes no claims as to the authenticity of several of these relics, and in fact other Catholic churches also possess "the same" relics.
+
==St. Peter's today==
 +
===Tourist, pilgrim destination===
 +
St. Peter's basilica is a major tourist destination in modern Rome, with tens of thousands of visitors each day to the square and to the church. The numbers can increase dramatically when outdoor masses, such as those officiated by the Pope at Easter, cause the square to fill with the faithful and pilgrims from throughout the world. Visitors to the church come not only to see the striking architecture, art, and artifacts, but for the historic burial sites as well. Tradition also locates Saint Peter's burial place, directly beneath the Basilica's high altar.
  
Along the base of the inside of the dome is written, in letters 2 metres (6.5 ft) high, <small>TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM. TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM</small> ([[Vulgate]], from {{bibleverse||Matthew|16:18-19|4}}; "...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. ... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven....").  Near the top of the dome is another, smaller, circular inscription: <small>S. PETRI GLORIAE SIXTVS PP. V. A. M. D. XC. PONTIF. V.</small> (''To the glory of St Peter; Sixtus V, pope, in the year 1590 and the fifth year of his pontificate'').
+
===Tomb of John Paul II===
[[Image:Cardinals at StPeters.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Interior of the apse showing Cardinals at Mass two days before [[conclave]], April 16, 2005.]]
+
[[Image:Johnpauliitomb.jpg|thumb|The tomb of John Paul II]]
''[[St Petronilla Altarpiece|The Burial of St Petronilla]]'' is an altarpiece painted by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri ([[Guercino]]) in 1623. It simultaneously depicts the burial and the welcoming to heaven of the martyred [[St. Petronilla]]. The altar is dedicated to the saint, and contains her relics.
+
The tomb of John Paul II, located in an underground grotto beneath St. Peter's Basilica, has been attracting a record number of visitors since it was opened to the public, on April 13, 2005. Archbishop Angelo Comastri, head of the office that looks after the world-famous basilica, estimated the number of visitors at "15,000 people per day, with peaks of 20,000 during weekends," a figure that prompted Rome-based daily ''Il Messaggero'' to compare the grotto to the city's other major tourist attraction, the Coliseum. On some days, lines of people wanting to visit St. Peter's can be seen extending the full circle around the basilica's enormous square.
  
At the [[apse]] of the church is the ''Triumph of the Chair of Saint Peter'' (1666) by Bernini, a focus of the Feast of ''Cathedra Petri'' celebrated annually on February 22 in accordance to the [[calendar of saints]].  The triumph is topped by a yellow window (made of finely cut alabaster)in with the image of a dove, portraying the [[Holy Spirit]], surrounded by twelve rays, symbolising the apostles.  The rays protruding from the window also symbolize the grace of God, supporting the Chair of Peter to show the source of the authority. The Chair is made of a bronze encasing, which is a [[relic]] of the chair of St Peter, given to the Vatican from [[Charles the Bald]] in 875. To the right of the chair are [[Ambrose|St. Ambrose]] and [[Augustine of Hippo|St. Augustine]] (fathers of the Latin church), and to the left are [[Athanasius of Alexandria|St. Athanasius]] and [[John Chrysostom|St. John Chrysostom]] (fathers of the Greek church). Further to the right is the monument to [[Pope Urban VIII|Urban VIII]], by Bernini, and further to the left is the monument to [[Pope Paul III|Paul III]].
+
===Other burials===
<br clear="both" />
+
There are over 100 tombs located within St. Peter's Basilica, many located in the ''[[Vatican grotto]]'', beneath the Basilica. These include 91 popes, St. [[Ignatius of Antioch]], and the composer [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina]]. Exiled Catholic British royalty [[James Francis Edward Stuart]] and his two sons, [[Charles Edward Stuart]] and [[Henry Benedict Stuart]], are buried here, due to being granted asylum by [[Pope Clement XI]]. The most prominent woman entombed is [[Christina of Sweden]], who abdicated her throne in order to convert to Catholicism. Near John Paul II's [[crypt]], is the recently discovered vaulted fourth-century "[[Tomb of the Julii]]."
  
 
===Gallery===
 
===Gallery===
Line 168: Line 163:
 
Image:St_peter_basilica.JPG|Inside, May 2003
 
Image:St_peter_basilica.JPG|Inside, May 2003
 
</gallery></center>
 
</gallery></center>
 
==Archpriests of Saint Peter’s Basilica since 1820==
 
 
*[[Pietro Cardinal Galleffi]] (6 May 1820 – 18 June 1837)
 
*[[Giacomo Cardinal Giustiniani]] (1 July 1837 – 24 February  1843)
 
*[[Mario Cardinal Mattei]] (11 March 1843 – 7 October 1870)
 
*[[Niccola Cardinal Clarelli Parracciani]] (8 October1870 – 7 July 1872)
 
*[[Edoardo Cardinal Borromeo]] (10 July 1872 – 30 November 1881)
 
*[[Edward Cardinal Howard]] (12 December 1881 – 16 September 1892)
 
*[[Francesco Cardinal Ricci Paracciani]] (6 October 1892 – 9 March 1894)
 
*[[Mariano Cardinal Rampolla del Tindaro]] (21 March 1894 – 16 December 1913)
 
*[[Rafael Merry del Val|Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val y Zulueta]] (12 January  1914  – 26 February 1930)
 
*[[Federico Tedeschini|Federico Cardinal Tedeschini]] (14 March 1939 – 2 November 1959)
 
*[[Paolo Cardinal Marella]] (14 August 1961 – 8 February 1983)
 
*[[Aurelio Cardinal Sabattani]] (8 February 1983 – 1 July 1991)
 
*[[Virgilio Cardinal Noè]] (1 July 1991 – 24 April 2002)
 
*[[Francesco Cardinal Marchisano]] (24 April 2002 – 10 October 2006)
 
*[[Archbishop]] [[Angelo Comastri]] (10 October 2006- )
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
Line 191: Line 168:
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1118_vaticanbasilica.html Inside the Vatican], a National Geographic Television Special
+
* ''The Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican: The Architecture, the Monuments, and the Works of Art''. Kessinger Publishing, 2004. ISBN 9781417965205
*Bannister, Turpin. “The Constantian Basilica of Saint Peter at Rome.” ''The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians'' (March 1968) 3-32.
+
* Bannister, Turpin. "The Constantinian Basilica of Saint Peter at Rome,” ''The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians'', March, 1968. 3-32.
*Boorsch, Suzanne. “The Building of the Vatican: The Papacy and Architecture.”  ''The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin'' (Winter 1982) 1-2;4-64.
+
* Boorsch, Suzanne. “The Building of the Vatican: The Papacy and Architecture.”  ''The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin''. (Winter, 1982)1-2; 4-64.
*Finch, Margaret.  ''The Cantharus and Pigna at Old Saint Peter’s''.  Gesta (1991).
+
* Frommel, Christoph. “Papal Policy: The Planning of Rome during the Renaissance,” ''Journal of Interdisciplinary History'' (Summer 1986). 39-65.
*Frommel, Christoph. “Papal Policy: The Planning of Rome during the Renaissance. ''Journal of Interdisciplinary History''. (Summer 1986) 39-65.
+
* McIntish, Jane. ''St. Peter's Basilica: Audio Guide to Rome's St. Peter's Basilica and Its Remarkable Art Treasures'' (Audio CD), Context Audio Guides, 2005. ISBN 0976905219
*[http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Docs/JLM/SaintPeters-1.htm Lees-Milne, James. ''St. Peter's'' Little Brown and Co. (1967)]
+
* Scotti, R.A. ''Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's''. Viking Adult, 2006. ASIN B000OFOIWW
*McClendon, Charles. ''The History of the Site of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.'' Perspecta. (1989) 32-65.
+
* Tronzo, William (ed.). ''St. Peter's in the Vatican''. Cambridge University Press, 2005. ISBN 9780521640961
*Kleiner, Fred and Christin Mamiya. ''Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective''. v2. 12th edition.  (Thomas Wadsworth, 2006), 499-500, 571-575.
+
 
*[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286 UNESCO website on the Holy See].
 
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
{{commons|Basilica di San Pietro|Basilica di San Pietro}}
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* [http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org Largest online site for the Basilica] – ''www.saintpetrsbasilica.org''. Retrieved August 10, 2007.
*[http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org stpetersbasilica.org] Largest online site for the Basilica
+
* [http://www.virtualsweden.se/projects/peters/ Fullscreen Virtual Tour by Virtualsweden] – ''www.virtualsweden.se''. Retrieved August 10, 2007.
*[http://www.virtualsweden.se/projects/peters/ Fullscreen Virtual Tour by Virtualsweden]
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* [http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/st-peters-basilica-pictures/index.htm St. Peter's Basilica Photo Gallery] 249 photos. ''www.sacred-destinations.com''. Retrieved August 10, 2007.
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=vatican&ll=41.901806,12.455138&spn=0.004081,0.007298&t=h&hl=en Google Maps Satellite image of the Basilica]
+
* [http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/st_peter_basilica.htm St Peter's Basilica, Rome (pictures and virtual reality movies).] – ''www.italyguides.it''. Retrieved August 10, 2007.
*[http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Roma/Rome/_Texts/Lanciani/LANPAC/3*.html#sec16 Circus of Nero and the old and new Basilicas superimposed, showing the tomb of Peter]
 
*[http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/st-peters-basilica-pictures/index.htm St. Peter's Basilica Photo Gallery] 249 photos
 
*[http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/st_peter_basilica.htm St Peter's Basilica, Rome] pictures and virtual reality movies
 
*[http://www.activitaly.it/inglese/monument/basilica_St_Peter_rome.htm Basilica of St Peter, Rome by Activitaly]
 
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13369b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia] Catholic Encyclopedia article
 
* [http://www.arounder.eu/spa/spa.html Vatican City, Piazza San Pietro] VR panorama with map and compass effect by Tolomeus
 
* [http://pws.prserv.net/usinet.danance/chorg/vatorg.html The pipe organs of St Peter's Basilica]
 
* [http://www.arounder.eu/sanpietro.mov Vatican City, Piazza San Pietro] QTVR panorama hi-res (15 Mb) by Tolomeus
 
  
 
{{Papal symbols and ceremonial}}
 
{{Papal symbols and ceremonial}}
 
{{Rome landmarks}}
 
{{Rome landmarks}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Peter's Basilica}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Peter's Basilica}}
[[Category:nations and places]]
 
 
{{Credit|140074028}}
 
{{Credit|140074028}}
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 +
[[Category:Geography]]

Revision as of 22:59, 9 April 2008


Saint Peter's Basilica
Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano
Petersdom von Engelsburg gesehen.jpg

The Basilica of Saint Peter

Basic information
Location Vatican City
Geographic coordinates coord}}{{#coordinates:41|54|08|N|12|27|12|E| name=

}}

Religious affiliation Roman Catholic
Ecclesiastical status Major basilica
Architectural description
Architect/s Donato Bramante, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger (1520 - 1546), Michelangelo (1546 - ?), Giacomo della Porta
Architectural type Church
Year completed 1626
Specifications
Capacity 60,000 +

The Basilica of Saint Petrus, commonly called Saint Peter's Basilica, is considered one of the holiest of all Christian sites in the Catholic tradition and is the location of principal church of the Pope, over which St. Peter, the chief disciple of Jesus Christ is said to be buried.

One of four major basilicas of Rome—(St. John Lateran, St. Peter's, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul outside the Walls), it is the most prominent building inside Vatican City. Its dome is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Until recently the largest church building in Christianity,[1] it covers an area of 5.7 acres and has a capacity of over 60,000 people.

Construction on the current basilica, over the old Constantinian edifice, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed in 1626. Although a number of architects worked on the structure, Michelangelo played a key role in saving all that was possible of Donato Bramante's original plan for the basilica, done in the High Renaissance style.

Today, tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists daily visit the basilica, including St. Peter's Square and the church itself, which notably contains Michelangelo's Pieta, the traditional "Chair of Peter," numerous important altars, and the tombs of St. Peter and Pope John Paul II.

Significance

The triumphal "Chair of Peter"

One of the holiest sites of Christendom St. Peter's is traditionally the burial site of its namesake Simon Peter, who was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, the first Bishop of Antioch, and later the first Bishop of Rome. Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, ancient tradition holds that his tomb is below the baldachin (a permanent ornamental canopy) and altar. For this reason, many Popes have been buried there.

Although the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the Pope's official ecclesiastical seat, St. Peter's it is most certainly his principal church, as most Papal ceremonies take place at there, due to its size, huge adjoining square, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls. The basilica also holds a relic of the Cathedra Petri, the episcopal throne of the basilica's namesake when he led the Roman church. It is believed that a piece of this cathedra, or chair, is contained within the altarpiece, designed by Bernini.

History

First basilica by Constantine

Nineteenth century drawing of Old Saint Peter's Basilica as it is thought to have looked around 1450.

After his conversion to Christianity, Constantine the Great ordered the building of a basilica to replace the simple sanctuary of the Prince of the Apostles. Begun in the year 323 but not completed until after his death, the southern side of Constantine's basilica was erected along the northern side of the Circus Maximus where the ancient Romans held their games. Known in the Middle Ages as the Palatium Neronis, it was constructed in the shape of a cross and consisted of five naves divided into four rows of 22 columns each.

In its role as the main sanctuary of Western Christendom, the basilica became a repository for vast treasures, including precious mosaic decorations, magnificent vestments, richly decorated entablature, and paintings. A covered colonnade extended from the basilica to the Porta di St. Pietro at the Castle of Sant' Angelo, through which countless pilgrims passed. The Vatican territory provided for their shelter. Soon a palace was built for the pope near the basilica so than the pontiff could receive visitors while officiating at St. Peter's. A number of churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and hospices sprang up around the tomb of the "fisher of men."

Current basilica

Bramante's plan for St Peters

During the papal residence at Avignon, the deterioration of Saint Peter's by the fifteenth century had become obvious. Pope Nicholas V therefore decided to level the old structure and build a new one in its place. Bernardo Rossellini of Florence was selected for the project, and following the pope's plans, the new basilica was to completely surround the choir and transept of the old one. The ground plan was to be a Latin cross with an elongated nave. However, when the pope died in 1455, progress stopped except for the tribune begun in 1450 and the foundations of the wall surrounding the transept.

The next pope, Julius II, kept the idea of reconstructing the basilica. He held a contest in which the Italian architect, Donato Bramante, who introduced the High Renaissance style to Rome, won the prized commission. Bramante's enthusiasm in this monumental undertaking are today found in his numerous plans and drawings, which are preserved in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. The architect wanted to place the Pantheon upon Constantine's basilica, in order that a colossal dome would top the building in the shape of a Greek cross. In 1506, Julius, before 35 cardinals, laid the foundations of this enormous structure.

The dome, as designed by Michelangelo.

When Bramante died in 1514, Giuliano da Sangallo and Fra Giacondo da Verona, together with Raphael Sanzio, continued his work, but they died in 1516 and 1515, respectively. Raphael was influenced to make changes in Bramante's plan, which he did to some extent. However, after his death, an argument arose as to whether the structure should form a Greek cross, or the nave be extended so create a Latin cross.

The next two architects, Antonio da Sangallo, who was appointed in 1518, and Baldassari Peruzzi, appointed in 1520, tried out all kinds of experiments on the structure. But it was not until 1548, when and aging Michelangelo took control, that Bramante's plan could be clearly followed. Michelangelo strengthened the central piers to bear the weight of the immense dome. Although he died in 1564 without seeing the completion of his artistic conception—only the drum, the base on which the dome rests, was completed—when he died, nonetheless the work was faithfully completed following the great master's vision. The dome was redesigned and vaulted by the architect Giacomo della Porta, with the assistance of Domenico Fontana, who also built the lantern, and the finial was placed in 1593.

The Basilica of Saint Peter, portrayed by Viviano Codazzi in a 1630 painting. Note the two bell towers, later removed.

Yet, the structure itself might not have been completed at the start of the next century if, in 1606, Pope Paul V had decided not follow through on the form of the Latin cross. For the next 20 years, Carlo Maderna constructed the current façade and Gianlorenzo Bernini spent considerable time and money adorning the front with bell towers in the Italian Baroque style, which for artistic reasons were removed in their current state of construction. On November 18, 1626, Pope Urban VIII solemnly dedicated the church, which except for some remaining details was virtually complete.

In the construction of St Peter's, there were three identifiable stages: (1) Bramante's Greek cross with the dome; (2) Michelangelo's, a Greek cross with dome, plus a vestibule with a portico of columns; and (3) Paul V's, a Latin cross with Baroque façade.

Indulgences

Part of the funding for the early stages of the rebuilding of St. Peter's came about in very controversial fashion. Archbishop Albert of Mains had taken out a loan from a German banking house, reportedly in order to provide a gift to the Pope that secured Albert's episcopal office. To pay back this sum, Archbishop Albert sold indulgences for the rebuilding of St. Peter's, with half the collection going to Rome and half to pay back his debt.

Johann Tetzel, a Dominican monk employed by Albert, promoted these indulgences in Germany, using questionable sales tactics that prompted Martin Luther to write his historic disputation in 95 theses, on October 31, 1517, a copy of which he also sent to Archbishop Albert, thus sparking the schism between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

Exterior

St. Peter's Square

View of St. Peters Square from the Dome

Directly to the east of the church is St. Peter's Square (Piazza di San Pietro), built by Gianlorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667. It is surrounded by an elliptical colonnade with two pairs of Doric columns which form its breadth, each bearing Ionic entablatures. The colonnade wraps around the square, embracing the faithful in "the motherly arms of the church"

This is an excellent example of Baroque architecture, where creativity is coupled with flexible guidelines. In the center of the colonnade is a 83.6-foot-tall obelisk. Domenico Fontana finished moving the obelisk to its present location on September 28, 1586 by order of Pope Sixtus V. The obelisk dates back to the thirteenth century B.C.E. in Egypt, and was moved to Rome in AD 37 to stand in the Circus of Nero some 820 feet away. Including the cross on top and its base, the obelisk reaches 131 feet. The Vatican obelisk is notable for being the second-largest standing obelisk, and the only one that has remained standing since it was erected during the Roman Empire. An original bronze globe on top of the structure was removed when the obelisk was re-erected in St Peter's Square by Domenico Fontana. There are also two fountains in the square, the north one by Maderno (1613) and the southern one by Bernini (1675). The square is reached mainly through the Via della Conciliazione built by Mussolini after the conclusion of the Lateran Treaties.

Dome

The dome, redesigned and completed by Giacomo della Porta in 1590.

As built, the double dome is brick, 138.8 feet in interior diameter (almost as large as the Pantheon), and rises to 394 feet above the floor. In the mid-eighteenth century, cracks appeared in the dome, so four iron chains were installed between the two shells to bind it, like the rings that keep a barrel from bursting. The four piers of the crossing that support it are each 59 feet across.

The egg-shaped dome exerts less outward thrust than a lower hemispheric one would have done. The dome conceived by Donato Bramante at the outset in 1503 was planned to be carried out with a single masonry shell, a plan discovered to be infeasible. Antonio da Sangallo the Younger came up with the double shell, and Michelangelo improved upon it. The piers at the crossing, which were the first masonry to be laid, and which were intended to support the original dome, were a constant concern, too slender in Bramante's plan, they were redesigned several times as the dome plans evolved.

It is not simply its vast scale (448.06 feet from the floor of the church to the top of the added cross) that makes the dome extraordinary. Della Porta's dome is not a hemisphere, but a paraboloid: it has a vertical thrust, which is made more emphatic by the bold ribbing that springs from the paired Corinthian columns, which appear to be part of the drum, but which stand away from it like buttresses, to absorb the outward thrust of the dome's weight. Above, the vaulted dome rises to Fontana's two-stage lantern, capped with a spire.

Entrances

Statue of Saint Peter in foreground with the façade and main entrance in the rear

Above the main entrance is the inscription (translated from Latin), "In honor of the prince of apostles; by Paul V Borghese, a Roman, Supreme Pontiff, in the year 1612 and the seventh year of his pontificate."

The façade is 376.28 feet wide and 149.44 feet high. On top are statues of Christ, John the Baptist, and 11 of the apostles; The statues of St. Peter and St. Paul are in front of the parish. Two clocks are on either side of the top, the one on the left has been operated electrically since 1931, its oldest bell dating to 1288.

The Holy Door

Between the façade and the interior is the portico. Mainly designed by Maderno, it contains an eighteenth-century statue of Charlemagne by Cornacchini to the south, and an equestrian sculpture of Emperor Constantine by Bernini (1670) to the north. The southernmost door, designed by Giacomo Manzù, is called the "Door of the Dead." The door in the center is by Antonio Averulino (1455), and preserved from the previous basilica.

The northernmost door is the "Holy Door" in bronze by Vico Consorti (1950), which is by tradition, only opened for great celebrations such as Jubilee years. Above it are inscriptions, the top reading PAVLVS V PONT MAX ANNO XIII, and the one just above the door reading GREGORIVS XIII PONT MAX. In between are white slabs commemorating the most recent openings.

Interior

Michelangelo's Pieta

The Pieta

At St. Peter's, Michelangelo's famed Pietà (1498–1499) is situated among several noteworthy monuments and memorials.

This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion. The theme is of northern origin, popular in France but not yet in Italy. Michelangelo's interpretation of the Pietà was unique in its time. It is an important work as it balances the Renaissance ideals of classical beauty with naturalism. It was commissioned by the French cardinal Jean de Billheres, who was a representative in Rome. Originally made for the cardinal's funeral monument, it was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the eighteenth century.

After an incident in 1972 when an individual damaged it with an axe, the sculpture was placed behind protective glass. The statue is one of the most highly finished works by Michelangelo and is a major attraction for visitors.

Monuments

Along the same aisle are the monuments of popes Pius XI and Pius XII, as well as the altar of St. Sebastian. Even further up is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, which is open during religious services only. Inside it is a tabernacle on the altar resembling Bramante's Tempietto at San Pietro in Montorio. Bernini sculpted this gilded bronze tabernacle in 1674. The two kneeling angels were added later. Further still are the monuments of popes Gregory XIII (completed in 1723 by Rusconi) and Gregory XIV.

In the northwestern corner of the nave sits the statue of St. Peter Enthroned, attributed to late-thirteenth century sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio (with some scholars dating it back to the fifth century). The foot of the statue is eroded due to centuries of pilgrims kissing it. Along the floor of the nave are markers with the comparative lengths of other churches, starting from the entrance (not an original detail). Along the pilasters are niches housing 39 statues of saints who founded religious orders.

File:Monument Stuwt.jpg
Monument to the Stuart kings of England

In the the left aisle there is the Altar of Transfiguration. Walking down toward the entrance are the monuments to Leo XI and Innocent XI followed by the Chapel of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. After that come the monuments to Pius X and Innocent VIII, then the monuments to John XXIII and Benedict XV, and the Chapel of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin.

After that comes the Monument to the Royal Stuarts, directly opposite the one to Maria Clementina Sobieska. Symmetrically, the two monarchs who gave up their thrones for their Catholic faith in the seventeenth century, are honored side by side in the most important church in Catholicism. Finally, right before the end of the church, is the baptistry.

The right transept contains three altars, of St. Wenceslas, St. Processus and St. Martinian, and St. Erasmus. The left transept also contains three altars, that of St Peter's Crucifixion, St. Joseph, and St. Thomas. West of the left transept is the monument to Alexander VII by Bernini. A skeleton lifts a fold of red marble drapery and holds an hourglass symbolising the inevitability of death. He is flanked on the right by a statue representing religion, who holds her foot atop a globe, with a thorn piercing her toe from the British Isles, symbolizing the pope's problems with the Church of England.

St. Peter's baldachin

Saint Peter's baldichin

Over the main altar stands a 98-foot-tall baldachin, an elaborate, ornamental canopy held by four immense pillars, all designed by Bernini between 1624 and 1632. The baldachin was built to fill the space beneath the cupola, and it is said that the bronze used to make it was taken from the Pantheon. The representation of a chair, part of the sculpture, is said to contain the remnants of the chair belonging to Saint Peter (It is also said that it is the largest bronze piece in the world.)

St. Peter's tomb

Underneath the baldachin is the traditional tomb of St. Peter. In the four corners surrounding the baldachin are statues of St. Helena (northwest, holding a large cross in her right hand, by Andrea Bolgi), St. Longinus (northeast, holding his spear in his right hand, by Bernini in 1639), St. Andrew (southeast, spread upon the cross which bears his name, by Francois Duquesnoy), and St. Veronica (southwest, holding her veil, by Francesco Mochi). Each of these statues represents a relic associated with the person, respectively, a piece of The Cross, the Spear of Destiny, The Spear of Longinus, St. Andrew's head (as well as part of his cross) and Veronica's Veil. In 1964, St. Andrew's head was returned to the Greek Orthodox Church by the Pope. It should be noted that the Vatican makes no claims as to the authenticity of several of these relics.

Interior dome inscriptions

The dome, interior view

Along the base of the inside of the dome is written (translation from Latin), in letters six feet, five inches high, from Matthew 16:18-19; "...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. ... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven...." Near the top of the dome is another, smaller, circular inscription: "To the glory of St. Peter; Sixtus V, pope, in the year 1590 and the fifth year of his pontificate."

The Burial of St. Petronilla is an altarpiece painted by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino) in 1623. It simultaneously depicts the burial and the welcoming to heaven of the martyred St. Petronilla. The altar is dedicated to the saint, and contains her relics.

St. Peter's today

Tourist, pilgrim destination

St. Peter's basilica is a major tourist destination in modern Rome, with tens of thousands of visitors each day to the square and to the church. The numbers can increase dramatically when outdoor masses, such as those officiated by the Pope at Easter, cause the square to fill with the faithful and pilgrims from throughout the world. Visitors to the church come not only to see the striking architecture, art, and artifacts, but for the historic burial sites as well. Tradition also locates Saint Peter's burial place, directly beneath the Basilica's high altar.

Tomb of John Paul II

The tomb of John Paul II

The tomb of John Paul II, located in an underground grotto beneath St. Peter's Basilica, has been attracting a record number of visitors since it was opened to the public, on April 13, 2005. Archbishop Angelo Comastri, head of the office that looks after the world-famous basilica, estimated the number of visitors at "15,000 people per day, with peaks of 20,000 during weekends," a figure that prompted Rome-based daily Il Messaggero to compare the grotto to the city's other major tourist attraction, the Coliseum. On some days, lines of people wanting to visit St. Peter's can be seen extending the full circle around the basilica's enormous square.

Other burials

There are over 100 tombs located within St. Peter's Basilica, many located in the Vatican grotto, beneath the Basilica. These include 91 popes, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and the composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Exiled Catholic British royalty James Francis Edward Stuart and his two sons, Charles Edward Stuart and Henry Benedict Stuart, are buried here, due to being granted asylum by Pope Clement XI. The most prominent woman entombed is Christina of Sweden, who abdicated her throne in order to convert to Catholicism. Near John Paul II's crypt, is the recently discovered vaulted fourth-century "Tomb of the Julii."

Gallery

Notes

  1. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Africa has a higher dome and is both longer and wider. However, measurements of the latter include also a rectorate and a villa not strictly part of the church.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • The Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican: The Architecture, the Monuments, and the Works of Art. Kessinger Publishing, 2004. ISBN 9781417965205
  • Bannister, Turpin. "The Constantinian Basilica of Saint Peter at Rome,” The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, March, 1968. 3-32.
  • Boorsch, Suzanne. “The Building of the Vatican: The Papacy and Architecture.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin. (Winter, 1982). 1-2; 4-64.
  • Frommel, Christoph. “Papal Policy: The Planning of Rome during the Renaissance,” Journal of Interdisciplinary History (Summer 1986). 39-65.
  • McIntish, Jane. St. Peter's Basilica: Audio Guide to Rome's St. Peter's Basilica and Its Remarkable Art Treasures (Audio CD), Context Audio Guides, 2005. ISBN 0976905219
  • Scotti, R.A. Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's. Viking Adult, 2006. ASIN B000OFOIWW
  • Tronzo, William (ed.). St. Peter's in the Vatican. Cambridge University Press, 2005. ISBN 9780521640961

External links


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