Until 1990, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was the most grandiose building among Christian churches. However, its religious and cultural significance remains unchanged: there is no one in the world, and it is unlikely that there will ever be another cathedral that would symbolize the triumph of Christianity for nearly two millennia, without suppressing its greatness.
Everyone knows that St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions of Rome. It is not for nothing that the Cathedral with the eponymous square is headed by our impromptu rating of the TOP-10 ideas for what to see in the Vatican, and also from here our Route of an independent excursion around Rome begins in 1 day. But even without any ratings, being in Rome, it is difficult to resist and not drop into the Cathedral in order to see with your own eyes the place where the heart of the Catholic Church beats.
The cathedral can simultaneously accept up to 60 thousand believers
However, the matter is unlikely to be limited to a few minutes. Indeed, even the story of the entrance doors to St. Peter's Basilica can take more than one hour. And in the cathedral itself there are currently 44 large and small altars, 748 columns, 391 statues and countless mosaics. But we will try not to burden the reader with unnecessary details, and we will tell only about those monuments that you should definitely visit.
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome: History of Origin and Construction
Why was St. Peter's Basilica in Rome built on the Vatican Hill? Initially, this place was the circus of Nero, where, according to legend, the apostle Peter was crucified, who had previously led a new church for 25 years. For 100 years, there was no clear information about the place of his burial, until in 160 in a letter from a Roman lawyer there was no mention of a monument above the tomb of the apostle.
A century and a half later, under Emperor Constantine the Great, the first basilica was erected around the monument, which very soon became the center of pilgrimage and the place where the coronations of the Popes took place. In 800, Charles the Great was crowned in it.
St. Peter's Basilica was built by the design of Michelangelo and his students
At the beginning of the XIV century. The papal region and the Vatican were depressed due to endless clarifications of relations with local aristocrats. Fearing a final loss of influence, Pope Clement V, being a Frenchman by birth, moved his residence to Avignon, closer to the then powerful kings of France.
Until 1377, Rome and, of course, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, were neglected. And already in the XV century. the first projects for the construction of a new main Christian temple appeared instead of a dilapidated basilica.
Even the story of the doors of the Cathedral can take many hours
Construction began on April 18, 1506 and lasted more than a century. During this time, the construction project has been repeatedly changed. So, the first architect of the cathedral - Bramante - planned to build a temple in the shape of an oriental cross, Rafael inherited it - in the form of an elongated, Catholic.
Consecrated November 18, 1626 Saint Paul's Cathedral It was already built by the project of Michelangelo and his students. And, again, its central nave was in the shape of a truncated cross. But the matter did not end there: by order of the Pope, the architect Maderno extended the eastern part of the cross and completed the facade (height - 45 m, width - 115 m). St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican thus acquired a Catholic appearance.
The dome of the Cathedral is called by the Romans Cupollone
Separately, it is worth mentioning the dome of the temple. The dome of the Cathedral, or, as the Romans themselves call it, Cupollone ("cupola"), was designed by Michelangelo. The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence) Brunelleschi, built in 1420, was taken as the basis
However, Michelangelo brought to the principles of the construction of structures of this kind and new. So, he strengthened the columns of the base of the dome and attached two stairs with gentle steps, along which the materials were delivered to the very top. Now it is through these stairs that you can climb to the observation deck of the Cathedral. The height of the outer dome is 136.57 m, the inner diameter is 42.56 m.
The Most Famous Work in St. Peter's Basilica - The Pieta by Michelangelo
It is worth saying that Michelangelo did not immediately agree to this work, saying that he was not an architect. But several decades before that, he just as well refused to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, located 2 steps from the cathedral (Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums: what you should know about). In general, the Holy See already had the experience of persuading a genius ...
Interior decoration
You can go to St. Peter's Basilica through one of the 3 doors, although there are actually five doors. But the extreme left is opened only for the funeral processions ("The Gate of Death"), and the extreme right ("The Holy Door") - only once every quarter century, which symbolizes the period during which St. Peter stood at the head of the church. The main entrance covers the so-called Filaret’s door of the 15th century, transferred here from the old basilica.
Equestrian statues of Constantine the Great by Bernini and Charles the Great by Cornacchini are installed in the portico. These two emperors are considered secular defenders of the Holy Church.
The Cathedral has 44 altars, 748 columns, 391 statues and a huge number of mosaics
Let us dwell only on the most significant works of art, which are rich St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican. The central (papal) altar, located directly above the grave of the apostle (and indeed there is a burial place of a very respected person at the beginning of the new era), is decorated with a bronze canopy (civorium), supported by 4 twisted bronze columns, the same as in the temple of Solomon .
This sculptural composition of the work of Bernini, 4 floors high, required huge volumes of metal, for which Pope Urban VIII ordered to dismantle the roof of the ancient Pantheon. Although the altar itself was made half a century earlier from a piece of marble from the Nerve Forum.
Bernini has been working on the interior of the Cathedral for over 50 years
Bernini worked on the interior of the cathedral throughout his life - more than 50 years, and is the author of the St. Peter's department, and loggias, statues, and more tombstones of cardinals and popes who were honored to be buried in this Temple. He also designed the Square in front of the Cathedral.
But the most famous tombstone in the temple is the "Pieta" ("Mourning of Christ") by Michelangelo, located in the right nave. After the beginning of the 70s. of the last century, two attempts were made on this sculptural composition, it was placed in a transparent bulletproof cube.
Bronze statue of St. Peter. Rome
In the depths of the central nave is a statue of St. Peter, which, according to some scholars, was created in the IV-V centuries. in Syria. It is believed that if you kiss the right foot of this sculpture, then the most cherished desire will be fulfilled. On Peter's Day (June 29), the statue is dressed up in expensive clothes.
To get to the famous temple, you must first choose a convenient route. For example, choosing a hotel in the immediate vicinity is quite easy to do, especially since the corresponding selection with current prices is presented here. If desired, you can even pick up housing with a view of the Cathedral.
An alternative is to use public transport. You can get on the metro on line A (Ottaviana station), by buses No. 40, 64 from Termini station, by buses No. 32, 49, 62, 81, 590, 271 (stop “Via del Conchiliation”), by trolley No. 19 (stop "Piazza Risorgimento").
Before entering the Cathedral is always the turn. Firstly, because a huge number of people come to look at him, especially in the season. Secondly, because there is a vestibule at the entrance, where visitors are checked for the presence of things forbidden to carry (weapons, tools, various substances, etc.).
By the way, if you plan to visit the Vatican Museums first, you can get to St. Peter's Basilica without tiring waiting. Usually, his inspection just ends the tour of the papal residence. BlogoItaliano described this in more detail in the video below:
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You can photograph the interiors of the Temple, but without a flash and only in strictly designated places. Despite the fact that St. Peter's Basilica has an area of 27,000 m2 and can simultaneously accommodate up to 60,000 people, it will still not be possible to hide from vigilant guards. In the end, the masterpieces of the cathedral are worth caring for them.
Entrance to the Cathedral itself is free, but to get to the observation deck, which is famous for the dome, you will have to prepare from € 5 to € 7 (2017). The price depends on how you climb: walk or drive about 2/3 of the elevator road. Rise high, so an elevator is preferable.
In addition, it’s best not to bring small children or elderly travel companions with you.
Opening hours and visit features
St. Peter's Basilica is open every day from 7:00 to 18:30 (from October 1 to March 31) and from 7:00 to 19:00 (from April 1 to September 30).
In St. Peter's Square you can be dressed in anything, but before visiting the temple you should cover your bare shoulders and knees and remove (if any) a hat or baseball cap. Otherwise, you simply will not be allowed inside.
Swiss guards at the post, St. Peter's Basilica
Excursions to St. Peter's Basilica
You can visit St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as part of an organized excursion. It usually takes about 3 hours and also includes a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with a visit to Michelangelo’s Last Judgment fresco.
You can find out all the details, current prices of excursions and sign up for a visit with the help of Lela - the organizer of Russian-speaking excursions in Rome. To do this, just write her an e-mail email protected or send a message through the form below.
The only thing we recommend to write Lele in advance. Although she usually answers during the day, excursions to the Cathedral are considered one of the most popular in Rome, and there are always a lot of comers. Therefore, many dates of excursions can be busy for several days in advance.
Mail to Lela:
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Photos by: Dr Phil
