A visit to St. Peter's can be an overwhelming experience. There is so much great art and architecture here that it is difficult to take it all in. On top of that, there are centuries of history in its dramatic story. Furthermore, it is still one of the world's great places of worship and spirituality.
St. Peter's is built on the site where the apostle St. Peter was martyred and buried. In those days, it was the site of an arena known as the Circus of Nero, where many early Christens were killed for their beliefs. After the Emperor Constantine turned to Christianity, he built a large church here, now often referred to as Old St. Peter's Basilica. In 1505, Pope Julius II decided to tear down the existing church and build one far grander. For this project, he chose Donato Bramante as his architect. However, over the 120 years that it took to complete this project, there were many architects. However, much of the design we see today is attributed to Michelangelo. St. Peter's Basilica is open daily, April through September from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and October through March 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It does close, however, for certain religious events. |
Visitors often approach St. Peter's Square from the Via della Conciliazione. Ahead, they see not only the square but also the dramatic shape of St. Peter's Basilica (above).
Today's square is the work of the sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He designed this massive space in an elliptical shape that measure some 240 meters across.
Around the square are a number of places of interest to visitors including: the Vatican Bookstore, restrooms, and a place to check bags free of charge.
Today's square is the work of the sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He designed this massive space in an elliptical shape that measure some 240 meters across.
Around the square are a number of places of interest to visitors including: the Vatican Bookstore, restrooms, and a place to check bags free of charge.
The Portico (left) was also designed by Maderno. It has extensive decoration including statues of 38 martyred popes.
There are five doors leading from the Portico into the interior of the basilica. The last door on the right is the Holy Door (below). It is opened only during Holy Years, which occur every 25 years. |
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Cruise destinations - Rome, Italy - - Visiting St. Peter's - - page one