St. Peter's Basilica, located in Italy, north of the center of Rome, is the main shrine for all adherents of Catholicism. The temple is the pride of the small but powerful state of the Vatican, fulfills the function of the diocese of the Pope. An architectural masterpiece executed in the Baroque style of the Renaissance. Within the walls of the building are kept numerous artifacts, valuable masterpieces of artists and sculptors of the past.
Stages of the construction of St. Peter's Cathedral
The most talented Italian craftsmen took part in the construction of the unique building. The history of the creation of the temple began in 1506. At this time, an architect named Donato Bramante proposed a design for a structure similar in shape to a Greek cross. The master devoted the main part of his life to work on the beautiful building, and after his death, Raphael Santi continued the responsible mission, changing the Greek cross to the Latin.
In subsequent years, Baldassare Peruzzi and Michelangelo Buonarotti were involved in the development of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The latter contributed to the strengthening of the foundation, gave the building features of monumentality, decorated it by adding a multi-column portico at the entrance.
In the first half of the 17th century, on behalf of Paul V, the architect Carlo Maderno expanded the eastern part of the building. On the western side, the Pope ordered to build a 48-meter facade, on which the saints with a height of 6 meters are now located - Jesus Christ, John the Baptist and others.
The construction of the square near St. Peter's Basilica was entrusted to Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, a talented young architect. Thanks to its undeniable genius, this place has become one of the finest architectural ensembles in Italy.
The main purpose of the square in front of the temple is to accommodate large gatherings of believers who come for the blessing of the Pope or to participate in Catholic events. In addition to arranging the square, Bernini was noted for his active participation in the arrangement of the temple - he owns numerous sculptures that have rightfully become one of the best fragments of the interior decoration.
It is interesting to know - in the last century, masters of sculpture and architecture periodically introduced new elements into the design of the temple. In 1964, the architect Giacomo Manzu was working on the completion of the "Gate of Death".
Impressive facts about St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica impresses with its grandeur and size. Here are some interesting facts about this grand temple that can impress both the believer and the hardened atheist:
- One of the most important Christian relics is kept in the cathedral - the spearhead of Longinus, with which he pierced the crucified Jesus Christ.
- In terms of height, the basilica occupies the 10th position among other Catholic and Orthodox buildings around the world (reaches 137 m).
- The temple is considered to be the site of the supposed tomb of the biblical apostle Peter, first named by the Pope (previously the altar was located above the burial of this saint).
- The building can accommodate at least 60,000 people if necessary.
- The world famous St. Peter's Square, located on the territory of the shrine, is planned in the shape of a keyhole.
- To climb to the top of the dome of the Christian shrine, you will need to overcome 871 steps (an elevator is provided for visitors with poor health).
- The famous gravestone "Pieta" ("Lamentation of Christ"), belonging to the hand of Michelangelo, in the early 70s. of the past century was subjected to two assassination attempts in turn. To save the masterpiece from possible encroachments, it was protected by a transparent bulletproof cube.
- At the behest of the Russian Emperor Paul I, St. Peter's Cathedral became the prototype for the construction of the Kazan Church located in St. Petersburg. Despite the fact that the domestic version of the structure has its own characteristics, the similarity of many details is obvious.
Despite the remoteness of the cathedral's construction, St. Peter's Cathedral still retains the title of the most important Catholic church, attracting parishioners from all over the planet every year.
Description of the internal structure of the cathedral
The dimensions of the interior of the cathedral are impressive. The temple is divided in a special way - three naves (elongated rooms with columns on the sides). The central nave is separated from the rest by arched vaults about 23 m high and at least 13 m wide.
At the entrance to the shrine, there is the beginning of a gallery reaching 90 m in length, abutting at the end against the foot of the altar. One of the arches (the final one in the main nave) is distinguished by the presence of the bronze figure of Peter in it. Every year, crowds of pilgrims strive to see the statue, hoping to touch it, receive healing and help.
The attention of all visitors to the temple is invariably attracted by a disc made of red Egyptian porphyry. This site of the cathedral went down in history because in 800 the kneeling Charlemagne stood on it, and in subsequent eras - many European rulers.
Admiration is caused by the creations of the hand of Lorenzo Bernini, who devoted several decades to the Christian shrine and its cathedral square. Particularly noteworthy are the statue of Longinus made by this author, an extensive canopy-shaped kevorium standing on figured pillars, the pulpit of the Apostle Peter.
Useful information - taking photos inside the cathedral is allowed only in certain places, without using a flash.
Important information for tourists
There is a strict dress code on the territory of the leading Catholic cathedral, control over which is entrusted to the shoulders of special personnel. Visitors are not allowed to come to the temple in insufficiently closed clothes, beach-style shoes. Women should have hidden arms and shoulders, a dress or skirt can only be long (it is advisable to give up trousers and jeans). Men should not appear on the territory of the cathedral in open T-shirts and shorts.
For lay people interested in climbing the observation deck, there are no strict restrictions on the choice of clothing. However, after the descent, the tourist in bold attire may be asked to leave the diocese, refuse to enter the cathedral and conduct further excursions.
Visits to museums located on the territory of St. Peter's Basilica cease a little earlier - an hour before the closing time indicated in the opening hours.
How to get to St. Peter's Basilica
Before going to a holy place, you need to clarify where the pride of Christians around the world is. The Cathedral is located at the Vatican, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano.
In order not to waste a lot of time on a trip to the temple from different parts of the city, it is recommended to choose a hotel or hotel in the immediate vicinity of the Christian shrine. The surrounding area is replete with different location options, which allows you to choose a location with a beautiful view of the cathedral.
We recommend looking at the Cathedral of St. Mark.
For tourists living at a distance from the temple, it is useful to know how to get to its territory. You can take the metro line A (Ottaviana station). It is also convenient to get from Termini station by buses No. 64, 40. Other routes follow towards the temple - No. 32, 62, 49, 81, 271, 271.
Cathedral opening hours
Peter's Basilica is allowed to visit from 7:00 to 19:00. From October to March, visitors can stay in the basilica until 18:30.
Wednesday is reserved for the audience of the Pope. On this day of the week, the temple opens to tourists no earlier than 13:00.
There is the following schedule for canopy climbs:
- April-September - 8: 00-18: 00.
- October-March - opening hours 8: 00-17: 00.
A visit to the cathedral is free for all categories of visitors. To view the exhibitions located in museums, you will need to buy a ticket after standing in a long line.
Entry to museums in November-February is allowed from 10:00 to 13:45. When the European Christmas break comes, the time allotted for viewing the various relics is extended until 4:45 pm. On weekdays from March to October, the halls with exhibits begin work at 10:00 and finish at 16:45 (on Saturdays at 14:15).
You will be able to visit the exhibition premises free of charge no more than once a month (with the arrival of the last Sunday, from 9:00 to 13:45) and on September 27 (this day is dedicated to the celebration of World Tourism Day).
