SAINT PETER'S BASILICA

There is so much history to tell about Saint Peters and the Vatican that space would never be accommodating. As you read on, important events about its origin, and references to the exquisite art and architecture that embraces it, will be mentioned in the attempt to take you back through history, when it all began, and up to the astonishing place that we can see, touch and feel today. The original Basilica of Saint Peter's was constructed in 313 A.D., by the wishes of Emperor Constantine, and inaugurated in 396 by pope Sylvester. Legend tells that the tomb of Saint Peter; the first pope from 32 A.D. to 67 A.D., lies beneath the church and is the heart and holiest place in the basilica; a humble, simple tomb over which the magnificent basilica was built. Testimony that, in fact, the words of Jesus prevail: "…That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matt. 16: 18, Next to the Holy Sepulcher from which Jesus rose, the tomb of Saint Peter is the most venerated tomb in the world. A millennium later, the Vatican was chosen to be the headquarters of the Catholic Church. Day and night, 99 oil lamps burn along the railing that circles the shrine and along the two semicircular ramps signifying symbols of faith, love, and prayer for Christians. Here, millions of visitors come to humbly profess their faith, repeating the words taught by Peter, the Lord's Prayer, and the Creed. Construction on the Basilica, that we admire today, actually began in 1450 with Pope Nicholas V after a notable decay of the original. The tribune and the foundations of the wall surrounding the transept were constructed by the noted Florentine Architect Bernardo Rossellini, but after the death of the pope, work was halted until 1506, when the new Pope Julius, decided to continue it. It was completed 120 years later. During this long and conflicting period, many famous Renaissance architects and artists contributed to its construction, Bramante, the original architect, appointed by Pope Julius, among them. After Bramante's death in 1516 and that of his successor, Raphael, in 1520, oppositions arose on whether or not to continue the original plan of a Greek cross. In 1547, Pope Paul III appointed Michelangelo Buonarroti, already in his sixties, and already having finished the Sistine Chapel, as official architect in charge. Michelangelo was enthusiastic to continue the original plan up until the time of his death in 1564. Work continued by Della Porta, who also designed the dome, and then later by Carlo Maderno, who did the façade and brought the work to its completion. The Cathedral of Saint Peter was finally consecrated on November 18, 1626. The external walls, constructed in splendid travertine, have now become gold in color giving it a peaceful, harmonious effect. The immensity of the Basilica's beauty along with what it signifies is truly unique.

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