380537 5 Location 540812 <p>It is said that this is the place where Saint Peter died a martyr, crucified in front of his many followers. In honour of his memory, early Christians built a small chapel on this spot, the same which would later serve as site for the world's greatest basilica. The majestic structure can hold up to 60,000 people and was built under Emperor Constantine during a time in which the Christian faith enjoyed an enormous surge in power and influence. This is the seat of the Catholic Church and symbol to its power worldwide, adorned with many sculptures and funerary monuments as well as containing 50 altars and 500 columns. A statue of Saint Peter holding the key to the city marks the entrance to the basilica and recalls the historical event that gave birth to this religious monument.</p><p>Standing in the square, it is almost impossible to grasp the basilica in its entirety; the monumental nature of its size stretches beyond the limits of human vision. It was built by several artists under the watchful eye of many emperors, which led the architecture in many different directions. When Constantine commenced construction, the basic structure was to mimic a Latin cross, consisting of a central nave, several lateral naves and a crossing. Some time later, Nicholas V decided to expand the church and, even later, Julius II commissioned a new church from Bramante. Bramante changed the concept and based his design on the shape of a Greek cross instead. When Bramante died, Raphael, Da Sangallo and Fra Giacondo were put in charge of the project, and they decided to return to the original idea. More changes followed with the selection of Michelangelo, who was asked to construct the cupola and once again opted for the Greek cross as the design's guiding principle. Finally, after Michelangelo's death, Pope Paul V decided to change the project's design yet again, returning to the concept of the Latin cross.</p><p>Seen from an architectural point of view, the basilica's blend of styles and the constantly changing decisions regarding its construction turned it into something less than a masterpiece. Many experts consider it an architectural hodgepodge that doesn't even approach brilliance. However, the basilica still manages to impress, serving as both a monumental place of worship and undisputed symbol of the Catholic Church.</p><p>Before entering the basilica, you will have to endure the endless queues that seem immune to seasons and weather as well as undergo a complete security control. Cameras are permitted, but other objects that might logically be found in a tourist's handbag (penknives, nail clippers, sharp objects) are prohibited. You should also remember that a certain dress code is enforced – bare shoulders and short skirts and trousers are a definite no-no. It is therefore a good idea to bring a scarf or jacket in order to pass the first security control.</p><p>Five doorways lead into the church. The main entrance, the Porta Santa (Holy Door) can only be opened and closed by the Pope, and its use is therefore limited to a jubilee year. Once you cross the threshold, the astounding art collection unfolds before you. One of the first sculptures you come across is the Pietà, the immensely moving and luminous depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Christ in her arms. Michelangelo was only 22 when he sculpted this extraordinary, marble piece. The sculpture sits behind a protective glass shield ever since a vandal tried to attack it with a hammer a few years back. However, the glass doesn't hamper visibility in the slightest and taking photographs of this beautiful piece is not a problem.</p><p>At the very centre of the basilica, immediately below the monumental cupola, you find Bernini's Baldachin. This enormous, bronze baldachin (a part of which was originally in the Pantheon) measures 29 metres in height and covers the most sacred section of the church, the legendary, final resting place of Saint Peter. A visit to the tomb, located down a flight of stairs in the basilica's subterranean level, is also included in a later section of this guide.</p><p>The baldachin covers the main altar, and the most eye-catching elements are the two, spiral columns that support it. The columns have been the subject of many, differing interpretations. The majority of experts, however, agree that Bernini intended the columns as a symbolic reference to those that supported Christ in the Temple of Solomon. Next to the baldachin is a small figure of Saint Peter, facing a long queue of devout followers. You will notice that the figure shows a high degree of wear and tear, the result of millions of hands touching it over the years.</p><p>Against the wall of the apse, close to the baldachin, stands the Cattedra Petra. Saint Peter supposedly sat in this gilded, wooden chair when he held his first sermon, surrounded by a gathering of faithful Christians. The many naves of the basilica showcase several statues of saints, as enormous and monumental in size and character as everything else in this church, and holy relics. One of the most famous relics is the notorious Longinos lance, the weapon used by its namesake soldier to confirm that Christ was dead.</p><p>You can also visit the cupola of the basilica (at an additional charge). The ascent is arduous (the cupola is of considerable height and there is no elevator) but the stunning view from the top is definitely worth the exhausting trip. Before tackling this trek, make sure that the day is clear. If you happen to visit the Vatican in winter, wait until 6pm before heading up. Witnessing the sunset up here is a truly extraordinary and singular experience. The lovely Vatican gardens are also best seen from up here where their spectacular appearance can be most clearly observed and appreciated.</p><p>The basilica's interior is also connected with the church's subterranean level, which is best described as an underground necropolis. The most celebrated of all the burial sites is Saint Peter's tomb, which supposedly marks the exact spot where he was buried. The area also serves as the final resting place for many past pontiffs. One of the most frequently visited tombs at this time belongs to John Paul II. It is very brightly lit, which means that it is immediately recognisable. Donations are always welcome and generously provided, judging from the contents of the small basket in front of the tomb.</p><p>In addition to visiting the basilica, all visitors who wish to do so may meet the Pope in person. Of course, this can only take place by appointment; a papal audience must be requested at least one week ahead of time. Appointments can be solicited at the Preffettura della Casa Pontificia, located immediately to the right of basilica's bronze doors, by telephone at 06 69 88 46 31, by fax at 06 69 88 58 63 or in writing (please send your request to the Preffeturra's mailing address: Preffeturra della Casa Pontifícia, 00120 de Città del Vaticano). Papal audiences take place every Wednesday at 11am in the basilica. The only exceptions are when the Pope is travelling and during the months of July and August when audiences are held at the Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence.<br /></p> 2006-07-23T02:30:02-07:00 633339904 2006-06-16T17:00:00-07:00 0 -9223372036854775790 226955 1831029 380537 0 183582 0.246035434370752 2006-06-15T17:00:00-07:00 Published 150.0 2006-07-23T02:34:01-07:00 89178 0