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This is the Cathedral of Rome, founded
by Constantine during the IV century. Through the history
it was destroyed and rebuilt many times. The present Cathedral
dates back to the XII century. The facade was built by
Alessandro Galilei, in 1735. On the top of the balustrade
15 statues stand, representing Jesus Christ and the Doctors
of the Church. In the arcade on the left side you can
admire the statue of Constantine, coming from the Imperial
Thermae of the Quirinal. Just like Saint Peter's church,
there is the Holy Door, open only in the jubilee years.
The interior of the Cathedral is 130 mts. high, and to
its building several important architects collaborated,
among whom Borromini. The golden ceiling particularly
strikes you; it was designed by Pirro Ligorio. The very
big central nave, shows in its background the imposing
tabernacle dating back to the second half of the XIV century,
in which you can see some frescos attributed to Barna
from Siena. The relics of the remains of San Pietro's
and San Paolo's skulls are contained in precious silver
containers. You can see under the tabernacle the papal
altar wanted by Urbano V in 1367, on which only the Pope
can celebrate the mass. |
