Click on
the photo to enlarge it |
Click on
the photo to enlarge it |
San Peter's Basilica
is situated in the Vatican City, the residence of
the Popes since 1377. The present church stands on
the ruins of the ancient early Christian church dedicated
to Peter, where the grave of the apostle is placed.
The building of the new Basilica was decided by Niccolò
V, but it was carried out by his successor Giulio
II; during the 176 years in which the factory of San
Pietro was working, the most important architects
and artists of the time worked there: Bramante, Rossellino,
Antonio da Sangallo the younger, Raffaello, Michelangelo,
Bernini, Borromini, Maderno, Giacomo della Porta,
Domenico Fontana, are only few of the great names
that left their signs in the, inside and outside design
of the Basilica. The dome, clearly visible from many
areas of the city, dominates the view of Rome; it
was designed by Michelangelo and carried out by Fontana
and Della Porta: certainly one of the most famous
buildings all over the world. Arriving to San Pietro
from Via della Conciliazione you come to the square
designed by Bernini, an endless set of marvelous columns
and unbelieveble prospective. On the background you
can see the façade of the Basilica, designed by Maderno
and finished in 1614. Within the portico, on the façade,
5 doors open; the one that stands on the right side
is the Holy Door. This door is officially opened on
every jubilee year, by the Pope according to a special
rite, exactly on Chritmas Day. Once you cross the
door, the visitor is sorrounded by the grandiosity
that characterizes the Basilica, and by the several
treasures left by the great architects who worked
here. The space under the dome is partially occupied
by the beautiful Baldachin made by Bernini. The Vatican
is one of those memories the visitor will certainly
bring with him going back home.
|
