St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (Vatican Italy) - Saint Peter's Square
Where is located St. Peter's Basilica in Rome?
Address of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is Saint Peter's Square, Vatican Rome, Italy
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When was built St. Peter's Basilica in Rome?
Built date of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is 1506 - start of construction
November 18, 1626 - sacrifice of the basilica
Facts, informations and history of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
St. Basilica Peter in Rome is not only one of the most important religious buildings in the world, but also a place of great historical, cultural and architectural importance. Although it is not the official residence of the Pope, it is here that the most important church celebrations take place, attracting believers from all over the world. Let's dive into the fascinating history, architecture and curiosities associated with this extraordinary place.
History and importance of St. Basilica Peter
Construction of St. Basilica Peter began on April 18, 1506 and ended on November 18, 1626. It lasted for 120 years, engaging the best and most famous architects of that time. Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Berniniare just some of the names associated with this monumental project. The temple was built on the site of an earlier basilica from the 4th century, which was built over the tomb of the apostle Peter.
Although the basilica of St. Peter is not a cathedral or the official seat of the Pope - these titles are held by St. Peter's Basilica. John Lateran - however, its proximity to the pope's residence and its impressive size make it the focal point of many of the most important church ceremonies. It is here, at the main altar, that the Pope celebrates masses, being the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
Architecture: a masterpiece of the Renaissance
St. Basilica Peter is a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It was designed on the plan of an isosceles Greek cross, with a huge dome rising above the center and smaller domes above the four arms. The dome, whose span is 42 meters, is one of the most recognizable elements of the building. The Basilica has impressive dimensions: 220 meters long, 150 meters wide and an area of approximately 23,000 square meters. The interior of the basilica is filled not only with the spirit of prayer, but also with incredible works of art.
Facade and colonnade: works by Maderno and Bernini
The facade of the basilica, designed by Carlo Maderno, is 114.69 meters wide and 45.55 meters high. It is one of the most impressive elements of the building that welcomes believers and tourists with its majesty. The colonnade by Gian Lorenzo Bernini also deserves special attention. It consists of 284 Tuscan columns arranged in four rows and 88 pillars. There are 162 statues of saints on the balustrade, creating an unforgettable sight.
The interior of the basilica houses another extraordinary work by Bernini - the 29-meter high tabernacle above the main altar. This unique work of art soars towards the sky, being one of the most recognizable elements of the temple's interior.
Works of art: frescoes and mosaics
In the Basilica of St. There are no traditional paintings of St. Peter. All works of art are frescoes or mosaics, which are made with so much detail that at first glance they may seem like paintings. These artistic masterpieces attract the attention and admiration of experts and laymen alike. Every element of the basilica's interior is thought out and made with the utmost care, which makes this place a real gallery of sacred art.
The grave of St. Peter and other burial places
Under the basilica there is the tomb of the Apostle Peter, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. The basilica itself contains over 100 graves, including 91 tombs of popes and the graves of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Otto II, and Queen Christina of Sweden. Each of these graves hides a piece of history and is a testimony to the extraordinary continuity of the tradition of the Catholic Church.
St. Square Peter and the Egyptian obelisk
In front of the basilica there is the famous St. Peter's Square. Peter, which is the site of many important religious and social events. In its center stands a 25-meter obelisk from Egypt. This ancient monument was transported to Rome on the orders of Emperor Caligula and was later placed in St. Peter's Square. Peter as a symbol of the power and durability of the Church.
Summary
St. Basilica Peter in Rome is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. It is not only a center of Catholic spirituality, but also a true masterpiece of architecture and art. Each element of this monumental building - from the facade designed by Maderno, through the colonnade by Bernini, to the mosaics and frescoes inside - testifies to the extraordinary talent and commitment of the creators who worked on its creation for 120 years. It is a place that inspires and arouses admiration, regardless of your faith or interests.
Visit to the Basilica of St. Piotra is a journey through centuries of history, art and spirituality that will remain forever in the memory of everyone who crosses its threshold. If and you haven't had the opportunity to visit this extraordinary place yet, be sure to add it to your travel list. It is worth experiencing with your own eyes the majesty of this place, which is one of the most important symbols of Christianity.
" The larger, older and richer House of God, associated with the greatest events in world history, is not in the entire Christian world. "
Architect of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
How many meters have St. Peter's Basilica in Rome?
Height of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is 119 meters


Construction/building type
Building St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is of type Basilica
A basilica is a specific architectural type of sacred buildings, often ecclesiastical. Originally, the term 'basilica' referred to buildings used for judicial or commercial purposes in ancient Rome, but was later adopted by the Catholic Church and became a term to describe important churches with a specific plan layout.... czytaj więcej.
Architectural style
Architectural style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is Italian renaissance
Other dimensions, parameters and frequently asked questions
What area have St. Peter's Basilica in Rome?
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome have area of 15160 m²
What material is the building made of?
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is made of the following materials: Stone, marble
Cost
Build cost of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is 200 million marks
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. San Pietro in Vaticano, St. Peter's of Rome, New St. Peters
Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

The listing took place in the year 1984.
Details of the entry are available on the Unesco website at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286/
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/en/basilica/storia.htm
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