The temple of Christianity

" St. Peter's Square"

Undoubtedly one of the most evocative and iconic places in all of Rome, St. Peter's Square illuminates in all its magnificence the large number of visitors and Romans who pass through it daily. Located at the end of Via della Conciliazione in front of the famous Castel Sant'Angelo, the basilica is a symbol of art, history and religion, holding within it works of timeless beauty, such as Michelangelo's Pieta, and having been the scene of important ceremonies, such as the papal mass at the coronation of a new pope.

The basilica was commissioned by Pope Julius in 1506 and was not completed until 1626 under the pontificate of Pope Urban VIII, however the present building stands on what was the basilica built by the Roman emperor Constantine I in the fourth century BC. The basilica is surrounded by the very famous colonnade built by the celebrated Borromini whose shape metaphorically recalls the embrace of the Catholic faith to humanity. Once you cross the square and climb the stairs you enter the atrium, a room that introduces you to the basilica and from which you begin to get a taste of the beauty, splendor, immensity and majesty of this place. Here we find the famous 5 doors including the Holy Door, which is opened at the beginning of the jubilee and closed only at its end. Thousands of pilgrims have passed through these doors, but also famous people such as Dante, Petrarch and Charlemagne who right here, on Christmas night in the 19th century, was crowned by Pope Leo III emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Therefore, we can say that the basilica is like a great library, but where the books are the marbles, the saints, the statues, the tombs of the popes, and everything tells a 2,000-year-old story.

A sublime example of the Italian Renaissance, its interior houses works of art by the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini, providing an amazing visual spectacle. Among them we find:

1. The facade: The majestic facade, designed by Carlo Maderno in 1614, is a Baroque masterpiece. Its giant Corinthian columns and statues of the twelve Catholic apostles capture the gaze of visitors.

2. The interior: Once inside, one is captivated by the outstanding works of art. The immense nave is dominated by Michelangelo's dome, one of the greatest achievements in art history. The side altars are adorned with works by the likes of Bernini and Canova.

3. The dome: designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the dome consists of two overlapping shells, one inside one outside, giving the structure its characteristic double-dome shape. This innovative design made it possible to create a dome of exceptional size without the use of visible internal supports. In addition, on top of the dome is a lantern, also designed by Michelangelo; this is an architectural element that adds further grandeur to the structure and stands like a beacon above the city. The interior of the dome is decorated with frescoes, created by artists such as Giuseppe Cesare and Giovanni da San Giovanni, depicting biblical scenes and representations of the Evangelists. Finally, the panoramic view from its top offers a unique opportunity to admire the panorama of Rome from above.

4. St. Peter's Baldachin: This monumental bronze baldachin, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, towers over the basilica's main altar. Its intricate structure and twisted columns make it a supreme example of Roman Baroque.

5. Michelangelo's Pietà: This marble masterpiece, created by Michelangelo when he was just 24 years old, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after his crucifixion. It is an extraordinary example of Michelangelo's artistry.

6. Chapels and sculptures: The basilica's side chapels house a number of priceless works of art, including Arnolfo di Cambio's statue of St. Peter in the Chair and the Chapel of the Pieta, with other sculptures by Michelangelo.

7. The frescoes and oil paintings: The interiors are enriched with frescoes and oil paintings by great Renaissance artists such as Raphael and Bernini, which add depth and beauty to the basilica.

On a religious level, St. Peter's Basilica is considered one of the holiest places for the Catholic faithful. Inside is the tomb of St. Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles and the first pope of the Catholic Church. This makes it a center of pilgrimage for millions of believers from all over the world, who come here to pray and contemplate their faith.

In conclusion, St. Peter's Basilica represents an extraordinary synthesis of art, history and religion. Its architectural grandeur, historical significance and religious importance make it one of the most iconic and influential attractions in the world.