St. Peter’s Basilica – A History

The site of the basilica once housed the Circus of Nero, on the periphery of which St. Peter was buried after his crucifixion in the Circus. St. Peter had already gained prominence in establishing the Christian Church for which the devoted marked his simple burial site and later built a shrine to pay homage. In the 4th century, Constantine picked this as a fitting venue for construction of a great basilica, which is today referred to as the Old St. Peter’s Basilica (to differentiate it from the subsequent construction some centuries later). Once the site of papal coronations, and the chosen site for burials and memorials, the building began falling into severe disrepair. By the mid-15th century, following a devastating attack by the Saracens and apparent disregard by recent Popes, the basilica was falling into ruin. Subsequent Popes debated between restoration and reconstruction but the decision was taken by Pope Julius II in early 16th century to construct an entirely new church on the same site, to be the "grandest church in all Christendom".

The finished effort is the contribution of several Popes over many years for it took almost 110 years to complete construction on the current St. Peter’s Basilica.

A Masterly Design

The finished St. Peter’s Basilica is considered a work of genius; as well it should be, for it has received the attention of some of the top artists of the time. The list of principal architects of the structure includes renowned names like Bramante, Raphael and the great Michelangelo, who is credited with the design of a large part of the finished product. The interior has been lavishly furnished and bears the stamp of artists like Michelangelo and Bernini.

St. Peter’s Square

Pope Alexander VII wished to build a fitting piazza as an access way to the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica. He commissioned Bernini to design a square large enough to hold a vast count of spectators to witness the Pope at public appearances and blessings. Bernini took the task to heart and designed the court around the very obelisk believed to be witness to St. Peter’s crucifixion. The elliptical square is ringed by a wonderful colonnade bearing statues of the apostles and various saints and, apart from the obelisk itself, contains two massive fountains and mammoth statues of St Peter and St. Paul.

The Roman Necropolis

For some people, the catacombs below the church are the most wonderful part of this magnificent basilica. They hold invaluable religious and architectural relics from the earlier constructions, the tombs of several Popes, some frescoes and mosaics, but what has drawn visitors here for centuries are the remains of the apostle himself. Very likely the original resting place of St. Peter, a visit to the crypt inspires a spiritual emotion like little else can.