Great Example Of Renaissance Architecture
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St. Peter’s Basilica is one of those timeless architectural masterpieces that everyone must see at least once in their life. If you’re visiting Rome, you must no matter what make a visit to the Vatican and see this amazing structure in person. St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is one of the most well known places in the world. Here are 10 facts about it that you didn’t know! The St. Peter’s Basilica is the most popular example of Renaissance architecture. It was Michelangelo who was responsible for the architecture of the Basilica’s main dome. He was the painter and sculptor, who earned a place as one of the most renowned artists of his era. If you look at the Basilica itself it’s easy to see why it’s such a great example of Renaissance Architecture and why everyone puts it in their recommendation list. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
One Of The Holiest Catholic Shrines
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Aside from being one of the largest churches in the world, the St. Peter’s Basilica is also one of holiest Catholic shrines on the planet. In fact, it is referred to as the greatest of all churches in Christendom. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Home Of Over A Hundred Tombs
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The shrine is also home to some 100 tombs, which include 91 from papal remains, remains of Queen Christina who gave her throne to convert to Catholicism, and the remains of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto II. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Bulletproof Glass Case
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The statue built by Michelangelo known as Pieta is encased in a bulletproof glass case inside the shrine. Pieta was the work ever signed by this celebrated artist. Several other statues of saints are found at the square outside the shrine. They were carved around 1662 to 1703 from various artists. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Canopy At The Altar Was Made Of Bronze
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The baldacchino was a 96-foot tall canopy that is arched over the altar. It was completed in 1633, but due to its construction that was made of bronze out of the Pantheon, it became a hotly contested issue by the locals. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Protestantism Was Established In The Effort To Build The Basilica
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Some methods of fundraising used to build the basilica has become has resulted to the rise of Protestantism. One of the methods was selling indulgences, which was absolution of guilt and punishment for sins in exchange for money. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
The Necropolis Of The Vatican Is Called The Scavi
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The Scavi at St. Peter’s Basilica is only available by appointment in which only 200 people are admitted daily into it. This is where the tomb of St. Peter himself supposedly resides. About 134bone fragments were discovered in a niche having the phrase Petros eni, which means Peter is here. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
This Is Not The Actual St. Peter’s Basilica
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The current basilica is already the second structure because the first was built on the orders of Constantine I in 324. This is where Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800 on Christmas Day. Not a lot was found in the ruins of the original basilica, but a piece of the mosaic can still be found at Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
A Huge Art Collection Was House In The Basilica
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The St. Peter’s Basilica is where the largest collection of ancient art is housed. In fact, some believed that the bones found in the area were the remains of Saint Peter the Apostle. However, others believe that his remains were indeed found in a chest at a cave in Mount Olives in Jerusalem. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Largest Basilica Of Christianity
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At 448 ft. tall, St. Peter’s Basilica was considered the largest Basilica of Christianity. It also covers 240,000 sq.ft. of land with its 730ft length x 500ft width structure. It can also house a total of 60,000 people altogether in one seating. Moreover, it has 491 stairs on top of the dome of Michelangelo.
