St. Peter’s Basilica of Rome is one of the largest churches in the world. The present structure was built between the years of 1506 and 1626 by multiple artists on the original site of the Vatican cemetery. St. Peter’s Basilica was gradually torn down and replaced over long periods of time. The first church of St. Peter was created by Emperor Constantine during the 4<sup>th</sup> century.<!--more-->

He built a wood-roofed Basilica over the grave of St. Peter. By the 15<sup>th</sup> century Pope Nicholas V commenced the continuation of the Basilica’s construction by adding a choir and transepts. This work had been completed by 1452. Pope Julius II ordered for the reconstruction of the basilica in 1506. Bramante was assigned as architect of the basilica. Bramante’s original plan was to create a symmetrical Greek cross positioning a large dome over the center. His work was then detained by Raphael (1514), Antonio da San Gallo (1520) and Michelangelo (1547). Michelangelo was successful in finalizing the building up to the drum of the great dome. The finalized design and dome was completed by Giacoma della Porta. By the 16<sup>th</sup> century there was argument over whether the church would be built with a Greek or Latin cross. Carlo Maderno (1607-1614) resolved this dispute with his addition of the Latin cross plan. His cross addition unfortunately obscured the Basilica’s dome. In 1626 the church was dedicated to Rome by pope Urban VIII. The final composition of St. Peter’s was completed by GianLorenzo Bernini (1629-1662). Bernini created a forecourt led by a magnificent piazza. This piazza is surrounded by quadruple colonnades. These colonnades incorporate 284 Doric columns (39 ft. high) and 96 statues of saints. The center of the piazza holds an authentic obelisk of Heliopolis. A monumental avenue was eventually created by Mussolini which led into the piazza. The church’s facade was cleaned and restored from 1996-1999. The church’s dome is 404 ft. (123m) high with an interior diameter of 137 ft. (42 m). Bernini created a baldacchino or a large sculpted bronze canopy within the basilica. Four pillars represented the columns of the Temple of Solomon. Eucharist vines are entwined about the columns symbolize the New Testament. The vines, tassels, banners and angelic figures incorporated into the canopy were all produced in bronze. The canopy was proposed to mark the place of Saint Peter's tomb underneath in a monumental manner. Beneath the canopy lies an altar in which only a pope is allowed to read mass. The basilica’s interior is covered with colored marbles, sculptures and fresco decorations.

The Basilica is part of the Renaissance architecture era between the 15<sup>th</sup> and 17<sup>th</sup> centuries. This era demonstrated the revitalization of ancient Greek elements and Roman thought. St. Peter’s dome became a requisite element in church architecture that later transcended to secular architecture. The Basilica’s design and everything around it is a part of the Baroque style (1600-1750). The Baroque style originated from Italy bringing a new level of scheme to Western art. Baroque artwork dramatized idealization of figures, settings and perspective. St. Peter’s church was designed to reflect the ideals of the Catholic Reformation.

This structure was highly innovative and engineered impeccably.  The church stands out from its peers due to its planned architectural works. The church instills division of relic and innovation, as well as the workings of memory itself. The creation of the Basilica was not unusual during the Baroque period of the renaissance. Baroque architecture, sculptures and paintings became a popular form of art. St. Peter’s Basilica was a representation of ornate beauty through the Baroque style. Architecture promoted the ambitions of rulers and the religious beliefs of Catholics and Protestants. This work was received by Rome from Pope Urban VIII due to the completion of the Basilica.

Today the public views St. Peter’s Basilica as one of the most renowned churches of worship in the world. Five to ten millions of tourists come to experience the beauty of the church every year. The works within and outside of the church are described as staggering and breath taking. The Basilica is viewed more than just a museum but a place of consecration. People of all ages are moved by the magnificent beauty that is instilled within St. Peter’s. A more intimate experience waits in the tombs below the sanctuary, where both tourists and devotees meander past the tomb of St. Peter and weep openly at the grave of Pope John Paul II. Tourists find themselves pondered in the history, religion and sheer beauty of the place. There are no differences in reception in the past or today. St. Peter’s Basilica is and will always be an everlasting attraction of faith and antiquity.

The church’s overall construction and innovative design are the most astounding aspects to it. I find the church to be a unique and historical attribute to the Vatican City. I also think that the most meaningful part of the work is the numerous amounts of devoted workers it took to construct the Basilica and the length of time it took to be finalized.

St. Peter’s Basilica of Rome is most significant for future generations to know about because of its beauty and history. I believe this church should be well preserved for the many generations and years to come. This church is a miraculous site especially with its excavations below. Future generations need to understand the amount of time and work that was put into creating such a grand marvel of history. Some of the most renowned artists offered their contribution to creating this structure. The Basilica will always be a place of religious sanctuary and a museum of Vatican history.

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