Much attention has been given to the ancient city of Rome with the recent Ron Howard movie “Angels and Demons,” providing viewers an unofficial tour of the cities most beautiful landmarks and piazzas. Every year, thousands of tourist bombard Rome to view its wealth of art and artifacts housed in some of the oldest churches. A main draw is St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica stands on the site where Peter, the apostle considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. St. Peter's tomb, in fact, is located under the main altar along with many other popes also buried in the Basilica. Founded by Constantine in 324, St. Peter's Basilica was rebuilt in the 16th century by Renaissance masters including Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini. The original Basilica lasted until 1500, but was deemed in such a state of disrepair that Pope Julius II decided to replace it with the new structure.

St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), designed by Bernini, was built between 1656 and 1667. With two fountains in the square, the center features a 25.5 meter-tall obelisk, which dates from 13th-century BC. At the top, is a cross that reaches 40 m.

The square is outlined by a monumental Colonnade, topped by 140 statues of saints, crafted by a number of sculptors between 1662 and 1703. To the right of the southern gate is St. Macrina, grandmother of the Cappadocian fathers, followed by some founders of religious orders that included St. Dominic, St. Francis, St. Bernard, St. Benedict, and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Some of the apostles are at the far end of the Colonnade. Near the stairs to the Basilica at the front of the square are colossal statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, the patron saints of Rome.

The dome of St. Peter's was designed by Michelangelo, who at age 72 became chief architect in 1546. At the time of his death (1564), construction of the Greek Cross section surrounding the Papal altar and the tomb of Peter (housed below the main dome) had been completed only as far as the top of the drum (the large windows which are underneath the upturned bowl of the dome). The bowl itself, changed in shape from the half rounded shape of Michelangelo's design to the half oval shape of today, was vaulted between 1585 and 1590 by the architect Giacomo della Porta with the assistance of Domenico Fontana, who was probably the best engineer of the day. Fontana built the lantern the following year, and the ball was placed in 1593.

Pope Paul V, in the beginning of the 1600's, decided that the Greek Cross design was too small. He obliged his architect, Maderno, to pull down the front wall of Michelangelo's building and extend the eastern end of the Basilica by 116 yards. That was completed in 1626, and in the following 30 years Gian Lorenzo Bernini added the Colonnade. Bernini's Colonnade is the pilgrim's introduction to St. Peter's. Its design incorporates a sundial, a calendar, and the welcoming arms of God's embrace as He stretches out to receive all who come to pay their respects at the tomb of the first Pope.

St. Peter's Basilica The church, a historical masterpiece, took over 100 years to complete. As one approaches the top of the grand staircase, there are five bronze gates leading to the entrance, each of which have their own history. The gates or doors are (from left) the Door of Death, the Door of Good and Evil, Filarete Door, Door of the Sacraments, and the Holy Door. The Holy Door has been more publicized as it is opened only every 25 years during the Holy Year (Jubilee).

Entering the Basilica is an overwhelming experience. There are huge statues representing 39 of the founders and foundresses of various religious Orders and Congregations. On the right is the Pieta, a beautiful carving of the Mother Mary cradling a wounded Jesus. The Pieta, created by Michelangelo at age 24, sits on the altar. It depicts a youthful Mary, whose expression is one of deep sorrow as she gazes over the lifeless body of her Son. At one time, the Pieta stood unprotected for visitors to walk past. Even though it was believed Michelangelo had created the beautiful marble sculpture, it was not until his signature was revealed when in 1972, a Hungarian-born Australian hit the Pieta with fifteen blows from a hammer.

There are 80 points of interest in St. Peter's that include altars, monuments, small chapels, bronze statues, sculptures, and paintings. Predominately featured among the historical works is the main altar, Papal Altar and Baldacchino, created by Bernini in 1633. Rising above the altar, where the Pope celebrates Mass, the altar features a 95 ft. canopy. Directly below the altar is where the ancient tomb of St. Peter lies. Above the altar is Michelangelo's dome. Embellished with mosaic and stucco ornaments, it is supported by four structural piers with a perimeter of 71 m. and a height of 120 m. from the group to the roof. Combined the altar and dome make a striking yet magnificent setting. Nearby the altar is the Confessio which features a silver coffer with fabrics woven from lambs wool blessed on the feast of St. Agnes, a reminder of the Church's unity.

Equally overwhelming and impressive is the Nave, a long chamber that features tiled and stone floor, and massive statues in view as one enters the church. A red porphyry disc at the entrance, taken from the old basilica, is the stone on which Charlemagne and other Emperors were crowned. On the South (left) Wall there are Statues of Virtues: Ecclesiastical Authority, Divine Justice, Virginity, Obedience, Humility, Patience, Justice, and Fortitude. On the North (right) Wall there are Statues of Virtus: Charity, Faith, Innocence, Peace, Clemency, Constancy, Mercy and Fortitude. On the inner sides of the colossal pilasters, between the pilaster strips are two sequences of niches which contain 39 statues of the founders of religious Orders and Congregations.

The nave was decorated by Bernini, who was commissioned to complete the decoration of the pilasters and chapels. He and his assistants are responsible for the various decorations: the cherubs, the doves and the symbols of the papacy such as the tiara and the keys.

St. Peter's is a wonderful experience with plenty of history, and architectural wonder. Many of us are introduced to this church during a quickly hastened tour, however, St. Peter's has so much religious significance that visitors should take plenty of time to research the great works that lie within, or visit with a tour guide that can explain its importance. Hours: St. Peter's Basilica is open daily, April-September: 7-9 p.m.; October-March: 7-8 p.m. The easiest way to get tickets just days before the Wednesday General Audience with the Holy Father is to go to St. Peter's Square, find the Bronze Doors to the Apostolic Palace, and request them from the Swiss Guards. If you want tickets in advance, try one of the following resources:

U.S. Visitors Office to the Vatican, Via dell' Umiltá 30, 00187 Rome, Italy Phone: (011) 06.6900.1821 Fax: (011) 39 06 679 1448 E-mail: nacvisoffrome@pnac.org (Source: http://saintpetersbasilica.org/ )