An iconic symbol of Rome, a masterpiece of Italian and global architecture, and the emblem of religious tourism, St. Peter’s Basilica holds centuries of extraordinary history. On the occasion of the anniversary of its consecration, which took place on November 18, 1626, we have gathered some of the most fascinating curiosities to know before visiting this unique site.
It is the largest church in the world
With a length of 218 meters and an area of 23,000 square meters, St. Peter’s Basilica holds the title of the largest church in the world. This extraordinary structure is developed on four main levels:
- Floor: the visible area for visitors;
- Vatican Grottoes: the underground level that houses tombs and chapels;
- Pavement of the first Basilica of Constantine: the remains of the original basilica built by the emperor;
- Ancient ground level: created by Constantine through excavation works to flatten the slope of the Vatican Hill.
The basilica also contains 45 altars, 11 chapels, and a majestic dome that reaches 132.30 meters, one of the most recognizable symbols of Rome.
The first Basilica dates back to the 4th century AD
The current St. Peter’s Basilica stands on the same site where, in the 4th century AD, Emperor Constantine I built a basilica in honor of the apostle Peter. According to tradition, this area is believed to be the site of St. Peter’s burial, after he was martyred and crucified.
The Constantinian Basilica was a monumental structure, with 120 altars, 27 of which were dedicated to the Virgin Mary. However, in 1506, Pope Julius II decided to demolish it to begin the construction of the new basilica, entrusting the architects with the task of designing a structure that would pay homage to the grandeur of the original building.
St. Peter was executed by order of Emperor Nero
According to historical sources, St. Peter was executed by order of Emperor Nero in 64 AD, following the Great Fire of Rome. To placate accusations that he was responsible for the disaster, Nero blamed the Christians and persecuted them harshly. St. Peter was condemned to crucifixion, but requested to be crucified upside down, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
When Emperor Constantine I decided to build a basilica in his honor, he chose to build it on the site traditionally believed to be the location of the apostle’s crucifixion and burial.
The construction took 120 years to complete
Basically, St. Peter’s Basilica is the result of an extraordinary endeavor that required 120 years of work and the involvement of 13 architects. The construction began in 1506 under the guidance of Donato Bramante and was completed in 1626, with the contribution of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who finalized the project.
Here are the architects who left their mark on this masterpiece:
- Donato Bramante
- Raffaello Sanzio
- Giuliano da Sangallo
- Antonio da Sangallo the Younger
- Fra Giocondo
- Baldassarre Peruzzi
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Pirro Ligorio
- Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola
- Giacomo Della Porta
- Domenico Fontana
- Carlo Maderno
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Pope Urban VIII consecrated it almost 400 years ago
After over a century of complex and often controversial construction, the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica was consecrated on November 18, 1626, by Pope Urban VIII, the 235th pope of the Catholic Church.
In addition to officiating the consecration, Urban VIII played a significant role in the design of certain elements of the building. Among his initiatives was the construction of his own tomb, modeled after that of St. Peter, thus symbolizing a spiritual and symbolic connection with the apostle.
The relics of St. Peter rest beneath the Basilica
In 1953, during a series of archaeological excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, bones wrapped in a purple cloth were discovered inside a loculus bearing the inscription “Pietro.” Subsequent studies confirmed that the remains belonged to a man who lived in the 1st century AD, approximately 60 years old, reinforcing the theory that they were indeed those of St. Peter.
Pope Paul VI, recognizing the historical and spiritual significance of the discovery, decided to return the relics to the exact location where they were found, which is believed to be the site of the apostle’s original burial.
90 popes are buried beneath the Basilica alongside St. Peter
Not only St. Peter, the first pope of the Catholic Church, but 91 popes are buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, within the papal tombs. In addition to the popes, the basilica also houses the tombs of numerous royals and nobles, sharing this sacred space that symbolizes both faith and spiritual power.
It is not the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome
Despite its immense historical and spiritual importance, St. Peter’s Basilica is not the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. This role is held by the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is considered the “Mother and Head of all the Churches of Rome and the world”.
It welcomes over 11 million visitors annually
A flagship of religious tourism, Rome and Italy are essential destinations for pilgrimages. With over 20,000 visitors per day, St. Peter’s Basilica remains the most visited site, surpassing other significant places of worship, such as the Sanctuary of Loreto (Marche), which attracts about 4 million visitors each year, and the Sanctuary of St. Anthony in Padua, which welcomes around 3 million pilgrims.
It houses Michelangelo’s Pietà
Created between 1497 and 1499, Michelangelo’s Pietà is one of the most celebrated works of sculpture in the world, carved from white Carrara marble. At any rate, it’s astonishing to think that this extraordinary sculpture was created by a young Michelangelo, who was not yet 25 years old. It is also the only sculpture signed by the master, a feature that further enhances its prestige.
Today, the Pietà is protected by a crystal case following the damage it sustained in 1972 when it was partially shattered by a hammer in an act of vandalism.
