Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On Bramante's death in 1514, construction work ground to a halt as architects, includ-
ing Raphael and Antonio da Sangallo, tried to modify his original plans. But little pro-
gress was made and it wasn't until Michelangelo took over in 1547 at the age of 72 that
the situation changed. Michelangelo simplified Bramante's plans and drew up designs for
what was to become his greatest architectural achievement, the dome. He never lived to
see it built, though, and it was left to Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana to finish
it in 1590.
With the dome in place, Carlo Maderno inherited the project in 1605. He designed the
monumental facade and lengthened the nave towards the piazza.
The Facade
Built between 1608 and 1612, Carlo Maderno's immense facade is 48m high and 118.6m
wide. Eight 27m-high columns support the upper attic on which 13 statues stand, repres-
enting Christ the Redeemer, St John the Baptist and the 11 apostles. The central balcony is
known as the Loggia della Benedizione , and it's from here that the pope delivers his Urbi et
Orbi blessing at Christmas and Easter.
Behind the facade is the grand atrium, through which you pass to enter the basilica.
Note the first door on the right, the Porta Santa (Holy Door), which is opened only in Ju-
bilee Years.
Interior - Right Nave
At the beginning of the right aisle, Michelangelo's hauntingly beautiful Pietà sits in its own
chapel behind a panel of bullet-proof glass. Sculpted when the artist was a little-known
25-year-old (in 1499), it's the only work he ever signed - his signature is etched into the
sash across the Madonna's breast.
Nearby, the red porphyry disk on the floor inside the main door marks the spot where
Charlemagne and later Holy Roman emperors were crowned by the pope.
Paying tribute to a woman whose reputation was far from holy, Carlo Fontana's gilt and
bronze monument to Queen Christina of Sweden is dedicated to the Swedish monarch who con-
verted to Catholicism in 1655. You'll see it on a pillar just beyond the Pietà .
Moving down the aisle you come to the Cappella di San Sebastiano , home of Pope John Paul
II's tomb, and the Cappella del Santissimo Sacramento , a small chapel decorated in sumptuous
baroque style. The iron grille was designed by Borromini; the gilt bronze ciborium above
the altar is by Bernini; and the altarpiece, The Trinity, is by Pie- tro da Cortona.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search