Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5.8. St. Peter's Basilica
The church is in the form of a Latin cross. The Papal Altar stands in the center of
the arm of the cross (the transept) and is reached by a wide aisle (technically, the nave).
Above the Papal Altar is a bronze
baldachino
(canopy) created by Bernini, whose twisting
columns are a superb example of Renaissance art and technology, with its emphasis on dy-
namic movement. Between the portico doors and the Papal Altar are five side aisles, each
ending in a chapel. In the right aisle closest to the doors is Michelangelo's
Pieta
, a sorrow-
ing Mary holding her son just taken down from the cross. Like the
baldachino
, the
Pieta
embodies the brilliance of Renaissance artistry.
Adjacent to St. Peter's are a dozen-and-a-half museums, papal apartments, libraries,
and chapels containing the Vatican's art and architectural treasures. Four of the most fam-
ous are the Sistine Chapel, the apartments of the Borgia Popes, the Vatican Library, and
the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery). Michelangelo painted the walls and ceiling of the Sistine.
One of his frescos has become a global icon: the
Creation of Adam
—God reaching out to
touch Adam's finger. The Borgia apartments display several rooms of paintings; the most
famous are the frescos in the Raphael Rooms.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search