Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The purple, circular porphyry stone marks the site of Charlemagne's coronation in
A.D.
800 (in the first St. Peter's church that stood on this site). From here, get a sense of the
immensity of the church, which can accommodate 60,000 worshippers standing on its six
acres.
Michelangelo planned a Greek-cross floor plan, rather than the Latin-cross standard
in medieval churches. A Greek cross, symbolizing the perfection of God, and by association
the goodness of man, was important to the humanist Michelangelo. But accommodat-
ing—and impressing—large crowds was important to the Church in the fancy Baroque age,
which followed Michelangelo, so the original nave length was doubled. Stand halfway up
the nave and imagine the stubbier design that Michelangelo had in mind.
View the magnificent dome from the statue of St. Andrew. See the vision of heaven
above the windows: Jesus, Mary, a ring of saints, rings of angels, and, on the very top, God
the Father.
Visitorscangodowntothecrypt(labeledasthe
Grotte
or
Tombe
)withinthefoundations
of Old St. Peter's, containing tombs of popes and memorial chapels. The crypt entrance is
usually beside the statue of St. Andrew, to the left of the main altar. Stairs lead you down to
the floor level of the previous church, where you'll pass the sepulcher of Peter. This lighted
niche with an icon is not Peter's actual tomb, but part of a shrine that stands atop Peter's
tomb. The walk through the crypt is free and quick (15 minutes)—but you won't see St.
Peter's original grave unless you take a Scavi “Excavations” tour (explained earlier).
The statue ofSt. Peter,with an irresistibly kissable toe, is one of the few pieces of art
that predate this church. It adorned the first St. Peter's church.
Circle to the right around the statue of Peter to find the lighted glass niche with the
red-robed bodyofPope JohnXXIII(r.1958-1963),whopresided over the landmark Vatican
II Council that instituted major reforms and brought the Church into the modern age.
The main altar sits directly over St. Peter's tomb and under Bernini's seven-story
bronze canopy.
St. Peter's throne and Bernini's starburst dove window is the site of a daily Mass
(check the schedule on site, or go to
www.vatican.va
—click on “Basilicas and Papal
St. Peter was crucified on this spot when this location was simply “the Vatican Hill.”
The obelisk now standing in the center of St. Peter's square marked the center of a Roman
racecourse long before a church stood here.
Thechurchisfilledwithmosaics,notpaintings.NoticethemosaiccopyofRaphael's
Transfiguration
.
