Basilica di San Pietro is the most important religious edifice of Catholicism, inside it is the Holy See. Construction began in 1506 and was completed in 1626 and involved several architects; among which the best known are Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, who drew the dome and Maderno. The church is named after St. Peter and its foundation was laid on his tomb. The interior of the basilica impresses you with its size and beauty. The Christmas atmosphere is felt in all corners of the basilica. Christmas carols are heard. A beautiful Belen is waiting for you to look at him.
A grave silence reigns here. It's not that noise from the Sistine Chapel. Some believers worship, others admire the basilica. Her beauty amazes you! It is said to be the richest basilica in the Catholic world. It didn't seem that way to me. See the cathedrals of Spain! Lots of paintings, statues and works of art. In the first side chapel on the right is the sculpture La Pieta protected by a crystal, made by Michelangelo at only 25 years old. This represents the death of Christ.
At the end of the central nave is another statue from the 13th century of St. Peter and is one of the few works of art that have been preserved from the first church. This statue has its right foot destroyed by the kiss of the faithful. We arrive in front of the altar. Above it rises an enormous bronze Baldaquin, a work of art by Bernini that was built in 1624 during the pontificate of Pope Urban VIII.
Down in the basement are the crypts. We glanced at them and headed for the dome. I didn't see the treasure. I think it was interesting! If you want to climb the dome you have to pay another 10 euros. Climb the elevator and then 320 stairs.
The elevator stops you at the base of the dome of St. Peter's Church where there is a balcony where you can go and see the impressive dome and the interior of the basilica.
You climb the snail-shaped stairs and reach the top, from where the view is worth all the effort and money. Here you are closer to statues and saints and the feeling that you have reached the top is a special one. From above you can see the spectacular views of Rome with St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens.
It is a beautiful experience to see Rome from above, with its maze of streets and most important sights, churches, squares and gardens, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Tiber River. I will describe the churches and other tourist attractions of Rome in other articles.
