 |
| A
View of the Stunning St. Peter's Basilica1 |
Over 900 churches cover
ancient Rome, a city rich
with remarkable history and awe-inspiring art. Each religious site, most of
which are of Roman Catholic origin, is magnificent and unique. Visitors can
gaze in awe at eye-catching architecture and oversized marble columns, and admire
impressive statues and beautiful, hand-painted masterpieces that decorate the
ceilings and date back thousands of years. The history and background of each
church is incredible, and all boast a fascinating story. When travelling to
Rome, it may be useful for
tourists to become familiar with churches before visiting in order to fully
appreciate their grandeur.
ST. PETER'S BASILICA/THE
VATICAN (BASILICA DI SAN PIETRO IN VATICANO)
History
One of the most famous and extraordinary cathedrals in the world, St.
Peter's Basilica is situated in Vatican
City, a walled enclave within the city of Rome.
The tiny city-state is a soverign territory ruled by the pope. Taking up a whopping
2.3 ha (5.7 acres) of the Vatican's total size of 44 ha (108.7 acres), and holding
a capacity of 60,000 people, this massive basilica is an absolute must-see.
The original church on the site, now known as Old St. Peter's, was built by
Emperor Constantine I between the years 326 and 333 AD. However, when the first
cathedral began to fall into ruin, construction began on the current basilica.
Work started in 1506 and wasn't completed until more than a century later in
1626.
The cathedral has become
one of the holiest sites in the Catholic tradition, as it is said that the original
basilica was founded on the spot where St. Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles
who is considered by many to be the first Bishop of Rome (or the first pope),
was crucifed and buried. The martyr's tomb is believed to have been discovered
deep in the cathedral's crypt, which is said to date back to as early as the
2nd century, around Christmastime in 1950. The presence of the tomb has caused
St. Peter's to be a popular pilgrimage site throughout the ages.
Famed Italian Renaissance
painter Michelangelo designed the cathedral's enormous dome. With a diameter
reaching 42.3 m (138.8 ft), the cupola itself is almost as large as the Pantheon.
The architechture is immaculate and breathtaking, giving visitors yet another
reason to explore the famous basilica.
What to see
The sights are
endless at St. Peter's. Sculptures, marble statues, ancient paintings and beautifully
decorated tombs crowd into every nook and cranny in the cathedral. Michelangelo's
marble sculpture Pieta
is located here between the alter of St. Sebastien and the Holydoor, near the
basilica's entrance. Hailed as one of the artist's greatest masterpieces, the
statue portrays the body of Jesus lying in the arms of His mother, Mary, after
being crucified. Created with such skill and detail, the glorious statue must
be seen to believed.
Situated in the northwestern
corner of the basilica stands St.
Peter Enthroned, a statue sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambio, dating back
to the fifth century. The foot of the statue has been worn down by the millions
of people who have kissed and laid hands on it throughout the centuries.
Over 100 tombs are situated
in the basilica, the vast majority of which are contained in the Vatican grotto,
the crypt under the church. The chamber holds the remains of t 91 popes including
the recently deceased John Paul II. Ancient Catholic tradition holds that St.
Peter is also buried here, his tomb below the baldachin and altar.
Although it is not part
of St.
Peter's Basilica, the famous Sistine
Chapel is located within the walls of Vatican
City in Apostolic
Palace. If visiting St. Peter's Basilica, it would be a shame to miss
this chapel, which is the official residence of the pope. Perhaps best known
for its incredible ceiling painstakingly painted by Michaelangelo in the early
16th century, the walls of the Sistine Chapel feature great works by Renaissance
artists like Bottichelli and Perugino.
The
Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani), also within Vatican City walls, displays
art work from the Roman Catholic Church's extensive collection. There is so
much to see, it is almost overwhelming. Millions tour the museum each year to
view the immense and impressive collection. Keep in mind that on the last Sunday
of each month, the Vatican Museum is open to the public free of charge, so expect
to wait in line for hours.
Location
St.
Peter's Basilica is located in Piazza
San Pietro in Vatican
City. It can be accessed by foot, bus or train. Take Metroline A Ottaviano
to get here. Note that there is a strict dress code prohibiting bare shoulders
for both men and women.
BASILICA OF ST JOHN LATERAN
(SAN GIOVANNI LATERANO)
History
Most commonly known as "The Mother of All Churches", The
Basilica of St. John Lateran is the most prestigious basilica in the
Catholic Church, rivaling over the Vatican importance. The church dates back
to the beginning of the fourth century, and is thought to have been built as
a palace
| |
 |
| |
The
Majestic St. John's Lateran2 |
before being confiscated
by tyrant emperor Nero. Eventually taken over by Holy Roman Emperor Constantine,
the palace was given to the Bishop of Rome, and being the first Christian church
in the city, it became the seat of the popes. The
Basilica of St. John Lateran was later dedicated to St. John the Baptist
and St. John the Evangelist. It is the oldest church standing in Rome, however
it has been rebuilt several times by various popes, after being damaged and
destroyed throughout the centuries by invasion, fires, and an earthquake.
What to see
Packed full of history and art, The Basilica of St. John Lateran is a stunning
and memorable sight to see. In the former banquet area of the ancient church,
preserved portions of an original mosaic line the famous halls.
Nearby, The
Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), consisting of twenty eight marble steps,
is considered to be an important religious monument.
Constantine's mother, Helena, brought the steps from Jerusalem to Rome in 326
AD. According to tradition, the stairs once lead to the prćtorium of Pontius
Pilate, and were walked upon by Jesus during the time of His crucifix. Wood
protects the marble, however there are sections cut out that display the marble
as well as preserved blood stains that are said to be Jesus'. Travellers should
remember that the Holy
Steps can only be climbed on the knees, however there are alternative
staircases on both sides for visitors to walk up. A private chapel can be found
at the top.
There are six papal tombs
inside the basilica. These include Alexander III, Sergius IV, Clement XII, Martin
V, Innocent III and Leo XIII. Larger-than-life sculptures of the Twelve Apostles
stand within the cathedral. These were completed in 1703, when Pope Clement
XI encouraged a competition for completion of the carvings.
Location
The Basilica of St. John Lateran is conveniently located near the metro
station of the same name. Within walking distance of the Colosseum,
visitors can reach the basilica by following Via San Giovanni in Laterano. Bus
routes are also available, take numbers 85, 87, 850 or 117 to get here.
THE PANTHEON
History
Constructed during the
reign of Emperor Hadrian, The
Pantheon is the best preserved Roman building of its age, built over
1800 years ago. Originally a temple for Greek gods, the building was converted
to a Christian church in the early 7th century after being gifted to Pope Boniface
IV. The only light source in the Pantheon is a circular opening at the top of
the dome, referred to as "The Great Eye".
| |
 |
|
| |
The
Ancient Pantheon at Dusk3 |
|
What to see
There are three rows of eight columns at the front of the building, each stretching
to a diameter of 1.5 m (4 ft). The tombs of former Italian Monarchs are held
here, as are those of architects and artists such as famous Renaissance master
Raphael. Visitors to the Pantheon can view the painter's ornate tomb, as well
as remarkable architecture and artwork that spans the centuries, especially
on Catholic days of obligation.
Location
The Pantheon is located amongst the history center of the city bordering Piazza
della Rotonda-a plaza with a central water fountain. Piazza
Navone, one of Rome's most famous squares, is also nearby.
ST. PETER IN CHAINS (SAN
PIETRO IN VINCOLI)
| |
 |
| |
Statue
of the Patron Saint Peter4 |
History
Dating back to the 5th century, St.
Peter in Chains Basilica was built to house the chains that bound St.
Peter while he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. The basilica underwent a number
of renovations and rebuilding by Popes Adrian I, Sixtus IV and Julius II.
What to see
One of the main attractions at the cathedral are the chains from which the church
takes its name. The shackles that bound St. Peter are found in a shrine under
the main alter of the church,
and are visible to the public.
St.
Peter in Chains is actually most famous for its statue of Moses,
yet another of Michelangelo's creations. Moses stands at an impressive height
of 7 ft (2.1 m) and is the centerpiece for the tableau for the incomplete tomb
of Pope Julius II. Sculptures of Jacob's wives surround the imposing piece.
A low fence protects the display, so this work of art can continue to be appreciated
for years to come.
Location
Close to the Colosseum,
St. Peter in Chains is located right off Via
degli Annibaldi. If choosing to ride the Metro,
use V. Cavour line.
OUR LADY OF THE CONCEPTION
OF THE CAPUCHINS (SANTA MARIA DELLA CONCEZION DEI CAPPUCCINI)
| |
 |
|
| |
Fountain
at Piazza Barberini5 |
|
History
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Our
Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins was designed by a Capuchin and
architect named Michele da Bergamo. Building took place between 1626 and 1631,
and was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, the brother of Capuchin friar Antonio
Barberini. The pope blessed the church's first stone in 1626.
What to see
The décor of this church is interesting to say the least. Arrangements of over
4,000 bones from deceased friars are decoratively displayed amongst the walls.
If the sight of human bones is not appealing, there is a quiet area for prayer
in the mass chapel, the only area that is bone-free. Visitors hoping to find
something a little more macabre can explore one or more of the crypts. The Crypt
of Resurrection, Crypt of Sculls, Crypt of Pelvises, Crypt of Leg and Thigh
Bones, and the Crypt of Three Skeletons have all been carefully constructed
within the church.
Location
Our
Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins is situated at Via Veneto, near
Piazza
Barberini. To get here, visitors can take Metro
Line A: Barberini, or bus 492 or 62 to Piazza Barberini.
PHOTOS
COURTESY OF:
- A View of the
Stunning St. Peter's Basilica; Rome, RM, Italy
- The Majestic
St. John's Lateran; Rome, RM, Italy
- The Ancient
Pantheon at Dusk; Rome, RM, Italy
- Statue of the
Patron Saint Peter; Rome, RM, Italy
- Fountain at
Piazza Barberini; Rome, RM, Italy
