Ten interesting facts learnt at Saint Peter’s Basilica

29th of August to 2nd of September 2013

Saint Peter’s Basilica, built on the Vatican Hill across the river from the historic centre of Rome, has a history that stretches back 2 000 years.

Saint Peter’s Square is bordered by gigantic colonnades that symbolise outstretched arms. Adorning the balustrades on the colonnades are 140 statues of saints carved by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his assistants.

It is simply impossible to write about all the fascinating facts hidden within its walls, art and presence. However, here are ten interesting and charming facts that I learnt on our visit to Saint Peter’s.

Saint Peter’s Square is decorated with fountains and an Egyptian obelisk that was transported to Rome in 37 AD.

1. It’s not an easy feat to become a Papal Swiss Guard

The Papal Swiss Guard was founded in 1506, responsible for the safety of the Pope. To be a Swiss Guard one has quite a checklist to complete.

A Papal Swiss Guard standing to attention.

One needs to be a male, unmarried Roman Catholic with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, at least 1.74 metres tall and must complete basic training with the Swiss military.

2. Saint Peter’s bones are believed to lie buried beneath the alter of the basilica

Saint Peter died a martyr and it is believed that he was buried on this site in 64 AD. He was the first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession.

The alter of the chair of Saint Peter, Cathedra Petri by Bernini was completed in 1666 and was created to enclose the wooden throne of Saint Peter.

In 1953 a set of bones were found during excavations around the spot rumoured to be where Saint Peter is buried.  Archaeologists argue that the bones found where indeed Saint Peters due to assumptions based on the evidence.

Testing revealed that the bones belonged to a man in his 60’s which is the age Peter would have been. Earth was also encrusted on the bones and Peter was originally buried directly in the dirt. Furthermore, the bones had remnants of purple thread, a colour of cloth that only would have been worn by someone who was royal or held a holy position.

3. The basilica you see, is actually not the original

The original basilica was completed by Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, in 349 AD.

In the middle of the 15th century, the basilica was in serious disrepair and although Pope Nicolas V started restorations, plans were halted after his death. Progress only continued in 1506, when Pope Julius II decided to build a completely new church with Donato Bramante appointed as the chief architect.

After Bramante’s death he was succeeded by a number of different architects, most notable Micheangelo.

The church was finally reconsecrated in 1626, 1 300 years after the consecration of the first church.

4. Saint Peter is not the official seat of the Pope

To contrary belief, Saint Peter’s is not a cathedral, nor is it the official seat of the Pope. San Giovanni in Laterano holds this honour. However, Saint Peter is one of four Papal Basilicas or Major Basilicas of Rome.

Saint Peter’s is a significantly important church to Catholics but it is hard to argue that it is an incredible feat of architecture and art.

It is the most prominent building in the Vatican City and the largest church in Christendom, covering an area of 2,3 hectares. The basilica has a floor space of 15 160 m2 and the nave is 211,5 m long.

5. The façade of the basilica is 115 m wide

The high façade of the basilica, designed by Maderno, measures 115 m wide and 45,5 m high. It is crowned with 5,7 m tall statues of Christ, John the Baptist and eleven apostles.

Two large clocks are placed on each top corner of the façade, supported by angels and decorated with the papal crest. The oldest bell in the clock on the left dates back to 1288.

The inscription below the cornice reads, ‘In honorem principis Apost Pavlvs v Bvrghesivs Romanvs Pont Max an MDCXII Pont VII’, meaning, ‘In honour of the Prince of Apostles, Paul V Borghese, a Roman, Supreme Pontiff, in the year 1612, the seventh of his pontificate’.

On either side of the façade, you will see two statues that are significantly larger than the ones that adorn the top of the façade. These statues represent the patron saints of Rome; Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

6. You stand in awe in the presence of great artists

When you enter Saint Peter’s Basilica, you are immediately struck in awe by the sheer size of this magnificent building and the amount of detail that each artist and architect contributed.

Designed by Micheangelo, the Dome measures 42 m in diameter and reaches a height of 136.5 m, from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross.

It can be quite overwhelming to walk the floors of the basilica and admire the many large statues, monuments and paintings as they are literally everywhere. From floor to ceiling, in each little corner and crevice, there is art to capture in your mind and memory.

Walking through the basilica and in the presence of the work by great artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini and the like, will leave you mesmerised.

The greatest Italian architects of the era built the basilica over hundreds of years and slowly, the world’s largest church was erected, standing testament to man’s faith and the grandeur of Renaissance architecture.

Set in niches within the four piers supporting the dome are the statues associated with the basilica's holy relics. This is Saint Helena, holding the True Cross, sculpted by Andrea Bolgi.

7. Pietà is Michelangelo’s only work that bears his signature

As you enter the first chapel, on your right, you will immediately be drawn to Michelangelo’s  Pietà, a beautiful carved marble sculpture depicting Mary holding the body of her son. It was created in 1499-1500.

Michelangelo, on hearing that people were attributing his work to another artist, etched his name on the ribbon that runs across Mary’s chest.

8. The dome of Saint Peter’s is the tallest in the world

I must admit that this was our first time in Saint Peter’s Dome. One has the option of either climbing the stairs or taking the elevator to the rooftop terrace; however, the elevator will only safe you 177 steps.

From the roof terrace you have the option to climb 491 steps to reach the top of Micheangelo’s dome and enter the bell tower.

Winding up the narrow staircase, leaning sideways as the walls start to slant, you have to hang on to a rope and pull yourself up as no railing is available. However, the uneasy climb is well worth it as you break into a vault of intricate mosaic and stucco ornaments, coming to live against the gold backgrounds.

Mosaics adorning Michelangelo’s dome.

Wrapping themselves around the dome, one can read the words from Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam mean et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum’, meaning ‘You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my Church, to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven’.

The letters of the words from Matthew’s Gospel are 2 m high, putting into perspective the vastness of the Dome, especially as you look down into the nave of the church and see the tiny figures of tourists scurrying about.

There are sixteen large windows, letting in light to illuminate the artwork. Above the windows, the dome is divided into sixteen segments, decorated by majestic figures on six ascending concentric levels. Each level represents popes buried in the basilica; Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist and various Apostles; and angels bearing the instruments of Jesus' Passion. 

 In the centre, the 18 m long eye penetrates the lantern and as in a vision, the light comes to rest on the figure of God the Father.

9. The Pope’s garden, the Vatican Gardens

Climbing up to the bell tower, you are able to walk along a terrace and enjoy a view of the Vatican Gardens.

There is no general access to the garden, unless one goes on a guided tour of which there are a limited numbers. However, one can still admire the beautiful landscaped gardens, which date back to medieval times, from above.

Vibrant flower beds and topiary decorate the Vatican Gardens.

The gardens cover a space of 23 hectares and include a 3 hectare forest. Within the gardens one will see a variety of medieval fortifications, buildings and monuments from the 9th century to the present day, fountains, sculptures, an artificial grotto devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes, and an olive tree donated by the government of Israel.

The Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City State.

10. Meet the Pope on Sunday at noon

Each Sunday one can make their way to Saint Peter’s square where Pope Francis will appear at the window of his apartment to give a short speech, followed by the Angelus and ending with a blessing.

The Pope draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, including the Costa family on our last Sunday in Rome.

Large groups gather, waving their flags and banners, in anticipation of the arrival of the much loved Pope Francis.

When he arrived the crowd erupted into a grand applause filled with respect, admiration and pride.

Pope Francis greeted the crowds with a graceful sincerity and proceeded with an uplifting sermon on ending the wars and encouraging world peace, challenging people to take a stand. He invited those he addressed in the square and those that would have been watching him on TV, in the following week, representing a voice to the world to end war.

It was a beautiful, moving experience, instilling in you a sense of hope and serenity. I left Saint Peter’s feeling the humbleness of faith in my heart.