Rich Church History Located in St. Peter’s Basilica
I appreciate beauty and sacred artwork, so of course, I loved St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. I could have spent much more time exploring this awe-inspiring place. I hope you’ll enjoy the representative photos in today’s post.
St. Peter’s Basilica was built during the 4th century and rebuilt during the 16th century. Erected over the tomb of St. Peter, it is the second largest religious building in Christendom. (The largest is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace on the Ivory Coast.)
As I said earlier, we scheduled an early-morning Vatican tour to avoid large throngs of tourists, but by the time we arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica, we joined hundreds of other awed onlookers.
Michelangelo carved La Pietà, located just inside the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, when he was only 23 years old. Pietà, which means “Pity,” depicts Mary holding the body of Jesus after he was removed from the cross. La Pietà depictions have been carved by other artists as well.
The Throne of St. Peter takes up the entire space in the front of the basilica, and this beautiful stained-glass Dove of the Holy Spirit, which is 6 feet wide, is at the very center.
I love babies and am always drawn to depictions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with her little child. I love the tender look on her face in this statue. I cannot remember the significance of this work, but I wonder if the child standing next to them could be John [the Baptist]? If you know, I’d love to hear from you.
View of a lower-level area.
This is the altar. For perspective of how massive this church is, check out the tourists on either side.
Confessional Booth
This is a Monument to Pope Pius VIII, who was imprisoned in 1808 when the French reigned in Italy, because he refused to take Napoleon’s oath of allegiance. The statue depicts Christ on the throne with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. The Pope is kneeling with allegories that represent Prudence and Justice.
A small door under the monument leads to the Treasury Museum which contains a list of all the Popes who have been buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. Wow! The history in this place is rich!
St. Peter’s Holy Water Fount. Don’t these cherubs have the sweetest little faces?
Even though I cannot fathom the artistic talent and ability of the works represented at St. Peter’s, they do inspire me to use whatever abilities God has given to me to bring glory to Him and to bless others.
Blessings on each of our continuing journeys,
