The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica
The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is a church built in the later years of the Renassaince time period. It is located within Vatican City. It is still today one of the largest churches in the world and was designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is one of the holiest catholic sites ever created. It is widely known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
The building of this massive church began on April 18, 1506 and was finally completed on November 18, 1626. This church is so massive, it draws crowds that can range from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. The dome of this church towers over any other building in Rome. This chrurch covers an area of 5.7 acres. Many religious activites are held in this church yet today.
Michelangelo was basically an architectural genius during the Renassaince. He played a huge role in to construction of St. Peter's Basilca. He put together the plans of the other architects and continued building while inserting his own plans, forming them together. The beginning architect was Donato Bramante, whose plans were inspired by the huge Roman temple, The Parthenon. The main difference between The Parthenon and St. Peter's Basilica is that the basilica was to be supported by four large piers. The Parthenon was supported by a huge continuous wall.
The dome stands 448.1 feet tall from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross. Being the tallest dome in the world, its internal diameter is 136.1 feet. The plans of this dome are very complex because it has gone through many different architects. Michelangelo redisgned the dome in 1547. His dome was constructed of two shells of brick , the outer one having 16 ribs.
Thedome of St. Peter's still stands today as the largest dome ever. It is truly an outstanding marking in history. Being made on the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles, just adds to its popularity. It is one of four churches that hold the rank of Major Basilica. Major Basilica is the title given to the four highest ranking Roman Catholic churches. The other three are Achbasilica of St. John Lateran, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.
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