The Magnificent Saint Peter's Basilica at Vatican City скачать в хорошем качестве

The Magnificent Saint Peter's Basilica at Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most magnificent churches in the world and the centerpiece of Vatican City. Here's a detailed look: The current basilica was built between 1506 and 1626, replacing an earlier 4th-century church that Emperor Constantine had constructed over what was believed to be St. Peter's tomb. The Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece took over 120 years to complete and involved some of history's greatest architects, including Donato Bramante (who began the project), Michelangelo (who designed the iconic dome), and Gian Lorenzo Bernini (who created much of the interior decoration and the plaza). The facade is imposing - 115 meters wide and 45 meters high, designed by Carlo Maderno. Atop it stand 13 statues: Christ in the center, flanked by John the Baptist and 11 apostles (all except St. Peter). The entrance is approached through St. Peter's Square, Bernini's elliptical masterpiece with its encircling colonnades of 284 Doric columns. The Interior - Main Nave Walking in, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale. The basilica is 186 meters long - one of the largest church interiors in the world. Bronze markers in the floor show how it compares in size to other major churches. The central nave is barrel-vaulted and richly decorated with stucco, marble, and gold. Michelangelo's Pietà Just inside to the right as you enter is one of the world's most famous sculptures - Michelangelo's Pietà (1498-99). It shows Mary holding the dead Christ and was carved when Michelangelo was only 24. It's now protected behind bulletproof glass after being vandalized in 1972. It's the only work Michelangelo ever signed - his signature is on the sash across Mary's chest. Bernini's Baldacchino The centerpiece of the basilica is Bernini's massive bronze baldachin (canopy), standing 29 meters high over the papal altar. Cast from bronze taken from the Pantheon's portico, it was completed in 1634. The twisted columns are a Baroque masterpiece, and it marks the spot directly above St. Peter's tomb. The Papal Altar and Confession The papal altar sits under the baldachin, and only the Pope can celebrate mass here. Below it is the Confession, a sunken area where you can see down toward the level of the original Constantinian church and the supposed location of St. Peter's grave. Oil lamps burn perpetually here. The Chair of St. Peter At the far end of the basilica, in the apse, is another Bernini masterpiece - the Cathedra Petri (Chair of St. Peter), completed in 1666. This gilded bronze throne appears to float, held aloft by statues of four Doctors of the Church. Above it, light streams through a window featuring a dove representing the Holy Spirit, creating a dramatic theatrical effect. The Grottoes Beneath the main floor are the Vatican Grottoes, where many popes are buried, including recent pontiffs like John Paul II (though his remains were later moved upstairs). You can also see remnants of the old Constantinian basilica. The Necropolis Even deeper, below the grottoes, is the ancient Roman necropolis where St. Peter was supposedly buried after his crucifixion around 64-67 AD. This area requires special permission and advance booking to visit (the "Scavi" tour), but archaeological evidence does suggest bones found here could be those of Peter. Other Notable Features The basilica contains numerous side chapels, each a work of art in itself. There are monuments to popes throughout, including the dramatic tomb of Alexander VII by Bernini. The Treasury Museum houses precious reliquaries and liturgical objects. The baptistery features a porphyry font that was once the lid of a Roman sarcophagus. Artistic Details Every surface is adorned - marble floors in geometric patterns, gilded ceilings, mosaics (many of the "paintings" you see are actually incredibly detailed mosaics), sculptures, and monuments. The use of different colored marbles, the play of light, and the sheer craftsmanship throughout is overwhelming. St. Peter's represents not just architectural and artistic achievement, but centuries of Catholic history and faith. Standing inside, even non-religious visitors often find themselves moved by the scale, beauty, and sense of continuity with the past. #italy #vatican #vaticancity #stpetersbasilica #catholicchurch #pope #basilica #renaissancearchitecture #baroque #michaelangelo #bernini ** If you enjoy my videos, please like and subscribe to join our community. Your support means the world to me! 🎥 What You'll Find Here: Raw, unscripted adventures filmed as they happen Hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations Authentic local food experiences and cultural immersion Real-time reactions and genuine discovery moments Armed with an iPhone, my videos are intentionally unpolished – no scripts – just pure, authentic exploration that lets you feel like you're discovering these amazing places alongside me. Feel free to use any footage for your projects – attribution appreciated!