Old St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s History
Saint Peter. Often referred to as “Rock” due to the exchange with the Savior in the Gospel of Matthew stating, “… thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” Peter is revered as one of the greatest men that has walked this earth. He walked on water with the Savior, he was present for many of the most sacred events that take place in the New Testament, he was chosen by the Savior to hold the keys of the kingdom on earth, in his calling as chief apostle he opened the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, he ministered for over 30 years, and was ultimately martyred for his beliefs.
Following St. Peter’s martyrdom at the Circus of Nero in 64 A.D. he was believed to have been buried …show more content…
Christians adopted the design, layout, and architecture of early basilicas in the planning and construction of the (Old) St. Peter’s Basilica. Like early basilicas, (Old) St. Peter’s Basilica was rectangular with a high central vaulted nave and complementary aisles on both sides. It is over 350 feet long and had a transept cutting perpendicular across the nave to form a cross . The apse at the head of the basilica is said to have had a mosaics and a statue of some sort dedicated to St. Peter. Mosaics and paintings would also have adorned the walks between the pillars. Many were destroyed when the Old St. Peter’s Basilica was torn down, but a few were preserved to be placed in the new basilica. Most notable among the preserved mosaics are Navicella by Giotto displaying Peter walking on water towards Christ and the Adoration of the Magi commemorating the birth of the Savior. The original roofing was gabled with timbered interior, standing as high as 100 feet at its highest interior point. The basilica was capable of seating anywhere upwards of 4000 people at full capacity. At the entrance, there was an atrium with a fountain often referred to as the “Garden of Paradise”.
Below the expansive nave and marble columns lies the ancient tombs of the patron saint and those who desired to be buried in close proximity to St. Peter. Directly under the alter, a vaulted subterranean chapel is believed to contain the physical remains of Saint Peter. In addition, a crypt circles around the foundation of the apse walls containing the bodies of all the popes buried
St. Peter’s History
Saint Peter. Often referred to as “Rock” due to the exchange with the Savior in the Gospel of Matthew stating, “… thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” Peter is revered as one of the greatest men that has walked this earth. He walked on water with the Savior, he was present for many of the most sacred events that take place in the New Testament, he was chosen by the Savior to hold the keys of the kingdom on earth, in his calling as chief apostle he opened the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, he ministered for over 30 years, and was ultimately martyred for his beliefs.
Following St. Peter’s martyrdom at the Circus of Nero in 64 A.D. he was believed to have been buried …show more content…
Christians adopted the design, layout, and architecture of early basilicas in the planning and construction of the (Old) St. Peter’s Basilica. Like early basilicas, (Old) St. Peter’s Basilica was rectangular with a high central vaulted nave and complementary aisles on both sides. It is over 350 feet long and had a transept cutting perpendicular across the nave to form a cross . The apse at the head of the basilica is said to have had a mosaics and a statue of some sort dedicated to St. Peter. Mosaics and paintings would also have adorned the walks between the pillars. Many were destroyed when the Old St. Peter’s Basilica was torn down, but a few were preserved to be placed in the new basilica. Most notable among the preserved mosaics are Navicella by Giotto displaying Peter walking on water towards Christ and the Adoration of the Magi commemorating the birth of the Savior. The original roofing was gabled with timbered interior, standing as high as 100 feet at its highest interior point. The basilica was capable of seating anywhere upwards of 4000 people at full capacity. At the entrance, there was an atrium with a fountain often referred to as the “Garden of Paradise”.
Below the expansive nave and marble columns lies the ancient tombs of the patron saint and those who desired to be buried in close proximity to St. Peter. Directly under the alter, a vaulted subterranean chapel is believed to contain the physical remains of Saint Peter. In addition, a crypt circles around the foundation of the apse walls containing the bodies of all the popes buried