A List of Historical Churches

1. Santa Sabina, Rome, c. 422-432

2. San Vitale, Ravenna, c. 526-547

3. Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, c. 532-537

4. Notre Dame de Paris, c. 1163-1250

5. St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, c. 1506-1626

The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, or simply St. Peter’s Basilica is a Late Renaissance church situated in the Vatican City. Designed principally by the architects Donato Bramante, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Carlo Maderna, and Gianlorenzo Bernini, the church is described as the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the greatest building of its age. It is considered to be one of the holiest Catholic shrines, holding a unique position in the Christian world, and one of the greatest churches in all Christendom. By Catholic tradition, the basilica is the burial site of its namesake, St. Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, and the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, also according to catholic tradition. Both tradition and powerful historical evidence state that the tomb of St. Peter is located directly below the high altar of the building. The basilica is known all over the world as a place of pilgrimage, and also for its liturgical functions, presided by the Pope, which draws audiences ranging from 15, 000 to over 80, 000 people. St. Peter’s has a number of strong associations throughout history, such as the Papacy, the Counter-Reformation, the Early Christian Church.

St. Peter’s Basilica is indeed a beauty to behold. And it is one of the many buildings I hope to see and experience one day. As I picture the scene in my head, I imagine myself walking through the entrance of the piazza. The first thing I set my eyes upon is the mighty obelisk, standing straight and tall at the centre. Then, I direct my gaze to four files of large Tuscan columns, forming an elliptical curve around the area. The soft curve guides me, like a gesture, coaxing me toward the awaiting basilica. I see the dome first, governing the skyline of the city and my field of vision, in all its glory and splendor. Now, I’m walking through the trapezoidal portion of the piazza. My eyes travel from the dome to the facade below. I’m drawn forward, toward the front steps of the basilica, and I feast my eyes on the intricate, classical details adorning the facade. I’m inside now. I stop, stunned at the vast distance from the floor to the ceiling. Suddenly, I’m extremely aware of how small and ordinary I am compared to the immensity and grandness of the structure. It’s as if I’m standing before God Himself. It humbles me and reminds me of the reality that I’m not as great as I think I am. I’m nearing the end of the nave, and then the bottom of the dome comes into view. Light from the windows surrounding the drum of the dome soaks the interior with a warm, ethereal glow. I move to stand below the dome. I look up, turn in a slow circle, and take it all in. My heart swells. It’s the closest experience of heaven on earth. And yet, I believe, that it is not even a fraction to what heaven is really like.