Saint Peter's Dome
The dome of Saint Peter's Basilica is the dominant feature of the Roman skyline.Designed by Michelangelo, the dome was actually carried out by his successors as architects of Saint Peters; Domenico Fontana and Giacomo Della Porta. They completed the building in three years, by 1590.
The interior decorations of the dome were designed by Cavalier D'Arpino, Giuseppe Cesari, between 1603 and 1612. His sketches were made in to mosaics by Cesare Torelli, Donato Parigi, Ranuccio Semprevivo and Rosario Parasole.
These mosaics show Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist and the 12 apostles the Church is happy with shooting up via angels to God, who is depicted in the Cupola or smaller dome at the very top.
At the base of the cupola is inscribed, S. PETRI GLORIAE SIXTUS PP. V.A. MDXC PONTIF. V., or for the glory of Saint Peter, Pope Sixtus the fifth 1590, the fifth year of his ponfificate. He commissioned the dome and it was finished the year he passed away.
Inside the drum of the Dome, beneath the windows, is a quote from Matthew Chapter 16 verses 18-19, in six foot high letters,
"You are Peter, the rock, upon this rock I build my Church, I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven".
The Catholic Church regards this statement from Jesus as making Peter the first Pope, papa or father of the church. The Popes regard themselves as the successors to his office as Bishop of Rome; the earthly head of the Roman Catholic Church; they have always regarded Jesus as the head of the Church.
Beaneath this are four large circular medallions, each 26 feet high and again mosaics, depeciting the writers of the four cannonical gospels; St. Matthew with the Angel, St. John with the eagle, St. Luke with the calf and St. Mark with the lion. These four men give us the majority of information about the life of Jesus. Other gospels exist, but these are considered authentic by the major Christian Churches.
Structurally, the dome is 150 metres or 450 feet high from the floor to the cross on top of the dome.
The Statue of Liberty could fit inside St. Peter's underneath the dome.
It affords the visitor great views of the inside of the church and of the outside of Rome.
A small charge, less than €10, is incurred.
What People Say - My Tour Reviews
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"Our guide, Dara, was excellent. He was entertaining and informative."
Steve and Ro Sunshine - 09/11/2010 - 5 out of 5 -
"All four people in my group thoroughly enjoyed the information and explanations
that our wonderful tour guide demonstated to us. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject-matter
was quite evident throughout his entire presentation. Loved the whole tour very, very much
and will reccommend it to all our friends who visit Rome."
Sheryl and Ronald Klein ; Connie and Roger Martel - 08/11/2010 - 5 out of 5 -
"The whole experience was terrific.
Dara added a lot of insight into the Vatican that we had no knowledge of prior to this tour.
His use of humor made this tour very interesting and memorable.
We consider Dara to be the very best leader of any of the 6 tours we took during our time in Europe."
Cecil and Karen Memory - 04/11/2010 - 5 out of 5 -
"Dara was great--we enjoyed his tour of the Vatican, and learned so much.
He was insightful, clever and warm.
Highly recommend this tour company."
Paula & Tom Wuori - 04/11/2010 - 5 out of 5 -
"Informative and pleasant."
Bill Marks - 03/11/2010 - 5 out of 5 -
"A really good and informative tour."
John Lubbock - 29/10/2010 - 5 out of 5 - "I was incredibly impressed with Dara's knowledge and the tour given.
I have even purchased a book about the art of the Sistine Chapel in order to develop my knowledge!!
Very impressed and would highly recommend."
Lisa McMonagle - 24/06/2009 - 5 out 5 - "Excellent tour.
Our guide was wonderful and really cared about everything.
Dara was great . .... very knowledeable and answered all questions. Very nice."
Peggy Collias - 01/07/2009 - 5 out of 5 - "Dara did a fantastic job.
His sense of humor was a definite plus and kept us all engaged."
Roger Koppy - 03/07/2009 - 5 out of 5 - "Worth every penny."
Scott Kalkin - 04/07/2009 - 5 out of 5
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