St. Peter’s Basilica: The Most Magnificent Church in All of Christendom

Larger than life: Art that inspires us through the ages

In 1626, when St. Peter's Basilica was completed, all roads led to Rome and, in Rome, all roads led to St. Peter's Basilica. In front of the basilica, St. Peter’s Square welcomes and embraces pilgrims and guests and offers them a gathering place. On significant occasions, the square holds some 300,000 people. Aerial-motion/Shutterstock

Peter, the first pope and bishop of Rome, appointed by Jesus himself, took the lead to establish Christianity in Rome. He was later martyred; however, his legacy was set.

One and a half millennia passed, and the inspired Pope Julius II sought to honor St. Peter and the origins of the papacy. He turned to Renaissance architect and painter Donato Bramante and requested him to make “the most magnificent, biggest church in Christendom.”