St. Peter's Basilica

The grandeur of Vatican City cannot be overlooked. It symbolizes the new empire of the Catholic Church in Rome. It is awe-inspiring and draws people in with its design. The columns surrounding the square are designed to welcome and encompass the people within the city. The altar and tomb to St. Peter within the basilica illustrate the Christian claim to Rome. Present below St. Peter’s is a box containing what is believed to be the remains of St. Peter, although the validity of this claim is heavily debated. I do not believe that it matters if the remains are truly those of St. Peter of not. I believe what is important is the fact that the location has brought people together, regardless of whether they are Catholic, Protestant, or non-Christians. The tomb and alter, designed by Bernini, signify that something is important here which has caused people to flock to this specific location to be connected with their faith. This is what makes this location so significant.

Vatican City was designed by the best artists of the time, such as Michelangelo and Bernini, to show its importance and significance in the city as well as to attract visitors. The Basilica is a good example of the layering of Rome. The Basilica was built upon layers of tombs dedicated to St. Peter as well as a necropolis used by pagans and Christians alike. This is a very common theme among churches in Rome. St. Peter’s is a pilgrim site for Christians and draws millions of visitors to Rome each year, which contributes to a significant portion of Rome’s economy. St. Peter’s represents the power of the Catholic Church in Rome and beyond.