[🇻🇦Vatican] Stunning beauty: St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's Pieta

St. Peter's Basilica - the headquarters of Catholicism

St. Peter's Basilica, located in the heart of Vatican City, is one of the largest churches in the world and one of the most important holy places for Christians. According to legend, this place was built on the tomb of St. Peter, an apostle of Jesus and the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

The current cathedral was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Famous artists such as Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini were involved in the design, and its magnificent beauty attracts visitors from all over the world.

Impressive scale and majestic interior

When you step inside the cathedral, you will be overwhelmed by its vast space. The huge dome, approximately 211 meters long and 136 meters high, was designed by Michelangelo and stands majestically above the central altar.

The interior is decorated with gorgeous mosaics and sculptures, and the huge bronze baldachinos (baldacchino) by Bernini are not to be missed. This baldachin is placed directly above the tomb of St. Peter and is the centerpiece of the cathedral.

Michelangelo's Pieta - A masterpiece of motherly love

Just to the right as you enter the cathedral is Michelangelo's Pieta (Pietà) sculpture. Pieta means "pity" and depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus on her lap after he has been taken down from the cross.

The beauty of this sculpture lies in its overwhelming realism and beauty of detail. Mary's expression is quiet yet filled with deep sadness, and Jesus' body is depicted with amazing smoothness. This work, which Michelangelo completed when he was only in his 20s, is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art and continues to inspire many people today.

Spectacular view from the cupola

When you visit St. Peter's Basilica, be sure to climb to the top of the cupola (dome). If you climb up using a combination of elevators and stairs, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the Vatican and Rome. On a clear day, it is a great viewing spot where you can see the rotunda of St. Peter's Square and the Tiber River.

Summary

St. Peter's Basilica is a place that deeply impresses visitors with its magnificent architecture and artworks. In particular, Michelangelo's "Pieta" is one of the works that symbolize this basilica, and it is worth quietly enjoying its beauty. When you visit the Vatican, be sure to experience the solemn atmosphere for yourself.

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