19/42.- Rome, The Vatican, Saint Peter basilica

At the beginning of the Christian era the Vatican hills were a surrounding quarter of Rome, where the Circus of Neron and Caligula were located. Years after, Saint Peter was buried here --at least this is what the legend says. In 313 The Emperor Constatine orders the construction of the first Basilica. One thousand years later, the Vatican was chosen to be the Catholic Church headquarters.

The construction of this basilica began in 1506 and lasted more than 150 years. Bramante was the original architect. The best artists of the Renaissance took part in its decoration: Michael Angelo, Raphael and Bernini. Don't miss the panorama movie (only 93Kb) or go to the Next photo ...