st. peter's basilica - rome

St. Peter's Square looking toward St. Peter's Basilica.

Courtyard view from St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica - Front View -- We were fortunate to arrive here on a Sunday when crowds were not as massive and the pope was not in Rome. If he had been, we would not have been able to go inside.

The top portal is where the pope would greet the people assembled in the square.

Guard and one of the side entrances.

The famous and magnificent "Pieta", "The Pity" carved by Michelangelo in 1498-1499.

It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by Michelangelo. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for a cardinal's funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.

This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion

The Pieta view from hallway. It is protected by thick glass panel.

Main hallway or "nave" after entering the bisilica. Individual chapels and monuments are located on either side of the nave.

A closer view of the end of the Nave and part of dome.

Still a closer view. Each view shows a different perspective and additional detail.

A close-up view of the "Tomb of St. Peter". "Altar of the Chair" in background under clock.

Magnificent view of the dome over St. Peter's tomb.

Another view of the dome.

Still another view from a little different perspective. The architecture is a marvel considering it was built so long ago.

Dome view from center point on floor. I had to strain a bit to get this shot.

Altar of St Sebastian - Tomb of St John Paul II

A closer view of the Altar of St Sebastian - Tomb of St John Paul II

Left Tansept. -- On the left side is the Altar of the Crucifixion of St. Peter, thought to be nearest the spot where the Apostle died in the Circus of Nero.

Another dome.

Made by the Milanese sculptor Camillo Rusconi between 1715 and 1723, this monument represents the pope giving his blessing. The tablet words translated mean "New Works and Faith".

Monument to Benedict XIV, built in 1769.

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