 The holiest church in Europe, made even more so by the discovery
of St Peter's supposed bones in the necropolis beneath (apply
to the Ufficio Scavi for permission to visit). Julius II took
the unprecedented decision to destroy the old Constantinian basilica,
dating back to the 4th century, and replace it with the grandest
architectural commission of the entire Renaissance. Bramante's
began work on his monumental structure, a Greek cross surmounted
by a massive dome, in 1506. Little was built, however, until
1546, when Michelangelo succeeded him as architect. Most of the
building, and the dome, were erected to his plans. The façade
was added by Maderno at the beginning of the 16th century when
the nave was lengthened. Bernini's oval Piazza provides a wonderful
approach to the Basilica. The interior owes most to Bernini who
executed a series of masterpieces for successive popes, including
the tombs of Urban VIII and Alexander VII. His astonishing Baldacchino,
with its barley sugar columns, a unique blend of sculpture and
architecture, and his theatrical Chair of St Peter, suspended
above the Four Fathers of the Church, dominate the long vista
down to the nave. At the beginning of the right aisle stands
Michelangelo's Pieta, the most perfect sculpture he ever executed
and the only one he ever signed (on the Virgin's girdle). Carved
in 1499, it represents the fulfillment of Quattrocento art. On
the opposite side of the nave is the pure and simple memorial
by Canova to the last three members of the Stuart family.
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