Family Travelogue: St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy/ Family Travelogue 08 June 2015

Central aisle, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

St Peter Basilica is so far the largest and the most fascinating Catholic church in the world. We were at the St Peter's square the day before, Sunday, and the queue to go in was so long. Fortunately, we had joined the early morning Vatican tour (Monday). We were inside the Vatican museum before the normal opening hours. A tour inside the church followed.

See for yourself the grandiose interior of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy. High ceiling, giant statues, 551 steps to dome, Michelangelo point-of-tears sculpture "Pieta", Bernini's baldachin, St Peter's chair "the Cathedra", Maderno's nave, chapels, monuments, mosaics and many more. St. Peter Basilica could accommodate 60,000 ~ 90,000 visitors (that's how big it is!). On the nave shows how big St Peter's Basilica is compare with other churches

The Patio of St Gregory the Illuminator

After the Vatican Museum tour, we exited the museum through the kiosk and we were led to the north patio of St Peter's Basilica church. In February 2008, Pope Benedict XVI dedicated the north patio of St. Peter's Basilica to the national saint and patron of Armenia, St. Gregory the Illuminator.

PORTICO- way leading to the entrance.

On the right is the statue of Charity (1728~1732) by Bernardino Ludovisi (1693~1749)

Stucco ceiling of the portico with the coat of arms of Paul V

We were still at the Portico and we can't stopped getting amazed. The high ceiling is not just stucco ceiling. If we would be observant, the ceiling contains 38 statues of the sainted popes in the lunettes and decorated with the episodes in the life of St. Peter and St. Paul. The engineering minds in the renaissance were magnificent! not only the brilliant architectures but the time and patience for putting all these is praiseworthy. I could not imagine these artists lying on their back supported by a high scaffolding and passionately curving/painting/sculpting, where interruptions were not tolerated, and would only stop when they were satisfied with the output.

There are five portals lead to the Basilica as seen on the right. On the far end, which is the left of the portico, is the equestrian statue of Charlemagne, first emperor to be crowned in St. Peter's on Christmas eve of 800.

Stucco ceiling of the Portico

Statues of the sainted popes in the lunette: St. Eutychian and St Caius seen on the left

Episode inside the arc seen on the left: The Baptism of St Processus and St Martinianus

Episode outside the arch: The fall of Simon Magus

Across the episode in the arc is the Coat of Arms of Paul V and the figure of St. Paul next to it.

Equestrian Statue of Charlemagne (1720~1725) by Agostino Cornacchini (1683~1740)

Constantine Statue at the Portico of St Peter's Basilica in the
Vatican City, Rome, Italy

At the right end of the portico is the equestrian statue of Constantine by Bernini in 1670, 139 meters apart from the statue of Charlemagne on the left end of portico
The original church was built by Constantine during the 4th century. The church was from the very start designed whereas the altar is over the presumed tomb of Saint Peter, the apostle of Jesus and the very first pope.

Constantine statue by Bernini in 1670

Equestrian statue of Constantine (1654~1670) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598~1680)

Bronze main portal by Filarete in 1445

The Filarete Door is the central door to the interior of St. Peter's Basilica. The door was done by Antonio Averulino known as Filarete, 1445.
Coat of Arms of Paul V Borghese above the central door.

There are five doors that give access to the Basilica. From the left:
1. Door of Death- Once it was an exit for funeral processions
2. Door of Good and Evil
3. Central Door
4. Door of the Sacraments
5. Bronze Holy Door by Vico Consorti (1950). Traditionally opened only for great celebrations such as Jubilee years.

Most of the churches' entrance designed facing west

NAVE

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The Nave of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Chapel of the Pieta by Michelangelo in 1499

The first thing it was shown to us was the world's most famous Michelangelo's sculpture, Pieta, 1499. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1425~1564), curved this sculpture when he was 24 and it is the only he ever signed. We were so mesmerized in its beauty and were listening closely to our guide about the 1972 incident, we forgot to take photo of this extraordinary masterpiece. Even we go back to Rome, we doubt we could go inside the church again unless we have to join the long line or join the tour again. Fortunately, thanks to my friend. Roselyn, who went to Rome in May 2016. I requested a copy of this photo to feature in this blog.

The Pieta sculpture is now protected with bullet-proof glass. In 1972, a hungarian-born australian geologist hammered the statue of Virgin Mary chipping her eyelid, neck, veil, head and snapped off the left forearm...the fingers fell off hitting the ground.

The Pieta by Michelangelo is the first chapel at the North aisle.

Central Nave towards the Altar, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Astounding view of the central nave of the St Peter's Basilica approximately 187 meters long, 46 meters high and 140 meters wide at the transept with brilliant decorations of the huge pilasters and chapels, more so, the cherubs, the doves and the papacy symbols: the keys and the tiara. The nave was commissioned by Pope Innocent X (1574~1655) in 1645 to Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598~1680). Placed in the upper and lower niches of the side pillars are the 39 statues of the saints who founded religious orders and congregations. The saints continue to the transept and tribune.

Beneath the 137 meter high Michelangelo's dome is the bronze canopy Baldachin, designed by the then 26 year old Bernini. Under the baldachin is the holiest place in the church, The Confesso (burial crypt), presumed to be the site of the grave of St. Peter.

Central Nave towards the back wall, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The measurements of the largest churches in the world are recorded in brass letters on the center of the floor. Being this church the largest, followed by St. Paul's in London, The Duomo in Florence, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Brussels, Immaculate Conception in Washington DC...

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Holy Water stoups with the cupids

Welcoming the visitors, on the left aisle, are the 2 meter chubby angels/cupids holding the basins containing the holy water. The holy water is offered in all churches for the visitors to make the sign of the cross in memory of own baptism.

Seen on the left isle (south side), first pillar lower niche is the Statue of St.Peter of Alcantara (1499~1562) by Francesco Vergara y Bartual in 1713-Feast day 19 October. The statue is one of the 39 founder saint statues (saints who founded the religious congregations) on the side of the Nave, transept and tribune of the church. Not on the photo though, at the upper niche is the statue of St. Lucy Filippini.

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Seen on the left aisle of the nave, second pillar from the back wall, lower niche is the Statue of St. Camillus de Lellis (1550~1607) by Pietro Pacilli in 1753-Feast day on 18 July. The statue is one of the 39 founder saint statues (saints who founded the religious congregations) on the side of the Nave, transept and tribune of the church. Not on the photo though, at the upper niche is the statue of St. Louis de Montfort.

The statue of a pope with outstretched arms and on tiara, also on the left aisle, is the Monument of St. Pius X (Aug 4, 1903~ Aug 20, 1914) Giuseppe Sarto by Di Fausto & Pietro Astorri in1923.

Seen on the left aisle (south side) of the nave, second pillar from the back wall, lower niche is the Statue of St. Camillus de Lellis (1550~1607) by Pietro Pacilli in 1753-Feast day on 18 July. The statue is one of the 39 founder saint statues (saints who founded the religious congregations) on the side of the Nave, transept and tribune of the church. Not on the photo though, at the upper niche is the statue of St. Louis de Montfort.

On the right aisle (north side) of the nave, third pillar from the back wall, lower niche is the Statue of St. St Philip Neri (1515~1595) by Giovanni Battista Maini in 1737-Feast day on 26 May. Not on the photo though, at the upper niche is the statue of St. John de la Salle.

Farther on the right side, near the papal altar, is the statue of St Helena, one of the four statues in the base of the pillars that support the dome. Above the niche is St Helena's relic, the True Cross. The other three statues are: Saint Veronica, St. Longinus and St. Andrew.

detail design of St Peter's Basilica

Back wall at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

From the back wall, four huge pilasters on each side with four arches support the trabeation with a latin inscription in large black letters on a gold background.

On the right, starting above the statue of St. Peter and extending to the back wall are the words "Quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum etin coelis: et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in coelis" I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you declare bound on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you declare loose on earth shall be loose in heaven." Mt. 16:19

Above each arch and below the trabeation are two statues of virtues. Statues of Virtues above the first arch from the back wall on the North (right) side: Fortitude on the right and Mercy on the left (not in the photo)

Placed in the upper and lower niches of the four pillars are the 15 of the 39 founder saint statues mentioned earlier.

Inscription on the left starting from the back it reads

Ego rogavi pro te, o Petre, ut non deficiat fides tua, et tu aliquando converses confirma fraters tuos"
I have prayed for you Peter, that your faith may never fail; and you in turn must strengthen your brothers" Lk 22:32

Statue of Virtues above the first arch from the back wall on the South (left side): Ecclesiastical Authority on the left and Divine Justice on the right.
Founder Saint statue at the upper niche of the first pillar on the left aisle from back wall: St. Lucy Filippini (1672~1732) by Silvio Silva in 1949, Feast day on 25 Mar.

The Statue of St.Peter of Alcantara (1499~1562) by Francesco Vergara y Bartual in 1713 with Feast day on 19 October. is on rge lower niche of the first pillar from the backwall on the left aisle.

Chapel of St. Sebastian at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Next to the Chapel of Pieta, on the right aisle, is the Chapel of St. Sebastian. The mosaic above the altar was a copy of Domenchino's work painted between 1625~1631. The copy was made by a Baroque artist, Pietro Paolo Christofari

The painting represents St. Sebastian's martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Diocletian sometime in the year 288. Diocletian's was the largest persecution of Christians in the Roman period. Sebastian, who then a member of the Praetorian Guard, was a victim of the emperor's persecution of Christians.

St. Sebastian was known as plague saint, believed to have the power to ward off disease. Having an altar in his name thought to be enough to survive the plague that hit Italy in the seventh century.

Under the altar are the remains of Pope St John Paul II.

On the left side is the Monument to Pius XII 1939~1958 by Francesco Messina, 1963 commissioned by the Cardinals he had created. "Nothing is lost in peace, all can be lost with war" was the pope's famous sentence. The statue represents his desire to end the then World War II.

GREGORIAN CHAPEL BEFORE THE RIGHT TRANSEPT

Monument to Gregory XVI 1831~1846

Monument of the Pope Gregory XVI was commissioned by the cardinals he created during his pontificate to Luigi Amici (1817~1887)
The monument is located above the doorway to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. The two figures on the sides represents Knowledge (left) and Prudence (right)
Gregory XVI was the last monk to be elected pope.

Altar of Our Lady of Succor (12th C.) St. Peter's Basilica

One of the three altars at the Gregorian Chapel is the Altar of Our Lady of Succor. The other two are St. Basil and St. Jerome

Mosaic of the Last Communion of St. Jerome 1744 (copy of Domenichino's 1614)

Altar of St. Jerome is one of the three altars at the Gregorian Chapel. The other two are St. Basil and Madonna of Succour. The altar of St Jerome is the last altar on the right aisle of the nave.

The body of John XXIII under the altar of Saint Jerome

The body of John XXIII was placed under the Altar of St. Jerome.

Intersection with transept

Monument to Pope Benedict XIV (1740~1758) b Pietro Bracci, 1769

The Monument to Pope Benedict XIV was depicted in the act of blessing or declamatory gesture. Two allegorical figures on his sides: Knowledge on the left and Indifference on the right

Inside St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

On the photo:
Monument to Pope Benedict XIV (1740~1758) b Pietro Bracci, 1769
Two of the 39 statues of the founder saints at the right transept facing west: St Bonfilius Monaldi (1040~115) at the upper niche by Cesare Aureli in 1906 with feast day every 27 Sep and St. Joseph Calasanctius (1558~1648) at the lower niche by Innocenzo Spinazzi in 1755 with feast day every 25 Aug.

RIGHT TRANSEPT

Atar of Sts. Processus & Martinian

In the center of the right transept is the altar of St Processus and St Martinian, from an original by Valentin Boulogne. the mosaic portrays the martyrdom of the two saints jailed in the Mamertine Prison, converted and baptized by St. Peter.

The four huge square pilasters that support the Dome and mark the meet of the nave and transept were carved out with niches. The niches contain four statues which represent the crucial moment of Christ's passion: St Longinus, St Helen, St Andrew and St Veronica. These statues are associated with basilica's primary holy relics.

On the right, near the papal altar is the statue of St Helena holding the True Cross and the Holy Nails. At the upper niche is St. Helena's relic. The pillar is one of the four huge plasters that support the Dome. The niches in these pilasters represent the difficult times at Christ's passion. The other three statues in the niches are of St. Longinus, St. Helen and St. Andrew. These statues are associated with basilica's primary holy relics. More so, these four pillars mark the meet of the nave and transept.

The Giant letters on a gold background from the statue of St Veronica to the statue of St. Helen say:

"Hinc vna fides mvndo refvlgent" (From here is born the unity of the priesthood)

Shown on the right side of the nave, lower niche is the statue of one of the 39 founder saints, St. Philip Neri (1515~1595) by Giovanni Battista Maini in 1737.

Statue of St. Peter Enthroned by Arnolfo di Cambio, c 1300

The bronze statue of Saint Peter holding the keys of heaven was attributed to Amolfo di Cambio. (1245~1302). It has been a tradition, pilgrims and devotees touch and kiss the foot of the statue as they request for an acceptance in heaven when they die. Thus, explains one of the foot of the statue had been literally worn out. The statue is located on the right side of the nave, fourth pillar from the back wall, near the dome and below the niche of the statue of the founder saint, St John Bosco (1815~1888) by Pietro Canonica in 1936 with feast day every 31 of January.

St Longinus by Bernini,1635

(the Roman centurion who speared Christ with the Holy Lance)

Within the four piers supporting the dome is the statue of St Longinus holding the spear that pierced the side of Jesus by Bernini (1639). St Longinus was the soldier who pierced Christ's side with his spear and later converted to Christianity

The Giant letters on a gold background from the statue of St Longinus to the statue of St. Andrew say: "Hinc sacerdoti unitas exoritur" (From here is born the unity of the priesthood)

TRIBUNE

Left Tribune, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

On the left South Tribune: The statue of St Frances of Rome (1384~1440) by Pietro Gaili in 1850 was placed on the upper niche (feast day 09Mar) and the statue of St Benedict (c480~547) by Montauti at the lower niche (feast day 11Jul).

The four huge square pilasters that support the Dome and mark the meet of the nave and transept were carved out also with niches. The niches contain four statues which represent the crucial moment of Christ's passion: St Longinus, St Helen, St Andrew and St Veronica. These statues are associated with basilica's primary holy relics.

St Veronica statue by Francesco Mochi, 1629 is seen on the photo. St. Veronica's veil is shown at the relic niche above her statue on the fifth Sunday of Lent in St Peter's Basilica. St Veronica was the woman of Jerusalem who wiped the face of Christ with a veil while on the way to Cavalry. It was said (a legend) the cloth was imprinted with the image of Christ's face and said veil was used to cure Emperor Tiberius of some illness

The Giant letters on a gold background from the statue of St Veronica to the statue of St. Helen say:

"Hinc vna fides mvndo refvlgent" (From here is born the unity of the priesthood)

The Confessio (towards the left (south) transept)

In the middle of the intersection is The Confesso (burial crypt)

The Confesso (burial crypt) marks the site of the presumed grave of St. Peter. It is the holiest and epicenter of this building, It is located right below the Michelangelo Dome. Seven steps above from the confesso is the papal or high altar. Rising above the high altar is the 95 ft canopy, the Bernini's Baldacchino.

Baldachin by Bernini (1633)
over the Papal Altar (towards
the Apse)

Baldachin by Bernini (1633)

over the Papal Altar (towards

South)

The 17th-century style Baldachin was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It serves like a canopy of the Papal Altar, where only the Pope celebrates Mass. The presumed tomb of St. Peter lies below the high altar. The Baldachin is situated under the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

The Baldacchino is the first masterpiece of Bernini. It is supported by four gigantic 20 meter high twisted columns, each of which stands on marble pedestal decorated with the coat of arms of the Barberini..

Baldaquin by Bernini (1633)

over the Papal Altar

Above the canopy are: four twice life size angels at the corner; two cherubs each four sides carrying the keys, tiara sword and book of St Paul. From each corner are vast ribs and palm leaves met on top where a globe supports a cross that serves as the peak of the Baldacchin.

Four columns of the Baldacchin at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The columns were cast in three section. The bottom is in helical form and the two were spiralled in the upward movement decorated with olive and bay leaf branches.

Seen on the photo are the two founder saints at the right (north) tribune/apse:
St. Elijah at the lower niche by Agostino Cornacchini in 1727, feast day: 20 Jul
St Francis de Sales (1567~1622) at the upper niche by Adamo Tadolini in 1845, feast day: 24 Jan

Inside the Baldacchino at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Under side the canopy and directly above the officiating pope is a dove, the symbol of the holy spirit, in the middle of the radiating sun. Around the cormice are fringes and tassles dangle decorated with derailed motifs of the Barberini family such as coat of arms, bees and laurel leaves. Urban VIII was born Maffeo Barberini

Two of the four mosaic evangelists Dome: on the right, St John the Evangelist with the eagle and on the left, St Luke with the angel.

The dome is situated above the altar. Supported by four structural pillars and decorated with deailed stucco-ornaments and mosaic. The four mosaic evangelists: Mark, Luke, John and Matthew are on the four spaces between the arches on the top of the dome.

As shown on the photo: The niches below the mosaic of St John with the eagle, on the left side, are of St Helena's and her relic. The niches below the mosaic of St Luke with an angel,on the right side, are of St Veronica and her relic

Founder saints statues: Right transept facing west: upper niche- St Paul of the Cross (1694~1775) by Ignazio Iacometti in 1876, Feast day every 19 October and at the lower niche St Bruno (1035~1101) by Michelangelo Slodtz in 1744, Feast day every 06 October.

Right nave upper niche St John Bosco (1815~1888) by Pietro Canonica in 1936, Feast day 31 January. On the lower niche is the ancient bronze statue of St. Peter.

Left (south) side of the nave upper niche is St. Peter Fourier (1565~1640) by Louis Noel Nicoli in 1899, Feast day every 09 December

At the lower niche is St Francis of Paola (1416~1507) by Giovanni Battista Maini in 1732, Feast day 02 April

St. Peter's Basilica DOME by Michelangelo
(finished by Giacomo della Porta in 1590)

The dome of St Peter's is the tallest in the world with a total height of 136.57 meters from the floor to the external cross. It's internal diameter though is slightly smaller than of the Pantheon of Ancient Rome and Florence Cathedral. The dome was only completed to the base when Michelangelo (1475~1564) died. It was a bit modified and finished by Giacomo della Porta (1540~1602) in 1590.

The dome is seen above the altar and the baldacchino with mosaic and stucco ornaments. It is supported by four structural pillars started by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo. The four mosaics in round medallion in the four spandrels represented by: Mark with the lion, Luke with angel, John with eagle and Matthew with the ox

The 2 meter high gigantic black letters on the texts on a gold background around the base of the drum read:
"Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam mean et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum" (You are Rock and on this rock I will build my church, to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heave) Mt 16:18.

Above the texts are 16 large windows followed by 16 vaulting ribs with figures in six fields going upwards from the windows as follows:
1. 16 saint popes buried in the basilica,
2. large figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St John the Baptist and the 12 apostles,
3. Angels bearing the instrument of Jesus' Passion,
4. heads of cherubs and seraphim inside round medallions,
5. angels, St" Peter's tomb custodians and
6. angels in adoration

Above the 96 figures is a blue sky and stars followed by the text that read "S Petri Gloriae Sixtus PP. V.A. Mdxc Pontif V"
"To the glory of St. Peter, Pope Sixtus V in the year 1590, the fifith of his pontificate"

Inside the eye is the figure of the God the Father surrounded by heads of cherubs.

The niches on the left side, below the mosaic of St Matthew with ox (one of the four evangelists in round medallion placed on the four spaces between the arches on the top of the dome), are of St Andrew and his relic. Seen on photo is the upper niche only. The relic pillar, one of the four that supports the dome, meets the fourth pillar on the left side from the back wall. Founder saint on the left side of nave at the upper niche; St Peter Fourier (1565~1640) by Louis Noel Nicoli in 1899, Feast day: 09 Dec

Visualizing further the design of the dome, two mosaics of the four evangelists dome:

St Matthew with the ox on the right side and St Mark with the lion on the left side.

The text seen below the mosaics reads:

"Hinc sacerdoti unitas exoritur" (From here is born the unity of the priesthood)

The niches below the mosaic of St Mark with the lion, on the right side, are of St Longinus and his relic.

The niches below the mosaic of St Matthew with the ox, on the left side, are of St Andrew and his relic.

The Apse at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The apse is in the rear of St. Peter's Basilica. In the middle is the massive bronze monument to the church's founder, St. Peter; the Cathedra. Latter is the important relic believed to be the chair used by St. Peter when he was the Bishop of Rome.

The Apse with the four Doctors of the Church

The Main Tribune or the Apse is the end of the central nave. In the center is the Altar of the Chair of Peter, a masterpiece work of art by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598~1659) at the time of Pope Alexander VII. The size of the apse is equivalent to the two arms of the transept. 22 February of every year, the church celebrates the feast of the Chair of St. Peter to commemorate the teaching of St. Peter in Rome.

Bernini's Cathedra Petri and Gloria by Bernini, 1666,

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The Cathedra Petri, or "Throne of St. Peter", is the central work of art in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and finished in 1666, this chair is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The cathedra (chair) is a relic made of wood and ivory believed to be used by St. Peter when he was the Bishop of Rome. The throne is supported by the four doctors of the church. On the sides of the chair are two angels and two cherubs on top. Above the cathedra is the alabaster window surrounded by gold clouds and angels. At the center of this window is a white dove which symbolizes the Holy Spirit, hence, the title "Dove of the Holy Spirit". As the light from outside comes through the window glowing the gilded bronze creates heavenly feel.

Altar of the Chair of St. Peter by Bernini, 1666,

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The Cathedra is supported by the four gigantic statues of the Doctors of the ChurchL: St. Ambrose, St. Anthaanasius (left) and St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine (right).

Alabaster window of the Holy Spirit with a dove above St. Peter's Chair

Above the cathedra is a stained window which is not made of glass but of alabaster, a naturally transluscent stone. The window is surrounded by golden clouds and angels flying between rays of light. A blaze of light comes through this window where the rays shift from brighter to darker. At the center of the window is a white dove which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The dove measures six feet wide from wing tip to wing tip. The window is divided into 12 sections in memory of the twelve apostles.

The Apse at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The Latin inscription on the golden background above:

"O Pastor Ecclesiae, tu omnes Christi pascis agnos et oves" means "O Pastor of the Church, you feed all Christ's lambs and shee). On the right is the same writing in Greek.

Among the statues of the Founders placed in the apse are: St. Benedict by Montauti, St. Elias by Cornacchini, St. Francis of Assisi by Monaldi and St. Dominic by Legro

Left lower niche St. Francis of Assisi (1181~1226) by Carlo Monaldi in 1727, feast day: 04 Oct

Upper niche St Alphonsus of Liguori (1696~1787) by Pietro Tenerani in 1839. feast day: 01 Aug

Right lower niche St Dominic (1170~1221) by Pierre Le Gros in 1706, feast day: 08 Aug

Right upper niche St Francis Caracciolo (1563~1608) by Franceso Laboureur & Innocenzo Fraccaroli in 1834, feast day: 04 Jun

LEFT AISLE

view from left aisle, St Jerome mosaic at the right aisle

We were now at the left side of the Basilica as we moved towards the entrance/exit.

above the mosaic of St Jerome

towards Monument to Pius VII

Altar of the Lie

Left Aisle after the transept

The Punishment of the Coupe Ananias and Saphira, from the original painting Cristoforo Roncalli

This Altarpiece is a mosaic work representing The Punishment of the Couple Ananias and Saphira, from the original painting Cristofor Roncall (known as the Pomarancio of 1604.

After lying to St. Pter, Saphira fell to the ground before the Apostle, in the background two young man carry the dead body of her husband, Ananias.

The altar is part of the Clementine chapel at the left side of the Basilica.

Monument to Pope Pius VIII (1829~1830) by Pietro Tenerani, 1866

Opposite of Ananias Altar of the lie is the monument to Pope Pius VIII. The pope is shown kneeling, the statue of Christ enthoned with the statues of St Peter on the left side and St Paul on the right side. Under this monument is the door leads to Sacristy and the Treasury..

This monument is part of the Clementine chapel at the left side of the Basilica.

Monument to Pope Pius VII (1800~1823) by protestant Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen ca 1830

This monument occupies part of the left wall of the Clementine Chapel. It was commissioned by Cardinal Ercole Consalvi.

The Pope was imprisoned by Napoleon and exiled to Fontainebleau. After his liberation, he exiled the emperor at Sant' Elena. Pope Pius VII died on 20 August 1823, two years after his nemesis, Napoleon Bonaparte. Cardinal Consalvi sold all the pope's precious objects and erected this funerary monument in Pius VII's memory.

Two statues standing on the sides of the Doric door (previously access to the Chapel of Choir): on the left is Divine Fortitude wearing a lion's skin and on the right is Wisdom, crowned with oak-leaves

Altar of the Immaculate Conception with mosaic after a painting by Pietro Bianchi, 1740

Beneath the altar are the remains of St. John Chrysostom and relics of St. Francis Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua.

From the back wall, there are four huge pilasters on each side with four arches that support the trabeation. Above each arch and below the trabeation are two statues of virtues. Statues of Virtue on the 3rd arch (left aisle) as shown on the photo : Humility on the left and Patience on the right

The founder saints placed on the 4th pillar from the back wall (on the left side of the nave), as seen on the photo:

Upper niche St. Anthony Zaccaria (1503~1539) by Cesare Aureli in1909. Feast day 05 July

Lower niche St. Ignatius Loyola (1491~1556) by Camillo & Giuseppe Rusconi in 1733. Feast day 31 July

Inscription on the trabeation above the four arches from back wall reads

Ego rogavi pro te, o Petre, ut non deficiat fides tua, et tu aliquando converses confirma fraters tuos"

I have prayed for you Peter, that your faith may never fail; and you in turn must strengthen your brothers" Lk 22:32

Left side of the Nave at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

The founder saints on the 4th Pillar from the back wall on the left aisle are: St Peter Fourier at he upper niche (1565~1640) by Louis Noel Nicoli in 1899. Feast day 09 December and

St Francis of Paola at the lower niche (1416~1507) by Giovanni Battista Maini in 1732. Feast day 02 April

Statues of Virtue above the 4th arc on the South (left) side of the nave: Justice and Fortitude

Founder saints on the 3rd pillar from the back wall that are more visible on the photo are: St Zaccaria (upper niche) and St. Ignatius Loyola

Presentation Chapel

Still on the left aisle, at the Presentation Chapel. The mosaic altarpiece is the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple by her parents: Anne and Joachim when she was a little girl. Below the altar is the body of St Pius X (1904~1914), the last pope to be canonized.

Baptistery Chapel

Across the chapel of Pieta is the first chapel in the left aisle, Baptistery Chapel designed by Carlo Fontana. The Altarpiece (1722), a reproduction of Carlo Maratta design (1696~1698), represents the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, in the River Jordan.

Right side of the Nave, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Baptistry Chapel, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

St Teresa of Jesus by Flippo Della Valle 1754

St Teresa of Jesus (1515~1582) founder of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, by Flippo Della Valle, 1754, Feast day: 15 Oct. The statue of St. Teresa of Jesus was placed at the right side of the nave on the first pillar from the back wall, lower niche. At the upper niche, St Madeleine Sophie Barat (no photo)

St Peter's Square in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Ref: stpeterbasilica.info

Wikipedia

We have learned so much from this tour. The infos we have shared are not yet complete. We have already taken so much time preparing this post, likewise, St Peter's Basilica square's. There are so much information we understand a few or many got bored or just skipped the read, We have more travels from 2015 and onwards to share. We may go back to this post to update when able... actually for our advantage. We could use the infos as references when we go back to Europe and visit more churches.

We would love to continue this blog for our experience in the Vatican Museum. The place was massive and lots of artworks by the greatest artists inside. It would take us long to complete the post, we would instead share it much much later. We have already shared our travel in Florence and Tuscany. We'll start to prepare our visit to Venice.

The tour to Vatican Museum and the interior of St. Peter's Basilica ended before noon. We did not have time to climb to the Dome, we would not want to miss our scheduled train to Florence.