saint peter church. the greatest church in cristendom is an extraordinary feat of architectural design. the scale of this building is astouning: the 615 ft-long nave seems to unfold  in front of you as you walk. the cupola, supported by four colossal pillars, is a dizzying 450 ft high. in the 16th century , Julius II decided to rebuild constantine's 4th century basilica, which stood on the burital place of St. Peter. a succession of excellent architects contributed to the design. Bramante is responsable for the layout, Michelangelo for the dome and Maderno for the nave and the facade. Nernini is credited for much of the interior work, including the bronze reliquary throne (catedra petri) containing what is believed to be St. Peter's original wooden chair, the huge bronze baldacchino and the tombs of popes Urban VIII and Alexander VII. do not miss the extremely moving   - Pietà -  ( 1498-1500) by the young Michelangelo. Climb up to the drum balcony for a sense of the true size of the dome; continue up the 330 steps for an unbeatable view of the city and the Vatican gardens.
distance from nova domus hotel 800 ft