How many saint statues in st peter's square

With a history extending all the way back to the 4th century, Saint Peter's has been a top stop for visitors and pilgrims for nearly 2, years. But the world's largest church is about much more than religion: Saint Peter's is also a wonderful showcase of Renaissance and Baroque art. As an art historian living in Rome, I've been to St.

Peter's more times than I can count - but I'm always discovering something new! You just can never get enough of this special place. Read on to for our guide to 7 unmissable monuments that you have to see!

Famous paintings in st peter's basilica

Saint Peter was martyred during the reign of the emperor Nero, around the year 67 or 68 AD, during the first persecution of the Christians. After his terrible death, Peter was buried in a nearby cemetery. This ancient Basilica was gradually demolished in , when Pope Julius II ordered the construction of a newer and bigger church fit to honor the Apostle: this is the magnificent church we can still admire today.

In only two years, the year-old Michelangelo was able to create a work that remains even today an unparalleled masterpiece. The sculptor interpreted this well-known subject in his very personal and original manner: in fact, going against the traditional iconography where the Virgin Mary was portrayed as a mature woman, Michelangelo emphasized her youth and innocence at the point that she looks even younger than her Son.

The Virgin Mary bears a sash across her chest, with the signature of the artist. His massive statue of St. Longinus over 4 metres high in one of the niches at the crossing of the church is truly awe-inspiring. But once you adjust to the vastness of this immense church, the first thing that catches your eye is a huge bronze canopy at the end of the nave.