Old St. Peter's Basilica Theory Write-up
OLD SAINT PETER’S BASILICA, ROME, C. 330
FORM
In terms of form and meaning, we can say that the path is much more dramatically concretized than S. Sabina. By not using bulky Roman construction methods, the striving for dematerialization and spiritualization becomes evident, which is continued in S. Sabina. It emphasized the new orientation towards a spiritual rather than physical world.
By emphasizing the richly decorated and glowing aspects of the interior space and neglecting the exterior, Old St. Peter’s, like other Early Christian basilicas, was an architectural abstraction of the ideal Christian, simple and plain on the outside, but with the soul glowing and beautiful within.
FUNCTION
The Basilica of St. Peter is a huge church in the Renaissance style located in Rome west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian's Mausoleum. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome. The basilica is approached via St. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space is oval and the second trapezoid. The facade of the basilica, with a giant order of columns, stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps on which stand two 5.55 metres (18.2 ft) statues of the 1st century apostles to Rome, SaintsPeter and Paul.
Some historians believe that Old St Peter’s, which we know only from old drawings, was the most important design in the history of church architecture. Its wide influence was augmented by the well-authenticated belief that it stood where St Peter, the first pope, had been buried.
The entire interior of St Peter's is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. The basilica contains a large number of tombs of popes and other notable people, many of which are considered outstanding artworks. There are also a number of sculptures in niches and chapels, including Michelangelo's Pieta. The central feature is a baldachin, or canopy over the Papal
FORM
In terms of form and meaning, we can say that the path is much more dramatically concretized than S. Sabina. By not using bulky Roman construction methods, the striving for dematerialization and spiritualization becomes evident, which is continued in S. Sabina. It emphasized the new orientation towards a spiritual rather than physical world.
By emphasizing the richly decorated and glowing aspects of the interior space and neglecting the exterior, Old St. Peter’s, like other Early Christian basilicas, was an architectural abstraction of the ideal Christian, simple and plain on the outside, but with the soul glowing and beautiful within.
FUNCTION
The Basilica of St. Peter is a huge church in the Renaissance style located in Rome west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian's Mausoleum. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome. The basilica is approached via St. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space is oval and the second trapezoid. The facade of the basilica, with a giant order of columns, stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps on which stand two 5.55 metres (18.2 ft) statues of the 1st century apostles to Rome, SaintsPeter and Paul.
Some historians believe that Old St Peter’s, which we know only from old drawings, was the most important design in the history of church architecture. Its wide influence was augmented by the well-authenticated belief that it stood where St Peter, the first pope, had been buried.
The entire interior of St Peter's is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. The basilica contains a large number of tombs of popes and other notable people, many of which are considered outstanding artworks. There are also a number of sculptures in niches and chapels, including Michelangelo's Pieta. The central feature is a baldachin, or canopy over the Papal