145 Unit Two 1. Basilica of St. Peter, the commonly known as St. Pet er’s Basilica , is located within Vatican City in Rome. It occupies a unique
position as one of the holiest sites and as “the greatest of all churches of
Christendom”. In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake
Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Catholic tradition holds that his tomb is below the altar of the
basilica. For this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have
been buried there. There has been a church on this site since the 4th
century. Construction on the present basilica, over the old Constantinian
basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed in 1626.
St. Peter’s is famous as a place of pilgrimage, for its liturgical
functions and for its historical associations. It is associated with the
papacy, with the Counter-reformation and with numerous artists, most
significantly Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded
as the greatest building of its age. Contrary to popular misconception,
Saint Peter’s is not a cathedral, as it is not the seat of a bishop. It is
properly termed a basilica. It is uncommon in that it is oriented with its
chancel to the west and its facade to the east, which is the reverse of
the arrangement at the majority of Christian churches.
2. Basilica of St. Lawrence, the (Italian: Basilica di San Lorenzo)
is on e of the largest churches of Florence, Italy, situated at the centre of
the city’s main market district, and the burial place of all the principal
members of the Medici family. It is one of several churches that
claim to be the oldest in Florence. For three hundred years it was the
city’s cathedral. San Lorenzo was also the parish church of the Medici
family. The church is a part of a larger monastic complex that contains
other important architectural works: the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi;
the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo; the New Sacristy based on
Michelangelo’s designs; and the Medici Chapels by Matteo Nigetti.
The most celebrated and grandest part of San Lorenzo are the Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels) in the apse. The Medici were still paying for
it when the last member of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici,
died in 1743. Above is the Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes),
a great but awkwardly domed octagonal hall where the grand dukes
themselves are buried.