Originally designed by Bramante, the basilica was perfectly centralized. Now it has a long nave that builds suspense up to the climax at the crossing, which is Bernini’s baldachino. The baldachino is a huge sculptural canopy over the altar (which is not in its traditional position in the apse). There is a dual focus here because, when you approach the altar, you see the Cathedral of St. Peter through the canopy (also designed by Bernini). Michelangelo designed the dome of the building after Il Duomo in Florence.
When I walked into the basilica I was unsure where to look. Everything was covered in colored marble and sculptures, which made it hard to distinguish what was important and what was not. The church was overwhelming, teaming with decorations. I was later able to go to mass in the basilica, which was a very interesting experience. It was odd to me that the seemingly most important part of the basilica, the altar, was not used in the service. Attending the mass focused my attention on the apse, which is traditionally where the altar is located.
When I walked into the basilica I was unsure where to look. Everything was covered in colored marble and sculptures, which made it hard to distinguish what was important and what was not. The church was overwhelming, teaming with decorations. I was later able to go to mass in the basilica, which was a very interesting experience. It was odd to me that the seemingly most important part of the basilica, the altar, was not used in the service. Attending the mass focused my attention on the apse, which is traditionally where the altar is located.