St. Peter's Basilica in Rome

Book excerpt: Shedding light on a memorable monument in the Italian metropolis, this beautifully illustrated guide demonstrates why St. Peter’s Basilica is a "must-see” for any visitor to Rome. The tour begins in St. Peter’s Square, following a walkabout through the Basilica, the lower church, the dome overlooking the gardens of the Vatican, the excavations underneath St. Peter and the Campo Santo Teutonico, and the German cemetery, which is only accessible through the Vatican city. A plan of the Basilica and the lower church is also included, and the religious experience of the site is emphasized, citing excerpts from the scriptures related to St. Peter. Combining the history of the arts, the Italian culture, and the institution of the church itself, this is a superb overview of a magnificent landmark.