Brief History of St.

Peter’s

318-22: Constantine starts building the original St.

Peter’s basilica 1586-90:
• patronized by first emperor to profess Architect: Domenico Fontana
Christianity Patron: Sixtus V
• Moves obelisk to piazza of
1506-14: St. Peter’s
Architect: Bramante • Builds slightly redesigned
Patron: Julius II dome that Michelangelo
• Demolition, designed centralized plan – Greek never completed
cross • Fontana concerned
• Centralized plan + use of squares and with/interested in urban
circles→ideal representations of mathematical fabric and piazzas in general
harmony in nature and relating to God
o Demonstrates strong math and
religious ideals
• Dome atop colonnade; lantern atop oculus
• Four principle piers and grand scale of
building established
o no future architect will drastically
change these

1605-19:
1547-64:
Architect: Maderno
Architect: Michelangelo
Patron: Paul V
Patron: Paul III
• Addition of a nave
• Affects choir end and dome • Concerned with functionality
• Michelangelo values the “truthfulness” and
as a church
“realness” Bramante was trying to achieve
o He expands upon Bramante’s design
o Edits it cleaner and simpler 1656-63:
o In line with his original values Architect: Bernini
• Seeking both aesthetic and structural Patron: Alexander VII
solutions, comes to double shell dome • Constructs the piazza
o (Michelangelo dies before dome • Finishing piece to puzzle
complete)