The present basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City, begun by Pope Julius II in 1506 and completed in 1615 under Paul V. It is designed as a three-aisled Latin cross with Dome at the crossing, directly above the high Altar which covers the shrine of St Peter the Apostle, and the church of the popes—is a major pilgrimage site.
From the square, and the dome of St. Peter’s. it was planned and designed by Michelangelo who directed work on it to the level of the drum. He increased its span by 7 m. in comparison to the original plans thereby giving it a greater impetus. The dome, almost 137 m. high, can be seen from every part of Rome and has become the city’s symbol.
