St. Peter's Basilica as it stands today is nearly 400 years old. Construction of the current basilica began in 1506 under Pope Julius II, with the first stone laid on April 18, 1506. The main structure was largely completed by 1615 under Pope Paul V, and interior decorations continued into the 1660s, notably with contributions from Gian Lorenzo Bernini
. However, the site has a much longer history. The original basilica, known as Old St. Peter's Basilica, was built between approximately 318 and 333 AD by Emperor Constantine I over what is believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter. This earlier basilica stood for over 1,200 years until it was demolished around 1505 to make way for the new structure
. So, in summary:
- The current St. Peter's Basilica is about 400 years old, dating from the early 16th century construction start to its completion in the early 17th century.
- The site itself has been a place of Christian worship for nearly 1,700 years, beginning with the original basilica built in the early 4th century
This makes St. Peter's Basilica not only a Renaissance architectural masterpiece but also a monument with deep historical and religious significance spanning many centuries.
