St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican, Italy, early 1900s
This is an unused black & white postcard without any information about the printer/publisher. Like some other cards of this time period, it has pink tinting on part of the picture. The card does not have an identifying number but it does have a blurb at the upper left on the reverse. “St. Peters, Rome, Italy.—One of the wonders of the world, founded by Constantine, the first Christian emperor in the world. This magnificent pile of architecture took 1300 years to build. On the right of the Colonades is the Vatican, containing the priceless treasures of the world. The obelisk in the center is supposed to be the oldest known outside the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Egypt.”
The Renaissance style church is located in Vatican City. The church complex shown on the card was a replacement for the original St. Peter’s Basilica that was built in the 4th century by Roman emperor Constantine. This newer building complex was planned in the 1400s with construction beginning in 1506 and completion in 1626. Traditionally it is the burial place of Jesus’s apostle, Saint Peter. It is said that his tomb is under the Altar of Confession. Many Catholic popes have been interred at St. Peter’s for that reason.
St. Peter's is a famous pilgrimage site where large crowds gather for liturgies that the pope presides over throughout the year. The interior measurement is vast when compared with other churches. While it is not the cathedral of Rome or the mother church of the Catholic church, it is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines.
The entire interior is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. The famous Pieta by Michelangelo is found here. If some interior view cards can be found, then there can be another postcard Thursday about St. Peter’s Basilica.
For additional information, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica
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