- Why is Saint Peter’s Basilica famous?
- The Legend of the Keys of Heaven
- The Legend of Saint Peter and the Lamb
- The Legend of Holy Stairs
- The Legend of the Cross of Constantine
- The Stone on which Saint Peter stood
- Talking Statues
- The Legend of “Shadow of Saint Peter”
- The Legend of Michelangelo’s Bell
- The stone with the tears of Saint Peter
- The Marble Lion
- Bernini’s Columns
- Michelangelo’s Rays
- The Legend of the Holy Grail
Why is Saint Peter’s Basilica famous?
Saint Peter’s Basilica has an impressive history that begins with its construction in the 4th century AD on the place where, tradition says, Saint Peter was martyred and buried. In addition to its long history, St. Peter’s Basilica has some secret legends that many do not know.
The Legend of the Keys of Heaven
One of the most famous legends is that of the Keys to Heaven. According to Catholic tradition, Jesus gave Saint Peter the keys to Heaven, giving him the authority to decide who could enter the kingdom of heaven. In St. Peter’s Basilica, it is said that the keys are symbolically represented inside the dome and that this is a manifestation of papal authority.
The Legend of Saint Peter and the Lamb
The legend of Saint Peter and the Lamb is a story in the Christian tradition, often told as a story of miraculous intervention and faith.
According to legend, Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, found himself in a precarious situation during his travels preaching the Gospel. As the legend goes, Peter was traveling through a region plagued by famine and hardship. Struggling to find food, Peter prayed to God for help.
In answer to his prayer, a miraculous event took place. A lamb appeared before Peter, bearing a message from heaven. Trusting in divine guidance, Peter followed the lamb until they reached a humble house. There, a good family welcomed Peter with open arms, offering him shelter and food. Grateful for their generosity, Peter shared the teachings of Jesus with the family, bringing them comfort and hope.
After spending time with the family, Peter said goodbye to them and continued on his journey.
The Legend of Holy Stairs
Near Saint Peter’s Basilica are the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), said to have been brought from Jerusalem and to have been the steps Jesus climbed before Pilate during his trial. The faithful climb these stairs on their knees while praying.
The Legend of the Cross of Constantine
The legend of the Cross of Constantine is a significant story in Christian history, particularly regarding the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity and the subsequent transformation of the religious landscape of the Roman Empire.
According to legend in AD 312, Constantine faced a crucial moment before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge against his rival Maxentius. Constantine supposedly had a vision of a cross in the sky accompanied by the words “In hoc signo vinces”, which translates to “In this sign, you will overcome”.
Interpreting this vision as a divine sign, Constantine ordered his soldiers to adorn their shields with the symbol of the Christian cross. Inspired by his vision and new faith, Constantine emerged victorious in battle, defeating Maxentius and solidifying his position as sole ruler of the Western Roman Empire.
Following his victory, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious toleration to Christians throughout the empire and effectively ending the persecution they had faced for centuries. This edict marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity, allowing the faith to flourish openly and paving the way for its eventual establishment as the state religion of the Roman Empire.
The legend of the Cross of Constantine is often associated with the story of the True Cross, believed to be the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. According to tradition, Constantine’s mother, Saint Helena, embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in search of the True Cross. After digging near Calvary, Helena discovered three crosses, one of which was identified as the True Cross based on its miraculous healing powers.
It is said that this relic became one of the most revered and sacred relics in the Christian world, and Constantine and Helena donated this relic to St. Peter’s Basilica. The presence of such a relic added to the significance and sanctity of St. Peter’s Basilica, solidifying its status as one of the holiest sites in Christianity. Whether or not there is part of the Holy Cross in St. Peter’s Basilica is not clear.
The Stone on which Saint Peter stood
According to Christian tradition, Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and considered the first pope by Catholics, was martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero in the first century AD. The place of his martyrdom and burial became a place of veneration for the early Christians. Over time, a small shrine was built over his grave, which eventually evolved into the original St. Peter’s Basilica.
The tradition about the stone on which Saint Peter leaned is related to an ancient belief that Peter was crucified upside down at his request, as he considered himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. Legend has it that at the place of execution, under his head, a stone grew out of the ground that allowed Saint Peter to look at heaven, the place where he knew he was going after death.
Talking Statues
According to legend, the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, located in the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, were believed to have the power to speak miraculously. It was said that if someone whispered a secret into a statue’s ear, the other statue would somehow get the message and respond. This legend probably originated as a form of urban folklore.
Another version of the legend says that the night after they were put on the plinth the statues started talking to each other.
The statues themselves are impressive works of art, and their presence in front of St. Peter’s Basilica adds to the grandeur and spiritual ambiance of the square. Although the statues do not speak, they have witnessed countless historical events.
The Legend of “Shadow of Saint Peter”
It is believed that at certain times of the day and year, a special light forms in St. Peter’s Basilica, projecting a “shadow” of St. Peter on one of the columns inside.
The phenomenon is known as the “Cavallini’s Halo” which creates an illusion resembling the silhouette of St. Peter on one of the columns. This occurrence is attributed to the particular design of the basilica and the way light interacts with the architecture, specifically a mosaic by the artist Pietro Cavallini.
The effect happens when sunlight enters the basilica through a window above the doorway, aligning perfectly with a circular window (oculus) on the dome. The light then passes through the oculus and casts a shadow onto the mosaic. The mosaic depicts Christ handing the keys to heaven to St. Peter, symbolizing his role as the first pope and the keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven. The way the light falls on this mosaic creates a halo-like effect around the head of St. Peter, enhancing the illusion.
This phenomenon is not only a testament to the architectural and artistic brilliance of St. Peter’s Basilica but also adds to the spiritual experience for visitors who witness it, reinforcing the connection between the physical structure of the basilica and its religious significance.
The Legend of Michelangelo’s Bell
The Legend of Michelangelo’s Bell is a fascinating story that weaves together history, art, and myth. While Michelangelo Buonarroti is known primarily as one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, particularly for his sculptures such as David and his works on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, legend also credits him with another type of masterpiece.
According to legend, city officials commissioned him to design a bell. Michelangelo declined the offer, claiming that he was first and foremost a sculptor, not an architect or engineer.
City officials insisted, sort of forcing him to make the bell. They believed that his creative genius would bring forth a bell unlike any other. After much persuasion, Michelangelo finally agreed to take on the project, on one condition: to do it his way, with complete freedom.
Michelangelo worked tirelessly on the design, drawing inspiration from his deep understanding of proportion and aesthetics. He envisioned a bell that would not only serve its practical purpose but would be a symbol of beauty and harmony.
Legend has it that when Michelangelo finished the bell, it was indeed a unique masterpiece. Its design was elegant and harmonious, reflecting his unparalleled artistic vision. That bell was said to make the most melodious sound ever heard, resonating throughout the city and beyond.
However, the legend takes a mysterious turn. Some versions suggest that Michelangelo deliberately sabotaged the bell’s construction by adding a flaw that would have prevented it from ever ringing. Others claim he added a secret mechanism that only he knew how to activate.
The tower bell was never heard ringing. Some believe that Michelangelo, in his artistic arrogance, did not want his creation to be overshadowed by the sound it produced. Others speculate that he simply wanted revenge on those who forced him to make this bell.
It is said that this bell has never been rung and will remain so until the end of the world.
The stone with the tears of Saint Peter
There is a tradition that St. Peter wept bitterly after being rejected by Jesus before his crucifixion. It would have been teardrops onto a stone, and that stone would have been added later to the structure of the basilica. The stone is believed to still contain the tears of Saint Peter.
The Marble Lion
In the courtyard in front of the basilica, there is a marble statue of a lion. The lion is said to have been a guardian of ancient temples and to protect the basilica. There is a tradition that if you sit on the lion’s back and make a wish, it will come true.
Bernini’s Columns
The famous Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square) in front of the basilica is decorated with massive columns made by the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is said that in the past these columns were used to expose the bodies of those sentenced to death or to subject them to torture during trials.
Michelangelo’s Rays
On December 21st, during the winter solstice, a beam of natural light penetrates through the eye of the dome and illuminates the image of Saint Peter on the altar. This event is called “Michelangelo’s Rays” and is a special experience for visitors who are in the basilica on this day.
The Legend of the Holy Grail
The legend of the Holy Grail is a complex and mysterious medieval story that has captivated the imagination of people for centuries. The Holy Grail is often depicted as a cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. Some tales suggest that the Grail possesses miraculous powers, granting eternal life, wisdom, or even the ability to heal all wounds.
According to some versions of the legend, during the early centuries of Christianity, the Holy Grail found its way into the possession of the Church in Rome, specifically the Vatican. It is said that the Grail was safeguarded by the highest echelons of the Church, kept hidden from the eyes of the world to protect its sanctity and power.
The legend suggests that the Holy Grail found its way to Rome and was safeguarded within the Vatican, possibly hidden in the depths of St. Peter’s Basilica itself. Within the context of the legend, St. Peter’s Basilica becomes not only a place of worship but also a repository of divine secrets.
