St. Peter’s Basilica: Art, Authority, and the Making of Christian Memory
An account of how St. Peter’s Basilica emerged as one of Christianity’s most influential sacred artworks, shaping faith, power, and historical memory across centuries.
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most significant works of sacred art in Christian history, standing at the center of Rome as both a monumental architectural achievement and a powerful expression of Christian identity. Located in Vatican City, the basilica became notable not simply as a place of worship but as a carefully constructed artistic statement that reflected Christianity’s evolving relationship with history, authority, and cultural expression. Its importance lies in how art, architecture, and memory were combined to anchor the Christian faith to its apostolic past while projecting its presence into the future.
