How old was Michelangelo when he designed St. Peter's basilica?
How old was Michelangelo when he designed St. Peter's basilica? In 1546, at age 71, Michelangelo received the greatest and final commission of his life. Pope Paul III appointed him chief architect of the sprawling St. Peter's Basilica, the opulent centerpiece of the Vatican where popes are laid to rest, and home of the tallest dome in the world.
How many years did it take to build the Vatican?
The pope is the bishop of Rome, and his cathedral church is in Rome. Built on the foundation of the first St. Peter's, the new basilica took 120 years to complete. Masonry, sculpture, painting and mosaic work continued for nearly 200 years.
How many popes are buried at the Vatican?
Around 100 Popes are buried inside St. Peter's Basilica, 91 of whom are buried inside the Vatican Necropolis. A. Vatican Necropolis is an ancient burial site.
What is the largest church in the world?
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the largest church in the world.