Only by stepping onto the central axis of the church can you truly feel that it is the largest Catholic cathedral in the world. The length of the basilica of святого Петра is 212 meters, and its height is about 45 meters. Despite its colossal dimensions, its interior space is organized very harmoniously. And even the Baroque madness of Лоренцо Бернини, the abundance of colored marble, gilding, niches, statues, memorial plaques, tombs, and sparkling mosaics creates only a sense of restrained magnificence, and not excess at all. Unlike many other Baroque churches, everything here is expensive and rich, but what is more important, tasteful!
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In plan, the cathedral is a cross with one elongated side. Each of the "parts" of this cross is called a nave in architectural terminology, and it is precisely at the point where the two naves intersect that the dome is usually located.
In the cathedral of святого Петра, the drum of the dome is supported by four huge piers. According to the design of the architect Донато Браманте, they are all created in the shape of an octagon, and each face contains a niche that serves as a reliquary, a place where sacred artifacts are stored. We strongly recommend that you look into each niche; truly unique sacred relics are kept there.
