University of Notre Dame
Universtiy of Notre Dame

Marble: Museums, Archives, Rare Books and Libraries Exploration

Home Browse Featured My Portfolios About
  1. Home ›
  2. Architectural Lantern Slides›
  3. Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy›
  4. Piazza San Pietro: Overall view of the piazza ›

Piazza San Pietro: Overall view of the piazza

Date

Circa 1910

Creator

G. Massiot & cie
Part of: Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries

In transforming the small existing piazza, Bernini was expected to cater for several functions. "Four rows of simple and majestic Doric columns (300 in total) all carved from Roman travertine. This forms an oval 650 feet across the long axis marked by three monuments: positioned laterally by fountains propelling tall jets of water, and in the center, by an Egyptian obelisk that had served as a turning post in the chariot races at the ancient Circus of Nero. As they enter the piazza, the faithful are embraced by "the motherly arms of the church," Bernini's own description of his Colonnade. The Colonnade becomes simultaneously a dramatic frame for the church, a nurturing enclosure for the crowds of faithful, and a stage for the processions and other sacred spectacles on which, at this particular period, the Catholic Church so strongly depended for its appeal." p. 343. Ninety-six statues of saints and martyrs are atop the balustrade.

Images

This is called Piazza San Pietro: Overall view of the piazza within the category of photographs.Open in external viewer application

Metadata

Creator
G. Massiot & cie
Date
Circa 1910
Publisher
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Material Type
photographs
Conditions Governing Access
To view the physical lantern slide, please contact the Architecture Library to arrange an appointment

Metadata

Campus Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Link to Finding Aid
https://curate.nd.edu/show/7p88cf9851d
This digital collection may not include all items or all of the information available about the source collection. See the finding aid for more information.

Metadata

Contact Us

Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.


Also from Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy

Palazzo Mascarello: Detail, raking view of street facade showing arcade

Palazzo Mascarello: Detail, raking view of street facade showing arcade

Piazza San Pietro: View of arm of colonnade and obelisk

Piazza San Pietro: View of arm of colonnade and obelisk

Piazza San Pietro: View of fountain, looking towards central obelisk and arm of colonnade

Piazza San Pietro: View of fountain, looking towards central obelisk and arm of colonnade

Temple of Concord: Overall view showing facade and right side

Temple of Concord: Overall view showing facade and right side

Ponte Sant'Angelo: The entry to the bridge with later Baroque sculpture; figure on right is St. Peter; left is St. Paul

Ponte Sant'Angelo: The entry to the bridge with later Baroque sculpture; figure on right is St. Peter; left is St. Paul

Herculaneum: House of Argus: Overall elevated view, showing outer walls and inner peristyle courtyard

Herculaneum: House of Argus: Overall elevated view, showing outer walls and inner peristyle courtyard

Related Items

No results found for .
Raclin Murphy Art Museum
100 Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
Phone (574) 631–5466
RMMACollections@nd.edu
Hesburgh Library
284 Hesburgh Library
Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
Phone (574) 631-6258
asklib@nd.edu
© 2025 University of Notre Dame
Marble: Museums, Archives, Rare Books and Libraries Exploration
AboutPortfoliosHelpAccessibilitySite Map