The Vatican Hill’s huge Basilica of Saint …
Years: 333 - 333
The Vatican Hill’s huge Basilica of Saint Peter, dedicated by Constantine in about 333, is the first church designed expressly for the Christian liturgical emphasis on the altar as the site for the Christian sacrifice (communion).
Christian Basilicas of the period, closely modeled after the Roman basilica, or civil assembly hall, are typically fronted by a square atrium, or forecourt (reserved for penitents prohibited from entering the church itself) and a narthex (porch) leading to the nave, crossed by a transept (transverse aisle) that separated the nave from the apse, wherein lies the sanctuary.
The semicircular apse of Saint Peter’s Basilica marks the tomb of Peter, over which rises the high altar.
The basilicas’ cruciform plan provides for the worshiper a powerful longitudinal perspective focused on the altar, reinforced by rows of aisle columns.
Sylvester, pope from 314 to 335, is held by Christian tradition to have established the first schola cantorum (literally, "choir school") in Rome; among the first Christian chants are the psalms used in worship, sung in response as two choirs, or as a priest and congregation sing alternate verses.
Locations
People
Groups
- Italy, Diocese of
- Christianity, Arian
- Christianity, Nicene
- Roman Empire: Constantinian dynasty (Constantinople)
