History Of Construction Of The Church

III. INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BASILICA

1. History of Construction of the Church

The church was constructed with great care and splendor thanks to the contributions of renowned and exceptionally talented architects, including Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who participated in its design and construction. The idea of building a new church was first initiated by Pope Nicholas V after he recognized that the old church had seriously deteriorated in 1452. In 1506, Pope Julius II decided to demolish the old church and rebuild it in order to create a grand basilica capable of housing his own tomb. The construction process spanned multiple pontificates and was completed after 120 years.