St. Peter's Basilica

Large groups of modern tourists flood Italy today, replacing the pilgrims of the Middle Ages who traveled thousands of miles on foot from distant lands to visit the Supreme Pontiff and pay homage to Peter's tomb only once in their lives. Instead of walking, these travelers arrived in style on Bernini-designed buses, eager to take a quick tour of the basilica before continuing on to the next stop on their Roman "Grand Tour." The basilica's parvis and interior are now densely packed, making it difficult to consider the structure as a haven for self-reflection. A better perspective might be to see the church as an art exhibit since it boasts an affinity for statues, paintings and intriguing architecture built by the popes. This artistic side may seem contrary to their spiritual goals, but it played a significant role in building an unprecedented legacy preserved within the church.