Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's

Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's by R. A. Scotti

Despite a great deal of background on the history of the period, I think I failed to appreciate how much of the Reformation was driven by the cost overruns of a construction project...

The design, development and building of the Basilica of St. Peter must stand as one of the superlative achievements in the history of mankind. Begun in 1506 and completed in 1626, the Basilica reads like a "who's who" of Renaissance artistry and architecture including Bramante, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael, among countless others.

Scotti's book is an engaging, deftly written page-turner that delves into both the technological and architectural challenges and into the characters and personalities of the architects, builders, artists and their Papal patrons that, over 120 years, created a sublime masterpiece.

I recommend the book and, if you have (as I have) never had the opportunity to visit in person, check out the terrific virtual tour online for a first-hand look. It is spectacular. 

All images used in this post are courtesy of the Vatican website (http://www.vatican.va).