When did Pope Julius II lay the foundation stone for St. Peter's Basilica?
Pope Julius II laid the foundation stone on the 18th of April 1506 to replace the aging Old St. Peter's Basilica that had stood since the fourth century.
Questions about St. Peter's Basilica
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who designed the initial plan for St. Peter's Basilica and what shape was it?
Donato Bramante designed the initial plan as an enormous Greek cross with a dome inspired by the Pantheon where the supporting wall becomes a drum raised high above ground level on four massive piers.
What happened during the relocation of the obelisk at St. Peter's Square in 1586?
On the 28th of September 1586 Pope Sixtus V ordered the obelisk moved to its present location engineered by Domenico Fontana in an operation nearly ending in disaster when ropes began smoking from friction.
How did the sale of indulgences affect the history of Western church between 1503 and 1510?
The controversy surrounding these sales directly contributed to Martin Luther posting his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 challenging Church authority and practices regarding salvation and forgiveness while creating financial burden on faithful.
When was the discovery of Saint Peter's tomb announced to the world?
Pope Pius XII announced the discovery of Saint Peter's tomb on the 23rd of December 1950 during a pre-Christmas radio broadcast to the world after archaeological excavations beginning in 1939 revealed fragments of bones folded in tissue with gold decorations tinted murex purple beneath the current basilica's high altar.