Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul), Rome

The monumental temple of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome stands proudly at the highest point of the EUR district. Designed by architect Arnaldo Foschini, the temple features a central Greek cross plan and boasts one of Rome's most impressive hemispherical domes, measuring 32 meters in diameter. Completing the architectural composition are the side porticoes, housing two magnificent statues depicting the patron saints Peter and Paul, as well as a grand staircase that connects the church square to Viale Europa below.

Atop the spire of the lantern, an angel sculpted in bronze by Carmelo Abate catches the eye. Two large angels by Federico Papi flank the cross in the center of the fa莽ade. A significant feature of the fa莽ade is a sizable high relief depicting Christ handing the keys to Saint Peter, a masterpiece by sculptor Giovanni Prini. Prini also crafted the splendid bronze door divided into ten panels, showcasing the works of Saints Peter and Paul. The niches of the fa莽ade house two notable reliefs: Alessandro Monteleone's "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter" in travertine on the right, and Carlo Pini's "The Beheading of Saint Paul" on the left. Venanzio Crocetti's "The Conversion of Saint Paul" adorns the front. Inside the niches and internal chapels, Francesco Coccia's decorative motifs of geometric and symbolic nature add to the ambiance.

Dominating the backdrop of the apse, above the main altar, is a majestic sculpture of the triumphant Christ by Attilio Selva. This striking work is set within a mosaic depicting the Martyrdom and Glorification of the apostles Peter and Paul, created by Selva's son, Sergio. The bronze Crucifix adorning the altar is the masterful creation of Giuseppe Graziosi from Modena. Bronze ambos, cast with reliefs portraying key moments in the preaching of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, were crafted by Duilio Cambellotti. The left chapel, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, showcases a mosaic by Bruno Saetti portraying the Madonna and Child encircled by a crown of angels. On the right side, the baptismal font, embellished with mosaics and marble, captures attention, while Andrea Spadini's bronze group depicting the Baptism of Jesus rests on the font. To the right of the entrance, the chapel of Saint Anthony contains the works in terracotta by painter Franco Petruzzi, added during its restoration in 1978.

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Sight Name: Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

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