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ST. PETER’S BASILICA, THE ICONIC MARBLE FLOOR

Step onto a masterpiece with a symbolic embrace! The floor of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is a breathtaking work of art, unlike any other. Conceived by Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Maderno, it was brought to completion by the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Walking here isn’t just entering the heart of Christianity, it’s immersing yourself in art history.
The marble pavement features stunning geometric designs that not only decorate but also dictate the placement of prelates, including the Pope, during solemn liturgies. Crafted from precious marbles sourced globally – from the recognizable white Carrara to the rich green and red porphyry, portasanta, broccatello, French red, Sicilian jasper, breccia pontificia, and Cottanello – each step tells a story.
Interestingly, to create this grand floor, marbles were initially reclaimed from the old Constantinian basilica and even from abandoned Roman buildings and villas. Some precious stones were also directly sourced, like the Sicilian jasper.

As you walk through the central nave, you’ll notice marble discs embedded in the floor. These aren’t just decorations; they mark the lengths of the naves of other significant basilicas around the world, as if St. Peter’s “embraces” them all under its roof.
Imagine, on an average day, around 20,000 people tread upon this artistic surface, with numbers soaring during special ceremonies. That’s about seven million visitors a year contributing to its wear! Over time, meticulous maintenance has preserved the original vision of the three great masters.

Next time, keep an eye out for the inlaid marble and hard stone discs featuring the papal coats of arms – a unique detail marking the Popes who inaugurated Jubilee years.

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