Michelangelo's Redesign of Dome

Redesigned by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the redesign of the dome began in 1547. Sadly, Michelangelo was not able to see the dome completed due to his death in 1564, so the dome was finished out by Giacomo Della Porta and Domenico Fontana. The dome was completed with the hands of 800 men in 1590.

In front of the papal altar is the confessio that marks the grave of St. Peter, and right above is where the dome is located. impressive colorful vaulting with sixteen ribs that are supported by four massive pillars. The dome has an ogival shape, or more slender upward with a double shell structure which stands on a base distinguished into three parts. These three parts each have a set the eight buttresses at the drum, which made up ​​of double columns that frame windows. The dome has protobarocche forms that allow light come through into the space between the two shells. Within the lantern there is a painting of God the Father, which to the pagan represents the eye of god looking down on his sons and daughters.

Giovanni de' Vecchi and Cesare Nebbia were commissioned to decorate the interior of the dome.The triangular spaces along the dome are depicted with the evangelists in mosaics. The triangular spaces are embroidered in bronze allowing the sunlight shine. Some of the images along the dome are of figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist and various Apostles. Light enters through the lantern and the sixteen large windows below the cornice are lightened as well, which brightens the area below the dome. Along the base of the drum, latin scripture translates, "You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my Church, to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Mt 16:18

Sources:

http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/sanpietro.htm

http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/it/cupola/cenni_storici.htm#thumb

http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Interior/Dome/Dome.htm

VR Tour: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Peter_Altar/index.html