St Peter's Basilica Explained 

What's your favorite architect of St Peter's Basilica?

I am so grateful to those who make the effort required to produce quality videos like this. I have been unable to travel for almost 20 years, yet I do not feel that I am missing out. A video like this allows me the opportunity to see what otherwise would be a closed book to me. Thank you Manuel.

This helped explained to me what felt odd about the facade, and the way the dome is almost hidden. Despite the flaws it is still spectacular

One can't comprehend how vast is the space until you're in St. Peter's. It accomplishes the task of putting you in AWE. Of making you feel small. The letters in the frieze lining the top of the nave and round the dome may look just readable when you're down there but they are enormous! The statues look the right proportion at a distance, but again, when you come closer, you realize how big they are. Amazing building, whatever your religion is. A must see.

astonishing explanation

This is the best architectural history video I have ever watched. You combine information of many kinds, about architecture but also about the individuals and their differing visions, and combine it with excellent visuals. The pace is just right: fast and packed with information that keeps your interest, but not too fast. I have visited St Peters and I have watched other videos, but today I learned many significant things I had never known before. Probably the most interesting is the fact that there are imperfections in the design and execution, clearly apparent once you point them out. So St Peter's is a magnificent achievement, but there is indeed room for it to be surpassed one day by something else.

As somebody who loves Saint peters, and even wrote a thesis On its construction, you did an incredible job with this video. It is the best video on Saint Peter’s that I have seen you manage to condense in 20 minutes, something that took me 80 pages to write. well done!

I’ll literally be there in two hours. 😮

I literally found your channel by accident. I'm an ancient Roman history geek and this Vatican City video popped up and watched it since I've been there. You have a new subscription from me. This was an excellent video thanks for the education and your work.

This was so informative! The extension of the nave obscuring the view of the dome, the symmetry of the plaza & obelisk to the basilica & tomb, Mussolini's extension of the street providing a needed perspective. Fascinating!

The best thing that ever happened to me is that i had the chance to visit Vatican city and see the St Peter's basilica. ❤

Your use of the Classical pronunciation of Latin made my heart glow! Thank you. ... And the video is absolutely wonderful! :-)

Manuel, words do not explain how wonderful your videos are to watch. I am thrilled by the views and I come to understand so much more of the wonderful places you take us. Thank you.

Amazing explanation. One guide to the basilica once said that St Peter's is more of a monument to the papacy, than a traditional church, and I tend to agree. Even with its flaws, it transports that idea of the pope's power very well. That detail about Raffaello's School of Athens being inspired by the unfinished basilica was new to me. Great video. :)

This video is miraculous. I visited St. Peter’s decades ago. I was stunned by its beauty. I just relived that experience , and I am literally in tears. There’s magic in your talent, sir. Congratulations, and thank you! 👏👏

Another brilliant explanation of one of the architectural marvels of the world. This is what makes RU-vid worthwhile! Thanks Manuel Bravo!

Man I love your videos keep posting

I am fortunate to have visited St. Peter’s. I wish that I could have watched this before I visited. It still is brilliant to watch and is so helpful. It brings my visit back to life. I truly enjoy your channel. Thank you!

I have visited The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica a few times. It really is an amazing building. Larger than life and full of beauty. Everyone visiting spends their time looking up to the ceiling in amazement. It really is that big.

Ahhhhh! I can't wait to watch this! I have a feeling it's going to be amazing

Gosh! I visited the Basilica of St. Peter back in 2019 and would have loved to have seen this video before visiting. Still, being there in person was a wonderful experience, made even richer now that I better understand everything I saw. Thank you for posting!

Excellent video. The succession of architectural plans explains some of the quirks of the complex of buildings; I had not known of the changes in the planning from Greek to Latin cross prior to viewing this. I wonder what the building would have looked like if the Greek cross design had been retained!

Such a shame Michelangelo's dome concept is ruined by the new nave. And now I know the facade lacks towers on each side I can't unsee it 🥲 But still the architecture of Rome is absolutly exceptional 💖

A fascinating explanation of the building of St Peter's basilica. Even though I've been to Rome more than a dozen times, and visited the basilica every time, this video brought new insights to me. Brilliant.

Super interesting- I wish I had seen this before visiting. thank you for this.

good camera, good work.

Unique and magnificent presentation!

Just discovered your channel while I am visiting Rome for a few days - you have produced some truly exceptional content on Rome, just outstanding! Doubtless this is the best and most informative on RU-vid, I’ve been searching and haven’t found anything else that even comes close to what you’re doing here. Brava!

Wonderful work. Excellent video 📹. Thank you, Manuel

Manuel, your videos are pure quality. Thanks for sharing.

One of the best videos I’ve watched in ages

i must admit, the best presentation of the basilica i know. thank you, bravissimo..

So well done! I was never that interested in architecture theory but the way you present it is done in an incredibly skilled and coherent way. I’m interested in what you would have to say about San Paolo outside the walls, another incredible church that so many people miss because it’s not in central rome

Espero que pronto salga también el vídeo en español ❤😊

I visited once when I was 12 and was absolutely blown away by the interior. Beautiful video!

Wonderfully entertaining.

Excellent documentary by a scholar who actually knows what he is talking about. Many thanks!

Crushed it again! The research for every video is appreciated, it’s impressive how u can explain the complicated intricacies of history/politics/art and religion in such a digestible manner for the those of us without the prior knowledge to understand it fully! Much love for all your hard work, can’t wait to see your next piece!

Hey Manuel, these videos keep getting better and better. Would really love to hear more about church construction in the eternal city, perhaps going into the baroque and talking about Francesco Borromini (I feel like no one talks about him or that period of Rome) Thanks for all the great content!

이때까지 본 로마 설명한 비디오중 최고네요. 한국 자막 달아주셔서 감사합니다. 건축 양식 뿐 아니라 전체적 조감도까지 최고예요!❤

Architecture at its very best, in the golden era of beauty, art and mathematics.

I was touring the basilica while listening to this. It was very useful. Thank you so much

Any idea when you’re uploading Michel Angelo part2? Loved part 1!

Felicidades, señor Bravo. Completa y exhaustiva información la que usted nos facilita. Estoy a la espera de su pronta aparición en español para poder enseñársela a mis padres, que no hablan inglés.

This is the best video on the subject I have seen. It explains so much and reveals things I’ve never really thought of. Of special significance, for me, is the fact that it is not possible to actually see the full dome and facade of the church without doing so at a distance. The artistry, engineering, and vision of the architects is just breathtaking in this magnificent structure.

Fabulous video!!! There is so much information in your videos. Your research is phenomenal!!! Greatly appreciated!!!

For some reason I never looked at Saint Peter's basilica as something incredible, until now

Excellent- I’ve visited St. Peter’s three times, one of those times with a guide, and never heard most of this architectural history until seeing your video. Please make more!!

this is easily my favorite channel in this topic. ! I always love your videos. they're clear, educating, well researched, and pleasing to eyes and ears. the way you pronounce the V like the Romans is the cherry on top!😁 thank you, Manuel!

I cannot explain how amazing this video is! Im currently studying architecture conservation in Rome, i've been countless times to the vatican, received many classes about the Basilica on the Basilica, I have searched and watched a fair share of videos, podcasts, read a ton about the different elements within San Pietro, even a full on paper on the Cathedra Petri. Yet this video helped me connect everything and understand way better the architecture, history and art of the Basilica di San Pietro. I had already watched a few of your videos but this one made you my favorite channel 😁. Im exited to see whatever other videos you are working on! I have only one random question that maybe you can help me solve. On the main altar on top of the Catedra Petri within the entablature, more specifically the frieze there are some greek letters. Do you know why or what does it mean?

I'm here just to say I'm IMPRESSED by your accent and pronunciation. I got interested in your videos because, being a languages teacher myself, I found something you post about latin. But wow, you got skills. I'm amazed, your content is HIGH QUALITY!! Edit: I totally forgot to said I saw your videos in Spanish first 😅

This video made by one man is greater than the published documentaries. What a time to be alive!! 🎉

I have been there multiple times but it's the very first time I get these info on youtube, thank you Manuel for making these great videos.

This video is raising far the bar of cultural information. Thank you !

Thank you so much Mr. Bravo for bringing us those magnificent historical places home. My dream is to visit Europe, and to be specific Italy. I will one day be there and when that day comes, I will understand what I will be seeing thanks to your videos. Keep up the excellent work. Those like me who love history, art and culture, appreciate what you do.

very informative without being boring. excellent work> I wish I had watched this before I went to Vatican

Amazing video! I visited Rome and, of course St. Peter’s Basilica a few years ago! This makes me want to go back soon! ♥️

The production value of these videos is outstanding. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m glad you do!

This was a fantastic video. Both of the amount and quality of the information you provide, and the way you provide it. It’s quite an achievement. Well done!

It's always a joy when I see a new video. Thank you for your work!

Enjoyed From The Caribbean 🇻🇨

Incredible video, just, amazing! It does justice to this a marvel of engineering and architecture. I became emotional when I visited St. Peter's, it's impossible not to regardless of your religious views.

Informative.. 👍✝️🙏 thanks.. from the Philippines 🇵🇭.

I was there last year on my birthday. It's was beautiful.

As always, amazing content. Thank you for giving us such great detail into this subject.

My mother was so facinated with this church, so we went there three times during three years to explore everything. The dome is absolutely stunning. And all the marble floors, all the pillars, it's all an amazing piece of craftsmanship.

Thank you so very much for making this video. The amount of information it transfers is great. You made my second time visiting Rome so much better!

The name Petrus in Latin derives from the word Petra that means "stone" and from this assonance we can get the meaning of the inscription saying " TV ES PETRUS ET SUPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM" that thanslated sounds like " You are Peter and over this stone I will build my church....".

Been all over the world - this building is the most impressive man-made object I have ever seen. I have been there twice and hope to return many times more.

you make the best videos man, keep it up for us plz!

Just got back from Rome. And it was beautiful. Thank you for this video.

I absolutely love to visit Rome and this video just highlights all the wonder and majesty of the place, thank you and keep up your amazing videos!!

Great work on this video sir!

Great video. As always Manuel’s work is astonishing

Beautiful! Epic work and amazing explanation! I don't usually do comments on RU-vid but your work deserves appreciation 😍

Impeccable presentation.

I spent several hours touring around Vatican City. It boggles the senses; and especially the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Having been to the Vatican, your explanations were amazing.

Your videos are just amazing. We are returning to Rome in June and I’m planning a return visit to the Basilica. It’s just so impressive. I can’t wait. Thanks for all you do.❤

Manuel...masterfully done! You have a wonderful manner of presenting your understanding of this majestic edifice. Thank you.

Gothic is my favourite style period, but baroque is second, and this building is one of the most beautiful and grandest churches ever built, tho I do lament the loss of the old basilica a little...

Thanks, Manuel, great to watch your videos... informative, deep, well-visualised

I am very delighted of your video. I have been to Rome and visited St Peters many times, and now it is very meaningful. Continue for inspiring us.

I was in Vatican last year, and I never thought there are lot more stories behind the Basilica. Looking forward to come back soon.

Absolutely excellent! Makes you want to go to Rome!

I always enjoy your videos and learn so much. Thank you. And thanks for the English versions.

thank you and i hope everyone is planning to visit st peter's in their lifetime, if at all possible. your video is excellent, a perfect 10 in every way. i enjoyed it completely. the only thing i can say after watching your wonderful presentation is that i never expected to encounter anything so beautiful as st peter's in my lifetime. magnificence! the atmosphere utterly transcendent - and so much love abundant; the love of God

The Basilica is a wonder of the world! I've been there and loved the experienc. I am thankful for your knowledge you have shared. Very gratefu!!!

Wonderful insights and presentation. as an architect, I have read the history of St. Peter's multiple times. but i enjoyed seeing the process of the design explained in video more than simply seeing it in books. Thanks for your sharing your interpretation.

Your channel has inspired my recent minecraft builds I greatly appreciate the images and information you have imparted

THANK YOU MANUEL BRAVO.. FROM PHILIPPINES

Very nicely done, thank you! 👍👌🏅

This is amazing work! Thank you Manuel ❤

Brilliantly explained ! Thank you.. you made this do interesting.❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Bravo! I didn’t know that the church had many architects with different thinkings… 👍👍

Superb! Concise but complete and very approachable. Thank you very much.

A great presentation, I enjoyed it.

Thank you for this video! We were there in 2012 and was amazed, to put it mildly! So much more information makes it that much more impressive!

Wonderful work, amazing video. Thank you !

Amazing presentation. Thank you for sharing.