Test your design IQ

Identify this basilica.

MANILA, Philippines - This late Renaissance church is located in the Vatican Square. Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world. While it is neither the mother church of the Roman Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, it is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. It has been described as “holding a unique position in the Christian world”and as “the greatest of all churches of Christendom.”

In Roman Catholic tradition, the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus and, also according to tradition, the first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession. Tradition and some historical evidence hold that Saint Peter’s tomb is directly below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes have been interred at St Peter’s since the Early Christian period. There has been a church on this site since the 4th century. Construction of the present basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed on Nov. 18, 1626.

It is a place of pilgrimage, for its liturgical functions. Because of its location in the Vatican, the Pope presides at a number of services throughout the year, drawing audiences of 15,000 to over 80,000 people, either within the Basilica  or in St Peter’s Square. The basilica has many strong historical associations, with the Early Christian church, the papacy, the Counter-reformation and with numerous artists, most significantly Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. 

It is one of the four churches of Rome that hold the rank of major basilica. 

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Last week’s question: Who is the Finnish-American architect and industrial designer famous for varying his style according to the demand of his projects?

Answer: Eero Saarinen

Winner:  Shella Marie Go of Valenzuela City