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The urban order of the square,
decorated by the famous obliisk in 1586, became
fundamental to the image of the
most holy place in Christianity through the interest
of Alexander Vll.With the Bernini Colonnade,
conceived at first in a trapezoid shape and then, on
l7th March, 1657, in the present oval shape, completed
in 1659. Even the Maderno facade(now in the originai
colours that emerged from the restorations) acquired a
more solemn aspect.
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With the laying out of the St. Agnes in
September, 1662, the sculptural ornamentation began - a
formidable parade of 140 statues of martyrs, Pontiffs and
founders of religious orders — the straight arms were completed
between 1701 and 1704. On the death of the Pontiff, the
third arm, at the end of the present Via della Conciliazione
(a result of the demolition of the "spina di
borgo") was never built, as opposed to the pair of
fountains, the Iast of which was completed in June 1677
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Peter was martyred on Vatican Hill. A memorial to the first Pope was
soon built; Constantine, in the 4th century built a basilica with 5
aisles over the venerated tomb. In 1503, after centuries of
attempts at restoration, Pope Julius Il decided to destroy and rebuild
the new St. Peter's, following the plans of Donato Bramante. The Architect put up
four pillars which were then used to support Michelangelo's dome. The present
basilica houses works and monuments of art and faith.
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