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| Michelangelo’s Pieta |
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| Main aisle of St. Peter’s |
At the bottom of the new section of the Vatican website is the following: “Special thanks to Villanova University in Pennsylvania (USA) for its contribution to the realization of the Virtual Reality Tour of the Basilica of Saint Peter.” Yes, there is hope for this new generation of “computer nerds.” These students from this Catholic University based in Pennsylvania donated countless hours working on these projects and it was well worth their effort!
The site for St. Peter’s Basilica listed below offers several 360 degree views in spectacular detail. In fact, it offers views of six places within the basilica: the Apse (behind main altar), the Altar (beneath Benini’s baldacchino), the North Transept (to right of main altar), South Transept (to left of main altar), the Nave (near front entrance), the Choir Chapel (off left aisle), the Pieta (right aisle near front entrance). The last option to choose is St. Peter’s at Night, which is a view from the center of the Piazza of St. Peter’s.
The entire tour is accompanied by Gregorian chant sung by the choir at Solemnes, France – a meditative sound that seems to echo through the aisles and Piazza of St. Peter’s.
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| Cupola of St. Peter’s |
Note that these panoramic tours prepared by the students of Villanova University allow you to view 360 degrees by simply clicking and moving your mouse in any direction. If you scroll your mouse-wheel, you can view more closely.
Virtual tours prepared by the students at Villanova University that you can take are:
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Basilica of St. Mary Major
• the Basilica of St. John Lateran
• the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
• the Sistine Chapel
• and The Pauline Chapel with some frescoes by Michelangelo
Other virtual tours also available:
• Redemptoris Mater Chapel
• The Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica. This tour begins with a short visit to the upper church and then takes you down to St. Peter’s tomb. Cardinal Comastri gives a short description of the history and importance of this site from the earliest centuries. It is a fine alternate for a personal visit, beautifully photographed and marvelously presented – a real treat!
Our own La Salette website also has several virtual tour of the Holy Mountain of La Salette, including interior and exterior panoramic views using similar digital technology.