Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - As part of initiatives to mark the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the current Vatican Basilica, the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Numismatic Collections of Rome has organized an exhibition "'Tu es Petrus' - the Basilica of Peter in the Medals of the Popes," at Villa Chiassi on Rome's via Cola di Rienzo.
Prof. Ambrogio M. Piazzoni vice-prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library explained how the pontifical medals correspond to different phases of the construction of the modern basilica. They were coined each time another phase of the building work was completed, he said, from the laying of the first stone in 1506 until the completion of the building. However, they did not stop there "because work has continued over these 500 years." The vice-prefect then went on to list a number of the medals that will be on display: the medal coined at the foundation of the basilica (depicting Bramante's design which was never in fact put into effect), the medal showing Sangallo's project, that with Michelangelo's design, with the dome, with Maderno's facade, Bernini's cathedra, etc.
He then announced that, following its closure on April 22, the exhibition will move to Russia, to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where it will be open to public view during the months of May and June. "This," he said, "is highly significant because it is the first time that objects from the Vatican Apostolic Library have been put on display in that great country". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/2/2007 - righe 20, parole 281)
