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Rome of Peter and Paul · Stop 10 · Day 3
St Peter's Basilica and the necropolis
In the Bible
Jesus told Peter that when he was old, others would lead him where he did not want to go — the death by which he would glorify God. Peter writes that his tent will soon be laid aside.
Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.Tradition
By early tradition, Peter was crucified under Nero, c. 64–67, and buried on the Vatican hill. Excavations in the 1940s found a small 2nd-century shrine under the altar; whether bones found there are Peter's is disputed.
Here today
The basilica rebuilt 1506–1626 over Constantine's church; beneath it, the excavated Roman cemetery is shown to small groups.
Through the eyes of old pilgrims
When we reached the door, and stood fairly within the church, it was impossible to comprehend that it was a very large building. I had to cipher a comprehension of it.Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad, 1869
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Land outlines: Natural Earth (public domain).