	History
	In the first century AD Emperor Constantine officially recognized Christianity and began the construction of the great basilica in 324 AD. The spot where he began the construction was also the site that was previously used for a cemetery for pagans and Christians. It was decided that the basilica would be rebuilt in the mid 15th century and was assigned to architect Bernardo Rossellino.
This idea of adding to the old church was abandoned after a short while. Nearby the construction of the Sistine Chapel was also started around the same time as this. The basilica is composed of many different elements of art work but together makes a piece of art itself.
	The construction started under the direction of Pope Julius II in 1506 and construction finished up in 1615 under the direction of Pope paul V. Donato Bramante. Pope Paul V. D B was to be the first chief architect. There were many artistically inclined artists that did work on the Basilica and had input in the building operations. Michelangelo served as the chief architect for a period of time took the challenge of designing the Dome or otherwise called the Cupola.
All construction was halted on the Basilica after the death of Julius II until Pope Paul III asked if Michelangelo would design the rest of the church. One of Michelangelo’s students named Giacomo della Porta took over the construction of the unfinished portions of the church after Michelangelo's death. Later on the entrance was designed by the new chief architect Carlo Maderno.