It is a reconstruction of how should be in the past the presbytery area of the old St Peter's Basilica, which was originally built by the emperor Constantine in the course of the IV century a.D. From this point the whole basilica was developed, from this specific area the Christianity, in some degree, was able to display its architectonical and religious power. Thanks to this tomb we have also one of the must see of Rome.

The main purpose of the roman emperor was to commemorate the saint developing his cult and that one of the Christianity. The place is perhaps the most important of the then known world, at least for the christian community. The St Peter's tomb, according to the tradition, is basically here since the 67 a.D., when it became an important spot for the pilgrims, who came here to remind the martyrdom had by St Peter. Initially St. Peter was buried, like so many others, in a simple necropolis, which stood at the side of the roman circus where he was killed (according to the tradition, by crucifixion upside-down). As in the roman use the tombs were built outside the city centre, beyond the walls, and it was the case with St. Peter. Let's not forget that, in spite of what is said, the Romans had always respect for the dead and even for those who are christians. For this reason, the St Peter's corpse was not destroyed but buried like all the others.

The architectonical evolution is fascinating. Behind the simple sepulchre, some years after the St Peter's death, was built a red wall, in order to protect the tomb. Behind it there was a small hill, and around the II century a.D. someone decided to avoid damages. Then, having the tomb in front of us at the right, another wall was lie on the sepulchre. On it were found some graffiti which were studied in order to declare that this area was probably dedicated to St Peter. Then another wall, in this case on the left, was built in order to create the first monumentalized St Peter's tomb. Imagine the early christians, and Constantine himself, to pray in front of the niche in which there would be the mortal remains of the saint, a niche that in the course of time was embellished, like the image below. Constantine erected a canopy to overcome the holy place, supported by twisted marble columns which are still visible in the gigantic pillars that are surrounding the corners of the new and famous bronze baldachin designed by Bernini and Borromini (who was inspired by the previous one).

And now another curiosity: the St Peter's tomb was "rediscovered" after centuries of changes and landfills, by some workers and the archaeologists, a little less than 80 years ago, when digging to bury pope Pius XI found a small niche decorated with painted red, and with Greek letters visible on one of the walls arranged for string quartet Petros Eni ("Peter is here"). Or better, it is just one of the theories, because several graffitis on the red wall are shattered. Other experts declared that the same words could mean "Rest in peace Peter". Not only that, since were also found human bones dating back, as a result of studies and controls, to the I century BC and that belonged to a quite old man. Still today we are not really sure that it is the St Peter's tomb, but many evidences tell that. What is the truth?