Basilica di San Pietro

The Basilica di San Pietro (English: St. Peter's Basilica) is a Renaissance basilica in Rome. It is built over the to commemorate the crucifixion of Saint Peter. The basilica is located in the city's Vatican district and serves as the central place of worship for the Catholic Church.
==History==
===Origins===
The original Saint Peter's Basilica, built in 326, as opposed to the basilica that exists today, was constructed in the form of a Latin cross. An atrium, called the Garden of Paradise, stood at the entrance, beckoning followers through the main doorways of the church.Assassin's Creed II – Database: Basilica di San Pietro
Unlike pagan temples, which were lavishly decorated, the facade of Saint Peter's was plain. The new Saint Peter's is far more ornate being built during the time of the Renaissance Popes. Building began during the early Renaissance in 1506 and was completed roughly 120 years later.
===Renaissance===
On 28 December 1499, the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze entered the Castel Sant'Angelo to murder Rodrigo Borgia. Although he could view the Basilica from Sant'Angelo, Ezio did not approach the building.Assassin's Creed II
In 1502, Rodrigo Borgia hid the Apple of Eden in the courtyard in front of the Basilica, where it remained until it was recovered by Ezio.Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
By 1503, a Shrine of Romulus existed underneath the Basilica. The leaders of Followers of Romulus would secretly meet Cardinals in the Basilica to receive instructions from the Pope.
==Trivia==
*Ezio could not scale the walls or the roof of the Basilica.
==Appearances==
*Assassin's Creed II 
*Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
==References==
Category:Churches
Category:Necropoleis
Category:Lairs of Romulus
Category:Landmarks in Rome
fr:Basilique Saint-Pierre