# New St Peter's Basilica begun (1506)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1506-new-st-peter-s-basilica-begun
Location: Rome
Themes: Architecture

Pope Julius II lays the first stone of the new St Peter's Basilica. At this point in the timeline (18 April 1506), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Julius II (31 October 1503 – 21 February 1513).

## Why it matters
New St Peter's Basilica begun mattered because it created a lasting landmark of Christian worship, art and pilgrimage.

Pope at the time: [Pope Julius II](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-julius-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — St. Peter's Basilica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter's_Basilica)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — New St Peter's Basilica begun](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=New+St+Peter%27s+Basilica+begun)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)