# Old St Peter's Basilica begun (c. 319)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/319-old-st-peter-s-basilica-begun
Location: Rome
Themes: Architecture

Constantine begins a great basilica over the traditional tomb of Peter on the Vatican Hill. At this point in the timeline (c. 319), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Sylvester I (31 January 314 – 31 December 335).

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

Pope at the time: [Pope Sylvester I](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-sylvester-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Old St. Peter's Basilica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_St._Peter's_Basilica)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Old St Peter's Basilica begun](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Old+St+Peter%27s+Basilica+begun)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)