St. Peter's, drum, plan, at two levels (recto) compass (verso) 1500 - 1560

This anonymous architectural drawing, dated 1500-1560, presents a plan for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The drawing depicts the circular footprint of the basilica, with detailed floor plans for the building's interior spaces, including the central nave and surrounding chapels. The drawing is significant as a document of the architectural design of one of the most important churches in the Western world. This drawing is considered to be a valuable resource for studying the evolution of Renaissance architecture, particularly the development of the centralized plan, which was a significant innovation in the history of architecture.