THE DOORS

Main Door – bronze with inlaid silver, made 1929-1931 by Antonio Maraini after the old door had been damaged in the fire of 1823. The old door had been a gift from Pope Gregory VII, set up in 1070, and was made of the same materials. The reliefs show scenes from the lives, apostolates and martyrdoms of Sts Peter and Paul. Apart from the two central scenes, all of the events depicted took place in Rome. The reliefs depict Coats of arms of the Church (1) and of rome (2), Crucifixion of Peter (3), Domine, Quo Vadis? (4)

Keys given to Peter (5), Foundation of Papal See (6), Peter baptizing in catacombs (7), Beheading of Paul (8), Conversion of Centurion (9), Paul’s conversion (10), Paul teaching in Rome (11), Paul welcome in Rome (12)

Old Main Door Restored at Pope John XXIII’s wish and is now used to close the Holy Door between Jubilee years. It was made in 1070 AD by Teodoro. It has 54 panels showing scenes from the lives of Christ and the Apostles.

Holy Door – Opened for great jubilee in 2000 – hidden between jubilees by restored Old Main Door.