Italy and the Renaissance 293 rich protected themselves by making their houses half strongholds, the beautiful churches, noble public buildings, and the works of art which now fill the Florentine museums indicate that mankind has never, perhaps, reached a higher degree of taste and skill ST. PETER'S AND THE VATICAN PALACE This is the largest church in the world. It is about seven hundred feet long, including the portico, and four hundred and thirty-five feet high from the pavement to the cross on the dome. The reconstruction was begun as early as 1450, but it proceeded very slowly. Several great architects, Bra- mante, Raphael, Michael Angelo, and others were intrusted with the work. After many changes of plan the new church was finally in condition to consecrate in 1626. It is estimated that it cost over $50,000,000. The construction of the vast palace of the popes, which one sees to the right of the church, was carried on during the same period. It is said to have no less than eleven thousand rooms. Some of them are used for museums, and others are celebrated for the frescoes which adorn their walls, by Raphael, Michael Angelo, and others of Italy's greatest artists in the arts of peace than did the citizens of Florence under the rule of the despots and amid the turmoil of their restless town. 491. Rome, the Capital of the Popes. During the period in which Venice and Florence became leaders in wealth and refine- ment Rome, the capital of the popes, underwent a great change. The popes had resided in France, at Avignon ( 363), during
