The basilica was built on the burial site of Saint Peter and has a capacity of 60,000 people. In 324 CE the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great built a large basilica on the site that remained in use for 1200 years. The Pope Julius II felt it was not an appropriate monument for Saint Peter and decided to build a larger church. Work began in 1506 and was completed in 1614 with the participation of many architects. The giant dome was designed by Michelangelo. Heavy taxation on the faithful and the sale of indulgences, especially in Germany, provided the necessary funding.