Why is St. Peter's Basilica Incredibly Dark in Some Videos and Pics?

I don't recall a lot of lighting, other than natural lighting, in St. Peters. Michealangelo's Pieta was lit behind glass. There is a lot of stained glass to let natural light in. It was light enough to see clearly but borderline for photography without a flash. On a dark day it might be pretty dark inside. There is probably more lighting than I noticed but the building doesn't depend on interior lights.

At St. Mark's, it really is a night and day difference. With the lights out there is very little natural light. When the lights are on, the whole place looks like it is made of gold.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about...

Compare this video (dark):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8ZRb-7CDOA

To THIS video (bright and detailed, like it is in an entirely different place altogether):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG0kLj9PDOg

Is that huge, drastic difference all the result of extra sunlight coming in? Or are more interior lights on at certain times?

Fortunately your eyes are much better in low light than video, such that I do not think that St. Peters would be an issue except maybe at night. I have been there from early to late and sunny to overcast and do not remember ever not being awed.
For full effect, after being in St. Peters, take the tour at least up to the "roof" (if not all the way to the top of the dome) You really do not fathom the immensity of the space until you overlook the interior from the starting edge of the dome and see the very small people down on the floor.

Ben,

People like the early morning, as it can provide some interesting and beautiful beams of light from the sun. Also, like many popular sights, early/late in the day generally provides the smallest crowd. Thus more elbow room and more peace and quiet.

The dark video is related to the camera/camera settings/operator and not the people being in the dark. (Think about the results of taking someone's picture next to a sunlit window. You can see them in the viewfinder, but the results on film may be a silhoutte of the person.)

What you see at St Peter's with the naked eye (in my opinion) will be extraordinary and I am sure it will not disappoint your fiance.

Happy Travels.

Keep in mind that these buildings were built as places of worship and constructed centuries ago before anyone conceived of lighting beyond candlelight. That said, you will find many ancient churches throughout Europe to be quite dark compared to what we are used to, partly due to lack of electrical lighting and partly due to the dark colors and stone used in their construction, and the accumulation of centuries of candle soot (which has now been cleaned off in many churches). Some churches are lit electrically during tourist visiting hours, some have coin operated lights to view important works of art, some are viewed pretty much as they have always been, with natural light, except during specific times of the day or for special events. I have never found this to be a problem. Though perhaps a bit dark, I would not call St. Peter's "cave-like", except in some of the side chapels or in the room they have set aside for Eucharistic Exposition, which is meant for prayer and contemplation. We have seen the basilica at several different times of the day both on cloudy and sunny days. I think the sun does make a difference, but not hugely. However, the stained glass dove in the gold sunburst behind St. Peter's chair is certainly magnificent on a sunny day!

As far as photos go, I would resist the temptation to take many there or in any of these sorts of places. I have tried and have never been especially happy with them. Take one or 2 with you and your companions in them to show you were there, but most of the artwork is so huge and the Pieta is behind thick glass so it photographs poorly. I think it is much better to pick up a souvenir book with professional photographs or even postcards and spend the time just soaking in the amazing art and architecture. The books are inexpensive and readily available everywhere. I have accumulated a fine collection of postcards and a wonderful shelf full of books that I go to whenever I want to relive one of our wonderful trips

I'm reviving this thread because I found another reference to all the lights at St. Peter's Basilica. Is this a bunch of lousy info, or is there something to this?

In the DK Eyewitness Travel book "Top 10 ROME" under "Top 10 Churches" the first is St. Peter's Basilica, and it says...

"Should the opportunity arise, don't miss seeing the basilica's cavernous interior when all the lights are on - only then can you fully appreciate this giant jewel-box of color."

The problem is, they give no information about when or in what situations all of the lights would be on... I have looked around online and I can find nothing.

The description is what I would expect for St. Mark's in Venice but not St. Peters in Rome.

I agree with climbing the dome (and also descending to St. Peters bones).

Knowing something about the art in the building is impressive too.

Hi, Ben,

I saw your revival of this topic and the guidebook quote. I believe the word "cavernous" is describing the sheer hugeness of the interior of St. Peter's and all of it's side chapels, nooks and crannies. In all of the times I have been there I have never said to myself, "Wow, is it dark in here. ".

Now, to see the basilica really "lit up" yes, I can imagine it would be even more spectacular, especially the mosaics.

I think your fiancee will be blown away by pretty much all of Italy. You are sweet to want her to have an amazing experience, and focusing on all of the beauty, art, history, genius, new tastes, and romance she will experience rather than the possible darkness of St. Peter's will make it so. Have fun!