Final answer:
Saint Peter's Basilica is the church built by Christ on Peter and the 12 apostles. It was constructed over St. Peter's alleged tomb in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and later rebuilt during the Renaissance. It remains a central place of worship for the Catholic Church.
Step-by-step explanation:
The church built by Christ on Peter and the 12 apostles is Saint Peter's Basilica, located in the Vatican City. This monumental structure was initially built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine the Great over what was believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Christ and the first Bishop of Rome, who is regarded by the Catholic Church as the first Pope. The current Renaissance-era basilica began construction in the 16th century, under the auspices of Pope Julius II, and was completed in the 17th century. It follows the layout of the old basilica and maintains the historical connection to St. Peter with its main altar positioned above his purported grave.
The original Old St. Peter's Basilica was one of the first Christian churches in Rome and an important pilgrimage site. It was later demolished to make way for the new structure, which today is a central place of worship for Catholics, often led by the Pope himself. Saint Peter's Basilica is renowned for its grandiose design, with a vast interior that is designed to overwhelm the senses and highlight the power and glory of the Catholic Church.
In artistic representations, the foundational role of Peter and his connection to Christ is frequently depicted. Notably, historical pieces like the engraving 'Christ Making Saint Peter Head of the Church' from 1588 celebrate this relationship. Furthermore, artworks in Saint Peter's Basilica such as the Crucifixion of Saint Peter connect to the church's rich history and its association with the apostles Peter and Paul.