As a building, it is open to criticism at every point.

In spite of its richness and overwhelming size, no architect of merit gives it approbation.

It is vast without being really great, magnificent without touching the heart, proudly but not harmoniously ordered.

The one redeeming feature in the structure is the cupola; and that is the one thing which Michelangelo bequeathed to the intelligence of his successors.

The curve which it describes finds no phrase of language to express its grace.