Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica), Rome

Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica), Rome (must see)

Despite not being the mother church of Catholicism or Rome’s cathedral, Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is one of Christianity’s holiest sites. Tradition holds that Saint Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, is buried inside, beneath the high altar, known as the Altar of the Confession.

Built to replace the aging Old Saint Peter’s Basilica, the new construction began in 1506, under Pope Julius II, and was completed in 1626. Designed by Renaissance masters such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, the basilica embodies the grandeur of Italian High Renaissance architecture. Its vast interior makes it the largest church in the world by space.

The basilica’s Latin cross layout features a vast dome, spanning 42 meters in diameter and towering 120 meters high. The imposing façade adorned with statues of Saints Peter and Paul is complemented by a narthex housing the Holy Door. The latter, walled up with bricks, is opened only during jubilee years. Inside, the immense nave, wide aisles, and chapels are decorated with elaborate sculptures and artwork. Among these are Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, a monumental canopy over the Papal Altar. Other notable artworks include Giotto’s Navicella mosaic and equestrian statues of Constantine and Charlemagne.

Michelangelo played a crucial role in shaping the basilica, refining its design into a more unified and monumental form. His dome, completed in 1590, rises on a drum with 16 stone ribs. The dome’s structure, slightly more pointed than Michelangelo’s original plan, blends Renaissance ideals with Baroque dynamism. Encircling the dome's interior is an inscription that reads: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church... and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." The dome has profoundly influenced Western church architecture, including Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, Karl's Church in Vienna, Saint Nicholas Church in Prague, and the Pantheon in Paris.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini also contributed to the basilica’s artistic grandeur. His plan for twin bell towers, eventually revised due to structural issues, left two clocks in their place. The left clock has been electrically operated since 1931, chiming major Vatican events.

The basilica also has six bells. The largest of them, “Campanone,” weighs 9 tons and is used for ringing for papal blessings. Up on the roof are the sculptures of Christ the Redeemer, Saint John the Baptist, and 11 Apostles.

Inside, the basilica houses over 100 tombs. Among them are many popes, including Pope Jean Paul II, royals, and other historical figures, such as Holy Roman Emperor Otto II and Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

Tips:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues. Admission is free (until 5 pm when the gates close), but expect to undergo a security check before entering. Remember to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered (affordable scarves for ladies are available from nearby vendors). If you're feeling adventurous, ascend to the top of the dome. An elevator ride can save you from climbing more than 300 stairs.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica) on Map

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Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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