No trip to Vatican City is complete without exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, the basilica offers visitors a chance to experience breathtaking art, history, and architecture, all within the sacred walls of this monumental church. From Michelangelo’s stunning dome to the breathtaking Pietà, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome.

Official tickets for the St. Peter’s Basilica

The St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano) is one of the most iconic and impressive buildings in the world. Located in Vatican City, it serves as the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church and is an architectural masterpiece that draws millions of visitors each year. The basilica is not just a place of worship but also a cultural, historical, and artistic treasure. Visitors who step inside are treated to a sensory overload of grandiose architecture, incredible artworks, and a profound sense of history.

A Brief History of St. Peter’s Basilica

The history of St. Peter’s Basilica dates back to the early days of Christianity. The basilica was built over the site where St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles and the first pope, was believed to have been buried after his death around 64 A.D. Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, commissioned the construction of the original basilica in the 4th century. This Old St. Peter’s Basilica stood for over 1,200 years before it began to fall into disrepair.

In the 16th century, Pope Julius II ordered the construction of a new basilica. The project became one of the most ambitious and controversial of the Renaissance, involving some of the greatest artists and architects of the time, including Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael, and Bramante. After more than a century of work, the basilica was consecrated in 1626.

The Magnificent Facade and St. Peter’s Square

As visitors approach St. Peter’s Basilica, they are first greeted by St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro), a vast square that is shaped like an ellipse designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The square is surrounded by two sweeping colonnades made up of 284 columns arranged in four rows. Above the colonnades are 140 statues of saints, symbolizing the embrace of the Church. At the center of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD, and two fountains, one by Bernini and the other by Carlo Maderno.

The facade of the basilica itself is a towering masterpiece. Designed by Carlo Maderno, it features colossal columns, a grand entrance with five portals, and a central balcony known as the Loggia of the Blessings, from which the Pope delivers his blessings on special occasions. Above the facade are statues of Christ, John the Baptist, and eleven of the apostles (with St. Peter honored inside).

The Breathtaking Interior

Once inside St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors are immediately struck by its vast scale and beauty. The interior, which can hold more than 60,000 people, spans 15,160 square meters, making it the largest Christian church in the world. Standing inside, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the immense size of the basilica, but it’s the artistry and attention to detail that leave a lasting impression.

The basilica is built in the shape of a Latin cross with a central aisle flanked by two aisles. Along the aisles are numerous chapels and altars, each dedicated to a different saint or aspect of Catholic worship. The basilica’s luxurious decorations—gilded ceilings, marble floors, and intricate mosaics—reflect the importance of this sacred space.

The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the most famous features of St. Peter’s Basilica is its massive dome (or cupola), designed by Michelangelo. The dome dominates the skyline of Vatican City and can be seen from all over Rome. Rising to a height of 136 meters, it is one of the largest domes in the world. The dome is supported by four massive piers, each decorated with sculptures of saints and apostles.

St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb

Visitors can ascend to the top of the dome either by elevator or by climbing 551 steps. From the top, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome and Vatican City. You can also see St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding hills from there. The view alone is worth the effort, offering a unique perspective on the Eternal City.

The Altar and Baldachin

At the heart of the basilica lies the High Altar, or the Altar of the Confession, where only the Pope may celebrate Mass. The altar is situated directly above the tomb of St. Peter, symbolizing the connection between the Church and its first pope. Covering the altar is the Baldachin, a massive bronze canopy designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Baldachin is supported by four twisted columns and is an exceptional example of Baroque art. The bronze used for the Baldachin was famously sourced from the roof of the Pantheon in Rome.

The Chair of St. Peter (Cathedra Petri)

Behind the altar is the Cathedra Petri or Chair of St. Peter, another masterful creation by Bernini. This enormous bronze sculpture depicts the symbolic chair of St. Peter, supported by the four Doctors of the Church. Above it, a window made of alabaster depicts the Holy Spirit as a dove, casting a warm glow over the sculpture. The Cathedra Petri symbolizes the continuity of the papal authority from St. Peter to the present Pope.

The Pietà by Michelangelo

One of the most famous pieces of art inside St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s Pietà, a marble sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Christ. Created when Michelangelo was just 24 years old, the Pietà is widely considered one of the most beautiful and emotionally powerful sculptures in history. It is located in the first chapel on the right as you enter the basilica. It’s behind protective glass after an attack in 1972. Despite this, the sculpture’s serene beauty continues to captivate visitors.

The Tombs of Popes and St. Peter’s Tomb

Beneath the basilica lies the Vatican Grottoes, a sacred space where many popes are buried. The grottoes are accessible to visitors who wish to pay their respects to these spiritual leaders. Among the most important tombs is that of St. Peter, which lies directly below the High Altar. While the exact location of his remains was confirmed only in the 20th century, the tradition of St. Peter’s burial here dates back to early Christian history.

Visitors can also visit the Scavi (excavations) beneath the basilica. This Scavi includes an ancient Roman necropolis where the original burial place of St. Peter was discovered.

Unforgettable experience

Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica is a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. Whether you are drawn by its religious significance, its historical importance, or its artistic beauty, the basilica offers something for everyone. From the soaring dome to the detailed sculptures and paintings, every inch of the basilica is filled with meaning and artistry. It is a place where history, faith, and art converge. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with the past while experiencing the splendor of one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements.

Guided tour in the St. Peter’s Basilica

Be prepared for long lines while visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, which can sometimes take up to two hours! A useful tip: the most convenient way to visit the basilica is by booking a guided tour. You can reserve this online, ensuring you have a set time for your visit and avoiding the long waiting times.

Taking a guided tour at the St. Peter’s Basilica offers several advantages

In-depth knowledge. Guides are typically experts in the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the St. Peter’s Basilica. They provide detailed insights and stories that enhance understanding and appreciation of the site.

Access to restricted areas. Some areas of St. Peter’s Basilica may be off-limits to general visitors. Guided tours often include access to special areas or hidden gems that aren’t accessible otherwise.

Contextualization. Guides contextualize St. Peter’s Basilica within broader historical and cultural contexts. They help visitors understand its significance in the context of the Vatican history and its importance in Catholic heritage.

Efficient use of time. Guided tours often follow well-planned itineraries, ensuring that visitors see the most important highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica within a limited time frame.

Enhanced experience. Guides can answer questions, provide anecdotes, and facilitate discussions, enriching the visitor experience and creating lasting memories.

Avoiding language barriers. For visitors who don’t speak the local language, guided tours conducted in their preferred language can ensure they fully understand the information presented.

Impression St. Peter’s Basilica

What else to visit besides the Basilica?

After visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, many visitors continue on to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which are located nearby. The Sistine Chapel, with its famous ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo, is one of the most important artistic achievements in history.