Saint Peter's Basilica

The Basilica of Saint Peter is the most prominent structure in the Vatican City, due to its magnificent architecture. As it stands today, it is a Late Renaissance church located within the Vatican City and considered one of the holiest places in the Christian world and a renowned pilgrimage destination, due to its historical associations and significance. It is also a work of art in terms of architecture, furnishings, sculptures, design, relics and treasures. Its construction was begun by the Emperor Constantine between 326 and 333 AD, in order to mark the believed burial place of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It contained many burials and memorials, including those of the most popes until the 15th century. After a period of ruin, in the 16th century, Pope Julius II planned to place its tomb, commissioned to Michelangelo, in St. Peter’s Basilica and decided to demolish the old basilica and replace it with a grandiose construction. In the next 120 years, a long line of popes and architects followed and their merged endeavors resulted in the building we admire today.

The large interior of 60,000 people capacity is sumptuously adorned with reliefs, marble, gilding and architectural sculpture. It also contains several of Bernini’s works including a baldachin – a pavilion-like structure of 98 ft tall - and regarded as the largest bronze piece in the world, the Chapel of Sacrament, the chair of St. Peter, contained in a sculptural ensemble located in the sanctuary. The dome was designed by Michelangelo and it is the tallest in the world, rising to a total height of 448.1 ft., measured from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross. The basilica shelters a vast number of tombs of popes and other outstanding personalities, also considered extraordinary artworks. The chapels and niches are populated with great sculptures, the most famous being Michelangelo’s Pieta. It is one of the most visited Vatican museums and it is the main setting of most Papal ceremonies, due to its size, location and proximity to Papal residence.