St. Peter's Basilica was built in the early 1500s, and took over 100 years to finish. However, its site had already been chosen around 349 AD. At this time a small shrine was made to mark the location of the tomb of St. Peter on the orders of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome. While Pope Nicholas V tried to begin the renovation work for this small basilica in the late 15th century, these plans were halted for an entire century, which is when Pope Julius II began to build an entirely new church here.
He also appointed architect Donato Bromante to build the church with a high dome. The church was constructed in the form of a three-ailed Latin church with a dome at its crossing, located right above the high altar, thereby covering the shrine of St. Peter the Apostle. The St. Peter's Basilica dome was also worked upon and redesigned by several architects and designers over the years. These included masterminds like Carlo Maderno, Giacomo della Porta as well as Michelangelo Buonarroti. They decorated its interiors with some of the greatest masterpieces of Baroque and Renaissance art. Upon its construction, St. Peter’s Basilica was considered to be the greatest building of its times and one of the famous basilicas in Vatican City.
The interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica includes the extended nave in the form of a Latin cross. The interior of the place has been home to many chapels, including Chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin, the Clementine Chapel, and numerous other altars. Additionally, you can also find the Chapel of the Confession beneath the high altar.
The interior of the church is home to some of the greatest Renaissance and Baroque sculptures and other works of art, including Pieta by Michelangelo, the baldachin or ceremonial canopy and the traditional chair of St. Peter by Bernini. You can also find several neoclassical marble statues and the papal tombs here.
St. Peter’s Basilica is approachable via the St. Peter’s Square, which also has a façade of St. Peter, complete with giant Corinthian columns and statues of Jesus Christ, 11 of the Apostles and John the Baptist. The steps leading to the church are guarded by two 18-feet high statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The basilica of this church is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, including that of St. Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Paul and St. John Lateran, and has the tallest dome in the whole world. The dome was mostly designed by Michelangelo between 1585 to 1590 and rests on four majestic piers.
One of the major highlights of St. Peter's Basilica Rome is its cupola, or the dome. Accessible by a flight of 551 stairs, you can head to the top of the cupola and enjoy some of the best views of the Roman cityscape from here. You can also visit the secret rooftop coffee shop of St. peters basilica and indulge in an espresso or gelato, one of the famous basilicas in Italy
The statue of Pieta is one of the main highlights of St peter's Basilica, and is a religious sculpture which was carved by Michelangelo when he was only 24 years old. It was carved from a single slab of Carrara marble, and showcases the tragic moment when Virgin Mary took Jesus down from the cross.
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The Basilica is centred around the Papal Altar, which was declared sacred in 1594, and is the place where only the Pope celebrates Mass. On top of the Papal Altar, you can see Bernini’s canopy, while the ancient tomb of St. Peter lies directly below the Papal Altar.
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Made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the 4-metre-tall statue of St. Longinus, another highlight of St Peter's basilica. Longinus was a blind Roman soldier who speared Jesus in the side when he was being crucified. The statue depicts him with extended arms, almost as if receiving divine guidance.
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At St. Peter's Basilica Rome, you can also find a bronze statue of St. Peter, depicted in a way such that he seems to be giving blessings, while also holding the keys to heaven. Visitors coming to the basilica tend to touch and kiss the statue’s foot, almost as if seeking its blessings and praying to be let into heaven.
Do Checkout: Saint Peter the Apostle
The Confession is one of the most popular places in St. Peter’s Basilica. Located towards the right of the bronze canopy over the main altar, it is a blocked off and private section, where you must take permission before entering to make your confession.
St. Peter’s Basilica is also home to St. Peter’s Tomb, which is a site that has many graves as well as a structure which memorialises the location of St. Peter’s grave. Located near the western end of a section of mausoleums and tombs, it is here where parts of the original church and the necropolis have been found.
The Vatican Grottoes inside St. Peter's Basilica are home to chapels which have been dedicated to many saints as well as tombs of popes, kings and queens from the 10th century. Located between the Renaissance Saint Peter's basilica and the 4th century Basilica of Constantine, these grottoes also consist of Peter’s Tomb.
Also Read: St Peter's Basilica Architecture
How To Reach:
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica is before 09:00 a.m. in the morning or after 04:00 p.m. in the evening, when there are lesser crowds here. Additionally, it is best to visit the St peters basilica on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, when the place has a relatively lesser rush and smaller entry queues.
Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Opening Hours:
Different sections of St Peter's Basilica Rome have different opening hours. These are:- St. Peter’s Basilica: 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. (April to September); 07:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (October to March)- The Dome or Cupola: 08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (April to September); 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (October to March)- The Vatican Grottoes: 07:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (April to September); 07:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (October to March)
Entry FeeCupola is €8 for the elevators and €6 for the stairs, while it is €13 for the Vatican Necropolis.
When was St. Peter's Basilica built?
St. Peter's Basilica was built between April 18th 1506 and 1615.
Where is St. Peter's Basilica located?
St peters basilica is located in the Vatican City. The location of this Renaissance-style church is Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
Who designed St. Peter's Basilica?
St Peter’s Basilica was principally designed by renowned architects and designers Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
What is St Peter's Basilica famous for?
St. Peter's Basilica located in Vatican City is famous for being one of the most notable works of Renaissance architecture, and is home to a number of stunning Baroque elements and works of art. It is also often considered to be the greatest building of its age, and has one of the tallest domes in the whole world.
What's inside St. Peter's Basilica?
It is home to the tombs of 91 Popes, as well as many kings, queens, and church dignitaries, along with several important figures from Roman history. It also contains some of the greatest Renaissance and Baroque artworks, from paintings to sculptures by legendary artists inside St Peter's Basilica
What are St. Peter's Basilica opening hours?
St. Peter's Basilica opening hours are between 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. from April to September and between 07:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m. from October to March.
Where can I buy St Peter's Basilica Tickets?
St.Peter's Basilica Tickets are available both online and at the Basilica's entrance. We advise you to purchase your tickets online so that you can visit the church more quickly and affordably.
Is there a dress code in St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes, there is a strict dress code in St Peter's Basilica that visitors need to follow while visiting St Peter’s Basilica. Any clothing above the knees, along with low cut tops/ shirts, sleeveless outfits, and hats are not allowed inside the Basilica.
St. Peter's Basilica stands as a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, situated within the confines of Vatican City and one of the best basilicas in the Vatican City. Erected atop the resting place of St. Peter, this church holds a place of profound sanctity within Christianity. Beyond its religious significance, St Peters basilica holds immense value as a testament to culture, history, and architectural prowess, serving as a notable landmark.
The construction of St. Peter's Basilica spanned approximately 150 years.
Encompassing an area of 21,000 square meters, the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City claims the title of the largest church globally.
St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City typically holds multiple Masses throughout the day. Mass times can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website of St Peter's Basilica or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and specific information on Mass schedules to plan your visit accordingly.
Saint Peters Basilica was constructed to supersede the aging Old St. Peter's Basilica, originally commissioned by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century. The new basilica's construction spanned from 1506 to 1626.