Highlights & History
St. Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is the world's largest church by interior size, spanning approximately 20,139 square metres (2.3 hectares). As the spiritual heart of Catholic Christianity, it is one of the most visited sites globally, attracting over 11 million visitors each year.
Must-See Masterpieces
- Michelangelo's Pietà (1499) — One of the world's most famous sculptures, depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Christ. Since a vandal attacked it with a hammer in 1972, it has been protected behind bulletproof glass.
- Bernini's Baldachin — The monumental 29-meter tall bronze canopy that stands over the papal altar. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and completed in 1634, it remains the largest bronze structure globally.
- The Dome — Designed by Michelangelo and completed after his death, the dome soars 136.6 meters from the basilica floor to the top of its cross. Visitors can ascend 551 steps to reach the top, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Rome and Vatican City.
- St. Peter's Tomb — Located directly beneath the papal altar in the Vatican Grottoes, this is believed to be the final resting place of the apostle Saint Peter.
- Throne of St. Peter (Cathedra Petri) — Bernini's gilded bronze sculpture in the apse, which traditionally encloses what is believed to be the wooden chair of Saint Peter.
- The Holy Door — Opened only during Jubilee years (most recently 2025), passing through it carries profound spiritual significance.
History
Construction of the current basilica took place between 1506 and 1626. It stands on the revered site where Saint Peter, one of Christ's apostles, is believed to have been crucified and buried. An earlier basilica, built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, originally stood here. The Renaissance reconstruction involved a succession of visionary architects: Bramante conceived the original Greek cross plan, Michelangelo famously redesigned the dome, Maderno extended the nave and crafted the facade, and Bernini completed the grand design with the magnificent St. Peter's Square and its iconic colonnade. The basilica, along with Vatican City, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.