Highlights & History
St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world by interior measure, covering approximately 20,139 square metres (2.3 hectares). Located in Vatican City, it stands as the centrepiece of Catholic Christianity and one of the most visited sites on earth, welcoming over 11 million visitors annually.
Must-See Masterpieces
- Michelangelo's Pietà (1499) — One of the world's most famous sculptures, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ. It has been displayed behind bulletproof glass since 1972, after a vandal attacked it with a hammer.
- Bernini's Baldachin — The monumental 29-metre tall bronze canopy standing over the papal altar. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and completed in 1634, it is the largest bronze structure in the world.
- The Dome — Designed by Michelangelo and completed after his death, the dome rises 136.6 metres from floor to cross. Visitors can climb 551 steps for breathtaking panoramic views over Rome.
- St. Peter's Tomb — Located directly beneath the papal altar in the Vatican Grottoes, this is believed to be the burial site of the apostle Saint Peter.
- Throne of St. Peter (Cathedra Petri) — Bernini's gilded bronze sculpture in the apse, encasing what is traditionally believed to be the wooden chair of Saint Peter.
- The Holy Door — Opened only during Jubilee years (most recently 2025), passing through it holds special spiritual significance.
History
The current basilica was built between 1506 and 1626 on the site where Saint Peter, one of Christ's apostles, is believed to have been crucified and buried. The original basilica was erected by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. The Renaissance rebuilding was led by a succession of great architects: Bramante designed the original Greek cross plan, Michelangelo redesigned the dome, Maderno extended the nave and created the facade, and Bernini designed the magnificent St. Peter's Square with its colonnade. The basilica is part of the Vatican City UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1984.