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The Papal Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano), or St Peter’s Basilica, is an Italian Renaissance church located in Vatican City. It is the papal enclave within Rome. The church was designed by renowned architects such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Carlo Maderno, Raphael, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world. Approximately 30,000 visitors explore the Basilica each day.
The basilica is regarded as one of the holiest shrines in the world, although it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Importantly, the church is the burial site of Saint Peter, the foremost of Jesus’s Apostles and the first Bishop of Rome. His tomb is believed to be located beneath the high altar of the Basilica. Additionally, the majority of Popes have been interred at St Peter’s since the Early Christian period. A church has stood on this site since the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.
History of St Peter’s Basilica
The crucifixion of Jesus is recorded in the Biblical book of the Acts of the Apostles, one of His twelve disciples. Saint Peter, also known as Simon, was a fisherman from Galilee. He assumed a leading role among Jesus’s followers and became instrumental in the establishment of the Christian Church.
The name Peter was given to Simon by Jesus, and it means “stone” or “rock” in Greek. The current location of the basilica was once a chariot racing stadium dating back to the time of Emperor Caligula, Claudius, and Nero (1st century AD). Nero, notably, initiated a significant persecution of Christians in Rome. His regime led to the imprisonment and execution of many Christians in his “circus.” Among the first Christians targeted by his soldiers was Saint Peter.
He is believed to have arrived in Rome around the year 40. At that time, many Christians were thrown to wild animals for public entertainment in the stadium, while others were crucified. A wall separated the arena of the circus, with chariot races taking place around it. Nero’s circus was approximately six hundred yards long.
64 AD is one of the most significant years in Roman history, as Saint Peter was crucified during the reign of Emperor Nero, who falsely accused Christians of starting the Great Fire of Rome.
Furthermore, Peter was crucified upside down at his own request, believing himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. The crucifixion took place near an ancient Egyptian obelisk—one of thirteen in Rome—within Nero’s Circus, a site that is now St Peter’s Square.
Construction of St Peter’s Basilica
Construction of the present basilica, which replaced Old St Peter’s Basilica from the 4th century AD, began on 18 April 1506 and continued until 18 November 1626. The Pope at the time, Nicholas V, entrusted the restoration of the basilica to Bernardo Rossellino, who proposed demolishing the old church and constructing a new one. Pope Nicholas V approved the concept, but he passed away shortly after the work commenced. The seven Popes who succeeded him opted to enrich the existing structure.
In the early 1500s, Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to design his tomb. The sculptor created a grand, pyramid-shaped monument. Although the Pontiff admired the masterpiece, the Constantinian church lacked sufficient space to accommodate such a monumental tomb. Providing enough space for the funerary monument became one of the main motivations for Pope Julius II to commission the construction of the new basilica. Consequently, Bramante was appointed as the lead architect for the project.
Bramante proposed a Greek-cross structure crowned by a large central dome, rather than the traditional Latin-cross church with five naves.
Construction began in 1506, but between 1513 and 1514 both Pope Julius II and Bramante died, leaving the site with only four enormous pillars intended to support the dome. The succeeding Pontiff, Leo X, appointed Raphael to carry on the project. However, the young artist died at just 37 years old, and his design was never realised. Notably, Raphael’s basilica was to follow a Latin-cross plan, with interior features characterised by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
Sangallo’s Basilica
Following Raphael’s death, Antonio da Sangallo took over as the chief architect of the Fabbrica di San Pietro from 1520 to 1546. However, during this period, the church faced financial difficulties. Sangallo continued developing Bramante’s floor plan to cover the site of the old basilica. The project aimed to designate the area as sacred ground, which Leo X intended to integrate into the new structure.
To achieve this, the architect designed a façade flanked by two bell towers, which he connected to the main church building via a vestibule. Later, at the request of Pope Paul III, Sangallo constructed a wooden model of the proposed design. Standing 4.5 metres tall, the model took eight years to complete and cost the equivalent of building an actual church. Today, the model is housed in one of the basilica’s octagons, situated above the four large corner chapels.
The Dome
After the death of Sangallo, Michelangelo Buonarotti succeeded him. The Florentine artist was over 70 years old and refused the offer of working on the project several times until Pope Paul III forced him to accept it. Michelangelo did not really like the work of his predecessor and decided to demolish several parts that were built before his coming. The master returned to Bramante’s original plan and designed an enormous dome (cupola) as the central element of the new construction.
The maximum height of the cupola is 133.3 m from the ground level, the height inside the basilica is 117.57 m, while the inner diameter is 41.5 m. Also, the total weight is 14 thousand tons
Michelangelo was inspired by the cupola of the Duomo of Florence and the Pantheon, designed by Brunelleschi. When he died, the new Basilica missed the corner chapels, the façade, and the cupola, of which only the columns and drum had been finished. In 1587, Giacomo Della Porta became responsible for completing the dome with his assistant, Domenico Fontana. After two years of work, the cupola was finally completed.
See instructions for How to Climb Up the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica.
Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini
The project was handed over to Carlo Maderno in 1603, at which point part of the Old Basilica still remained. Moreover, there were many individuals who opposed the demolition of the Old Basilica.
Nevertheless, Pope Paul V authorised the removal of the old walls, and Maderno extended the eastern wing of the new structure, thereby covering the footprint of the original church. This extension resulted in the façade being positioned much further forward. To connect it with Michelangelo’s existing work, Maderno built a three-naved structure. This modification is the primary reason the New Basilica acquired a Latin-cross layout. According to Michelangelo’s original design, the dome was situated much further from the entrance. The façade proved too flat to provide structural stability for the dome and was framed by two bell towers. Furthermore, Bernini and Maderno were unable to complete the towers due to the unstable, soft ground beneath.
In 1626, construction of St Peter’s Basilica was completed and Pope Urban VIII consecrated it.
St Peter’s Basilica Nowadays
Today, Saint Peter’s Basilica is internationally recognised as a site of pilgrimage and liturgical celebration. The Pope presides over liturgies held throughout the year, which draw congregations ranging from 15,000 to over 80,000 people, either within the basilica itself or in St Peter’s Square. Moreover, the basilica is regarded as the greatest architectural and artistic achievement of its era.
It is one of only four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major Basilica, all of which are located in Rome. However, it is not a cathedral, as it is not the seat of a bishop. The cathedral (Cathedra) of the Pope, in his role as Bishop of Rome, is located at the Archbasilica of St John Lateran.
Tips for what to see inside St Peter’s Basilica
It is advisable to allow at least two hours for your visit to the basilica. Below are the main attractions and masterpieces of world art that you should not miss.
Right Nave
Pietà by Michelangelo
Undoubtedly, the Pietà by Michelangelo is one of the principal highlights of St Peter’s Basilica. The sculpture was created when Michelangelo was only 24 years old and played a key role in establishing his reputation. It was commissioned by the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères and is located in the first chapel on the right-hand side of the basilica, just after you enter.
The Pietà depicts the body of Jesus in the lap of His mother Mary following the Crucifixion.
Monument to Leo XII
The Monument to Leo XII was created by Giuseppe de Fabris between 1835–36. It portrays the Pope standing and giving his Urbi et Orbi blessing during the Jubilee of 1825. Behind the statue are the heads of four of his cardinals.
Chapel of St Sebastian
The Chapel of Saint Sebastian was designed by Pier Paolo Cristofari, who transformed Domenichino’s painting into mosaic. Cristofari served as the Director of the Vatican Mosaic Studio from 1743 to 1755 and contributed to many of the basilica’s altarpieces.
Beneath the altar lie the remains of Blessed Innocent XI (1676–1689).
Monument to Matilda of Canossa
The monumental tomb of Countess Matilda of Canossa was crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his workshop. It includes a sarcophagus carved with the scene of Emperor Henry IV’s submission to Pope Gregory VII at Canossa, an inscription held by two angels, and a statue of Matilda herself.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
At the entrance to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, a sign reads: “Only those who wish to pray may enter.” The focal point is a tabernacle designed by Bernini.
Statue of St Peter
The bronze statue of St Peter has had its right toes worn down by centuries of pilgrims and visitors who touch and kiss the foot.
This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims prayed to Saint Peter, asking him to open the gates of heaven should they die during their pilgrimage. The statue symbolises his role in blessing and preaching, with the keys to the kingdom of heaven in his hands. Scholars generally attribute the statue to Arnolfo di Cambio (13th century), although some historians suggest it may date back to the 5th century. Behind the statue is a mosaic designed to resemble an elegant brocade backdrop.
Left Nave
Tomb of Pope Alexander VII
The tomb of Fabio Chigi, Pope Alexander VII, is a masterpiece by Bernini. It is set in a niche above a doorway leading to a small vestry, and Bernini has used the doorway in a symbolic fashion. Pope Alexander is depicted atop his tomb. The structure is supported by four female figures, although only two are fully visible, representing Charity and Truth. The foot of Truth rests upon a globe of the world, with her toe pierced by a thorn symbolising Protestant England. A skeletal figure of Death also appears, holding an hourglass in its right hand.
Baptistery Chapel
The Baptistery Chapel was designed by Carlo Fontana and features a main altarpiece based on an original painting by Maratta (1698).
The magnificent gilded cover rests on a porphyry sarcophagus, which is believed to have come from the tomb of Emperor Hadrian (now the Castel Sant’Angelo).
Centre
The central section of the basilica is defined by four colossal pillars supporting the dome. This space was constructed in accordance with Michelangelo’s design. The heart of the church features numerous mosaic artworks created from sketches by Domenichino. Among the highlights here is the monument to Pius VII, completed in the 19th century by the non-Catholic sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Also located here is the Gregorian Chapel (Cappella Gregoriana), dedicated to the creator of the Gregorian calendar used today.
Saint Peter’s Tomb
The tomb of Saint Peter lies beneath the basilica, near the western end of a complex of mausoleums dating from approximately 130 AD to 300 AD. Those with special permission are allowed to descend to the tomb to pray in close proximity to the remains of Saint Peter.
Statues of Saints
Four grand statues of saints are located at the centre of St Peter’s Basilica, each associated with a significant holy relic: Saint Helena holding the True Cross and the Holy Nails, sculpted by Andrea Bolgi; Saint Longinus holding the spear that pierced Jesus’s side, created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1639; Saint Andrew with a cross, sculpted by François Duquesnoy; and Saint Veronica with the veil bearing the image of Christ’s face, sculpted by Francesco Mochi.
Baldachin
At the centre of the basilica, above the high altar, stands the bronze Baldacchino (canopy) designed by Bernini during the Baroque period. When the basilica was completed, there was no architectural connection between Maderno’s nave and Michelangelo’s dome. To resolve this, Bernini created the Baldacchino and positioned it directly above Saint Peter’s tomb. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, the work began in 1623 and concluded in 1634.
The Baldacchino is a Baroque interpretation of the traditional ciborium.
The Holy Door
The Holy Door is opened only during Jubilee Years. Pilgrims who pass through it during these special occasions receive a plenary indulgence. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vatican when it is opened again in 2025!
Free Tickets for Papal Masses
Masses with the Pope are celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square, or a combination of both. Most Masses are held inside the basilica, which has a vast capacity and can accommodate over 15,000 people. The Holy See issues various categories of tickets: for Cardinals, Governors and Diplomats, Bishops, Priests, special guests, and the general public. For most Masses, a ticket is required. These are available free of charge from the Swiss Guards at the “Bronze Door” in St Peter’s Square between 08:00 and 20:00 (summer) and 08:00 and 19:00 (winter).
Official website: www.papalaudience.org/tickets
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour via the trusted site www.getyourguide.com to see the Pope in St Peter’s Square without the stress of navigating the event on your own.
The tour operator will reserve your ticket and secure the best possible viewpoint, allowing you to fully enjoy this inspiring ceremony.
Dress Code inside St Peter’s Basilica
The dress code at Saint Peter’s Basilica is similar to that of any church around the world. Visitors must ensure that shoulders and knees are covered. In addition, alcohol is not permitted (although bottled water is allowed), and loud conversations are discouraged. The same dress code applies to the Vatican Museums.
Interesting Facts
- The current basilica is actually the second to be built on this site; the Old Saint Peter’s Basilica was commissioned by Emperor Constantine I around 324 AD.
- There are more than 100 tombs inside the basilica.
- Michelangelo’s Pietà, located inside the basilica, is one of his greatest masterpieces and played a key role in his early fame.
- The Holy Door is opened only once every 25 years during a Jubilee Year.
- There are 140 statues of various saints atop the colonnade in Saint Peter’s Square.
- A bronze statue of Saint Peter from the 13th century resides inside the basilica. It is a tradition for visitors to kiss or rub one of its feet as they pass.
- Approximately 30,000 people visit Saint Peter’s Basilica each day.
- Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world.
- The façade of the present basilica was completed in 1612 under the direction of Pope Paul V of the Borghese family.
- Bramante proposed the idea of a Greek cross layout topped by a central dome, instead of the traditional Latin cross design with five naves.
Discover more fascinating facts during our individual tour of the Vatican at sunrise or read about the best private Vatican tour with early entrance.
Useful Information
- Visiting the dome: Summer (1 April – 30 September): 08:00–18:00. Winter (1 October – 31 March): 07:00–18:00. Ticket prices: stairs only (551 steps) – €8; lift plus 320 steps – €10; free entry for children under 12.
- To visit the tomb of St Peter and the necropolis beneath the basilica, you must book in advance via email: scavi@fsp.va or phone: +39 06 69873017.
- Just inside the basilica on the right, there is an information desk where you can rent audio guides and join guided tours available in several languages.
Tell us about your experience and impressions after visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica!
