Exploring Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

As one of the most important churches of the Catholic faith and the second-largest church in the world, Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the top sights to see in Vatican City and in all of Rome. With its impressive dome, the focal point of Rome’s cityscape, and its ornate interior, Saint Peter’s is, without a doubt, pleasing to the eye. For many, it is the highlight of a visit to Rome, and with good reason.

Both the exterior and interior of the basilica were designed to overwhelm, and they succeed in doing so. The massive, oval-shaped Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square) serves as a monumental entrance to the vast basilica, featuring soaring ceilings and intricately detailed marble, stone, mosaics, and gilded ornamentation at every turn.

The church draws millions of visitors each year, including those drawn for religious reasons as well as those interested in its historical, artistic, and architectural significance. It is also the resting place of many former popes, including John Paul II and Saint Peter, Christendom’s first pope and the founder of the Catholic Church.

Pilgrims also flock to Saint Peter’s during religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, as the pope performs special masses at the basilica during these times. He gives blessings at Christmas and Easter, as well as his first blessing when he is elected, from the balcony of the central window above the entrances to the atrium.

Saint Peter in Rome

According to Christian theology, Peter was a fisherman from Galilee who became one of the 12 Apostles of Christ. He continued to promote the teachings of Jesus following His crucifixion. Accompanied by the Apostle Paul, Peter journeyed to Rome to build a congregation of followers. Fearing persecution for his teachings, Peter allegedly fled Rome, only to encounter a vision of Jesus on his way out.

This convincing vision led him to turn back to Rome and face his eventual martyrdom. Both Peter and Paul were executed by order of Roman Emperor Nero, sometime after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD but before Nero’s own death by suicide in 68 AD. Saint Peter was reportedly crucified upside down at his own request.

Peter met his martyrdom at the Circus of Nero, a site for tournaments and games on the western side of the Tiber River, where he was buried nearby in a cemetery used for Christian martyrs. His tomb soon became a site of veneration, leading to the construction of other Christian tombs around it, as the faithful sought to be interred near Saint Peter. For Catholics, Peter’s role as an Apostle and his teachings and martyrdom in Rome earned him the title of the first Bishop of Rome, or the first Catholic Pope.

History of Saint Peter’s Basilica

In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, oversaw the construction of a basilica on Saint Peter’s burial site, now referred to as Old Saint Peter’s Basilica. This structure stood for over 1,000 years and was the burial place of almost every pope, from Peter himself through to the popes of the 1400s.

By the 15th century, the basilica was in dire need of repair and underwent modifications under several different popes. Pope Julius II, who reigned from 1503 to 1513, took charge of renovation with the intention of creating the greatest church in Christendom. He ordered the original 4th-century church to be destroyed and the construction of a magnificent new basilica to take its place.

Bramante was the first to devise plans for the main dome of Saint Peter’s, inspired by the Pantheon’s dome. His design called for a Greek cross (with 4 arms of equal length) supporting a central dome. After Julius II’s death in 1513, artist Raphael took over design duties, extending the nave and adding small chapels along its sides.

Following Raphael’s death in 1520, various conflicts in the region stalled progress. Ultimately, in 1547, Pope Paul III installed Michelangelo to complete the project. Michelangelo’s design maintained Bramante’s original Greek cross plan and incorporated the massive dome, which remains the largest in the world and a hallmark of Renaissance architecture.

After Michelangelo died in 1564, his vision only remained partially complete. Subsequent architects honored his designs to fulfill the dome and finalize the elongated nave, facade, and portico (the vaulted entrance), credited to Carlo Maderno under the direction of Pope Paul V. The construction of “New Saint Peter’s”—the basilica we see today—was finalized in 1626, more than 120 years after it originally began.

Significance of Saint Peter’s Basilica

Although many regard Saint Peter’s as the mother church of Catholicism, that honor rightfully belongs to Saint John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano), which serves as the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). Nonetheless, due to its rich history, important relics, proximity to the Papal residence in Vatican City, and grand scale, Saint Peter’s attracts countless tourists and devout visitors alike. In addition to Saint Peter’s and Saint John Lateran, the other two Papal Churches in Rome are the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Highlights of a Visit to Saint Peter’s

To adequately explore every tomb and monument, read every inscription, and admire every priceless reliquary in Saint Peter’s would take days, if not weeks. If you have limited time, focus on these key highlights:

• The Nave: Upon entering, you’ll be amazed by the dimensions of the nave, measuring over 600 feet long and nearly 90 feet wide, richly adorned at every surface.
• The Pieta: Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus, located in the first chapel on the right, was created when the artist was only 24.
• Bronze Statue of Saint Peter: This bronze statue, believed to date back to the 1200s, stands near the right pier, with worshipers shining its right foot over the years.
• The Baldacchino: Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this vast canopy made from bronze taken from the Pantheon adorns the main altar, built over Saint Peter’s tomb.
• The Dome: Michelangelo’s dome reaches nearly 400 feet high, surrounded by 16 windows and inscribed letters of remarkable size.
• Monument to Alexander VII: This haunting papal tomb crafted by Bernini features a pious pope in prayer alongside a skeletal figure of Death, holding an hourglass.
• Sacristy and Treasury Museum: For a glimpse into the Vatican’s treasures, including papal vestments and reliquaries, visit the museum for a nominal fee.
• Vatican Grottoes: Located beneath the basilica, the grottoes house the tombs of numerous popes and the main altar above Saint Peter’s tomb. Entrance is free.
• Climbing to the Cupola: If energetic, ascend 551 steps to the dome for spectacular views of Rome; fees apply based on your means of ascent.

Visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica

Even during non-papal events, crowds are almost constant. To experience a quieter visit, arrive early, between 7 and 9 am.

• Information: The basilica opens at 7 am and closes at 7 pm in summer, and 6:30 pm in winter. For current hours, visit the Saint Peter’s Basilica website.
• Location: Situated at Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square). Use public transit via Metro Line A to the Ottaviano “San Pietro” stop.
• Admission: Entry to the basilica and grottoes is free; however, museum fees apply for the sacristy and treasury, and the climb to the cupola.
• Dress code: Appropriate attire is required; refrain from shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts when visiting.

Attractions Near Saint Peter’s Basilica

Many visitors explore Saint Peter’s Basilica alongside the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Additionally, the Castel Sant’Angelo, which has served various roles throughout history, is also nearby for further exploration.