Basilica San Pietro

St. Peter’s, or St. Peter’s Basilica, is one of Rome’s most iconic monuments, located in Vatican City. It is the largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with contributions from famous artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Bramante. Michelangelo designed the famous dome, which dominates the skyline and offers spectacular views of Rome.

The basilica is traditionally considered the burial place of St. Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ and the first pope, whose tomb lies directly under the altar. Visitors can admire the magnificent interior, which includes works of art such as Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” Bernini’s Baldacchino and the huge nave adorned with mosaics and precious marbles.

St. Peter’s Square, designed by Bernini, welcomes visitors with its grand colonnades, creating an imposing entrance to the basilica. Every year millions of pilgrims and tourists visit the basilica and the square, especially during religious celebrations such as Easter and Christmas, or to attend meetings with the Pope.

St. Peter’s is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, designed and built over the course of more than a century, from 1506 to 1626. Here is some more detailed information on various aspects of the basilica:

Origins and Construction: St. Peter’s Basilica was built over an older church commissioned by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, over the site of St. Peter’s supposed tomb. The new basilica was commissioned by the popes to represent the power of the Catholic Church and to renew the city of Rome. The main architects involved were Donato Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo and finally Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Each architect brought his or her own vision, helping to create the current overall appearance.

Michelangelo’s Dome: The dome is one of the most iconic structures and dominates the view of Rome from afar. Michelangelo began the project but died before completing it; the works were finished by his pupil, Giacomo Della Porta. The dome measures 136 meters high, including the cross on the top, and is decorated with beautiful mosaics. Visitors can climb up to the dome for spectacular views of the city and the square below.

St. Peter’s Square: Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, the square is surrounded by an oval colonnade formed by 284 columns and 88 pillars, symbolizing the Church’s embrace of its faithful. In the center of the square is an Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome in the first century AD, symbolically representing the continuity between ancient culture and Christianity.

Masterpieces inside the Basilica

Michelangelo’s Pieta: Located in the right aisle, this sculpture is one of Michelangelo’s most moving works, depicting the Virgin Mary with the body of Christ after the crucifixion.

Bernini’s Baldachin: A monumental bronze baldachin that tops the papal altar, 29 meters high and adorned with finely carved details.

The Chair of St. Peter: A bronze and marble work by Bernini that holds a relic, representing papal authority.

Vatican Grottoes and St. Peter’s Tomb: Beneaththe basilica are the Vatican Grottoes, where many popes are buried, and where St. Peter’s tomb is located. This sacred space is one of the most visited parts by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Vatican Necropolis, a city of the dead from Roman times, where the exact site of Peter’s burial is believed to be located.

Events and Celebrations:St. Peter’s Basilica hosts important religious events, such as papal masses and the Urbi et Orbi blessing at Christmas and Easter. On these occasions, thousands of faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope often holds his general audience on Wednesdays in the square or inside the Paul VI Hall, another venue near the basilica where papal events by architect Nervi take place.

The Vatican Museum and Treasures: Thenearby Vatican Museum houses a vast collection of sacred art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures and relics collected by the Church over the centuries. Among the treasures of the Vatican Museums are the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling frescoed by Michelangelo, one of the world’s most famous works. These structures and works of art make St. Peter’s not only a place of faith, but also a center of great cultural and artistic value, visited by millions of people every year.