St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

In the very heart of Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is the residence of the Pope. It was built between 1506 and 1626 on the remains of a Catholic church dating back to the time of Constantine. Many renowned artists contributed to its construction, including Bramante, Raphael, Antonio del Sangallo, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno.

St. Peter’s Basilica is remarkable for its dimensions: 136 metres in height and 186 by 123 metres in width.

On site, many tourist attractions are waiting to be discovered:

• La Pietà, a work by Michelangelo in the first small chapel.

• The bronze baldachin by Bernini, above the presumed tomb of St. Peter.

• The bronze statue of St. Peter, whose feet have been worn down by the kisses of pilgrims.

• The Cathedra of St. Peter, a wooden chair encased in bronze, said by legend to have been used by St. Peter himself.

• The tomb of Alexander VII Chigi, crafted by Bernini.

• The crypts, accessible via a separate entrance.

• The Dome, with its 550 steps, offering a breathtaking view over Rome and the Vatican.

To find out more