As one of the world’s most iconic churches, St. Peter’s Basilica inside attracts millions of visitors each year who are left in awe of its grand architecture and historical significance. St. Peter’s Basilica is located in the heart of Vatican City. The city is the centre of Christianity, a preeminent holy city for Catholics, and holds great importance as an archaeological site of the Roman world.
The St. Peter’s Basilica church is a must-visit for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers, but do you know how you can thoroughly explore the archaeological landmark? In this blog, you’ll find out about how you can rewind time and go into the rich history and breathtaking architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Why Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, Rome
The magnificent beauty of the church is itself a major reason to visit St. Peter’s Basilica Church. It is a visual and artistic masterpiece. The church is a standing example of the High Renaissance movement, featuring works from artists like Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, Maderno, and Fontana.
If you wish to see architecture and art seamlessly woven together, St. Peter’s Basilica inside is one space to see. Add it to your bucket list!
Architectural Marvels of St. Peter’s Basilica
Here’s what you need to know about visiting and what to expect when taking a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica…
Exterior Features
The exterior features of St. Peter’s Basilica Church stand as one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. The historical site boasts architectural features that leave visitors speechless.
St. Peter’s Square
After taking a short walk into Vatican City, you’ll arrive at St. Peter’s Piazza or Square. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed and completed the square in 1667. After putting in eleven years of intense hard work, the masterpiece still stands. The square consists of an oval space with three central semicircular colonnades, symbolizing the church’s open arms.
Michelangelo’s Dome
The dome is the crowning glory of the exterior. Designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the dome is a wonder that gives a unique perspective to those who admire it up close and experience the emotion, observing every detail.
Plan your visit today to experience the grandeur of the historical site with St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Entry Ticket Audio Guided Tour.
Interior Features
St. Peter’s Basilica’s interior is as breathtaking as the exterior. Its high ceilings and ornate decorations add to the divine grandeur of the place.
St. Peter’s Basilica inside consists of intricate structures and artworks that enhance its overall magnificence.
Michelangelo’s Pieta
The Pieta is a famous Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo. The sculpture beautifully represents the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Jesus Christ. Michelangelo skillfully carved the sculpture from a single block of Carrara marble. It is indeed one of Michelangelo’s earliest and most outstanding works. You can spot the sculpture to the right of the church’s main entrance.
The Papal Altar
In the center of St. Peter’s Basilica inside is the Papal Altar. Bernini designed it, with St. Peter’s Baldachin and St. Peter’s Chair serving as its two primary features. Below the altar is the treasure tomb of St. Peter, marking the altar as a very significant part of the basilica. The Papal Altar holds its importance as the place where the coronation of the popes took place. The Papal Altar hosted the ceremonies until 1963.
Bernini’s Baldachin
The massive bronze structure is designed by Bernini. Pope Urban VIII commissioned it in 1633 to commemorate the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica church. Another fascinating fact about the Baldachin is that it is located right above the tomb of St. Peter.
St. Peter’s Chair
The St. Peter’s chair is a significant masterpiece within St. Peter’s Basilica. It is believed that the chair was used during sermons by the apostle, and it only made sense to place it where he was buried. The task of highlighting the chair’s importance fell to Bernini.
The Tomb of St. Peter
St. Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He accompanied him on several religious journeys. The legend says St. Peter was imprisoned and executed in Rome by Emperor Nero. His remains were buried in a cemetery on Vatican Hill, and then a shrine was built on the burial site. The historical events lead up to the St. Peter’s Basilica church we admire today.
Architectural Style
St. Peter’s Basilica’s interior and exterior are a harmonious blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Renaissance elements like symmetry and proportion can be seen in the dome and layout. Meanwhile, Baroque’s influence shines in the dramatic interiors, intricate details, and emotional appeal.
For a more engaging and inclusive experience, get the St. Peter’s Basilica Digital Audio Guide.
Why Book a Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica church is a magnificent part of Roman history. It took about 120 years to complete the construction of the new St. Peter’s Basilica. Some of history’s greatest architects, including Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, designed it. Michelangelo’s and Bernini’s contributions to St. Peter’s Basilica’s interior and exterior are significant.
Would you get all this valuable information and more by just wandering around and looking at things you didn’t understand or for which you had no context? Skip the line with the Rome St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupola Guided Tour to learn more about the basilica and get to know everything you see on your tour.
Top Highlights of a Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica Church
The guided tour offers many awe-inspiring moments for visitors. The exterior of the basilica leaves the viewers in awe, and St. Peter’s Basilica inside inspires the artist within. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:
Climbing the Dome
You can climb the dome and get to see breathtaking panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome. There are 500 steps to climb, or you can choose to take the elevator instead. There are tickets to climb the dome, and they usually range from €5 to €7.
Vatican Grottoes
Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica Baldachin lies the Vatican Grottoes. Visitors can pay their respects to the tombs of popes, including St. Peter’s. The grottos serve as the final resting place for 91 popes and a select few royals.
The Papal Altar
The Papal Altar is the central focus of St. Peter’s Basilica inside. Popes use the papal altar, located directly above the saint’s tomb, for important ceremonies.
5 Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica
Here are some valuable tips that make your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica church easier and more enjoyable…
Know What to Bring
Bring a small backpack, several water bottles, good walking shoes, and a camera, as flash photography is not permitted. If you are visiting in colder months, bring a jacket, as you may be waiting outside for some time.
Best Time to Visit
St. Peter’s Basilica opens at 9:00 AM, so arrive early in the morning. If you can’t make it early, then plan to visit in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Use the Bathroom Before You Go
Finding the bathroom isn’t easy. Locate the bathroom and visit it before you visit the basilica. Keep in mind the line to the bathroom can be long too.
Know the Vatican Dress Code
You must adhere to a strict dress code when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica church. People should cover their knees and shoulders for the visit; shorts, skirts, and dresses are not permitted. Ripped jeans and see-through clothing are not appropriate either. Offensive tattoos or religious symbols should not be visible. Whenever you plan to visit, remember to dress modestly.
Entry Requirements
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but there is a fee for climbing the dome. During peak seasons, we highly recommend guided tours to avoid the line.
Ready to Plan Your Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica?
St. Peter’s Basilica is more than a church. It is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and religious devotion and holds immense historical significance. From St. Peter’s Basilica, inside and outside, it is all about awe-inspiring architecture and profound cultural heritage. Every corner tells a tale of creativity and faith, drawing in art enthusiasts, history buffs, and pilgrims alike.
St. Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip and get ready to get lost in the timeless beauty and rich history of St. Peter’s Basilica Church.