Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome | Vatican City
St. Peter's Basilica | The Greatest of All Churches in Christendom
St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian Renaissance church that was designed primarily by Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. Construction of the basilica began in 1506 and was completed in 1626. The basilica is located adjacent to St. Peter’s Square, only a 10-minute walk away from the Vatican Museums.
The largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is more than just the most important building in Christendom. A cultural, historical, and architectural landmark, the church holds within itself treasures from millennia including paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and more.
Why Visit St Peter's Basilica?
- Marvel at the ancient Egyptian obelisk stands at the center of the basilica.
- Climb your way to the St. Peter's Basilica's terrace. Admire Michelangelo's Cupola and the spectacular views from here.
- Visit the Vatican Grottoes, which houses the tombs of Popes and several saints. View Bernini's and Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpieces here.
- Some of the other popular aspects of the basilica are Michelangelo’s La Pietà sculpture, Bernini’s Baldachin, the statue of St. Peter, and Pope John Paul II’s tomb.
Who Built the St. Peter's Basilica?
The Old St. Peter's Basilica was built in the 4th century by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. The plan for the present St. Peter's Basilica was conceived by Pope Nicholas V. In 1506, Julius II laid the first stone for the new basilica. Construction of the present basilica was completed between April 1506 and November 1626. It was designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Where is St. Peter's Basilica Located?
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Getting There
- By Metro: Board a metro on Line A and get off at Ottaviano S. Pietro metro station, located a 5-minute walk away from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- By Bus: Take buses 40 or 64 from Roma Termini. Alight at Piazza Pia stop.
- By Train: Get off at Vatican City’s train station: St. Pietro. From here, St. Peter’s Square is at a 10-minute walking distance.
St Peter's Basilica Timings
Basilica Opening Hours
Low Season: 1 Oct to 31 Mar
8 AM - 5 PM
High Season: 1 Apr to 30 Sep
7 AM - 7 PM
Dome Hours
October to March: 8 AM - 5 PM
April to September: 8 AM - 6 PM
Days Closed: St Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays as the Papal audience is held on these days. But it reopens again from around 12-1 PM.
St. Peter's Bascilia Dome Tickets
Mass Timings
Weekdays: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM
Sundays and Holidays: 9 AM 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 13 PM, 16 PM, 5:30 PM
St Peter's Basilica History in a Nutshell
- As per Catholic tradition, Saint Peter, after spending 34 years spreading the word of Christianity, travelled to Rome. Here, he was crucified upside down on a cross in Circus of Nero, and buried nearby on what is now the Vatican Hill.
- Between 319 AD and 333 AD Emperor Constantine The Great built the Old Basilica on the grounds of the burial spot of St. Peter.
- With the old Basilica falling into disrepair, at the behest of Pope Julius II, the current St. Peter’s Basilica was built in the 16th Century.
St. Peter's Basilica Highlights
The Cupola
Climbing to the top of the Cupola or the Dome is a fascinating experience. Immediately after entering the basilica, if you look to your right, you will be able to see signage indicating the direction of the ticket booth and the staircase that leads to the top. You can either take the stairs entirely to the top (551 steps) or take the elevator and then climb the remaining on steps (320). On your way to the top, you will be able to stop at a terrace facing the interiors of the dome and enjoy the beautiful mosaics that line it. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
About the Dome
Vatican Grottoes
Many people visiting the Basilica visit the Vatican Grottoes, an underground graveyard that contains the tombs of many Vatican popes as well as members of the royal family from the 10th century. The Vatican Grottoes are free to enter and are open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the months of April to September and from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March. Make sure this is the last place you visit in St. Peter’s Basilica since you will be outside the Basilica upon exiting the grottoes.
Enter the Grottoes
St. Peter's Treasury
St. Peter’s Treasury is another section of the basilica that has an admission charge. Its exhibition contains church ornaments, statues, and various other objects that were usually royal gifts such as the Tomb of Sixtus IV, and the Papal tiara. The most ancient object in the Treasury is the Vatican Cross which had been gifted by Emperor Justine III. It has a series of mounted cabochon-cut, colored gems (emeralds, jaspers, aquamarines, agates, rock crystal). In the center, you will find a capsule containing fragments of the Holy Cross.
Pieta
In the first chapel of the north aisle is Michelangelo's Pietà. Sculpted by Michelangelo when he was only 24 years old La Pietá (The Pity) depicts Jesus after his crucifixion in the lap of Mother Mary. It is the only piece ever to have been signed by Michelangelo. The sculpture is also prominent because Michelangelo's interpretation depicts a young and beautiful Mary instead of an older woman. The Christ's face also does not show the signs of the Passion and the marks of the Crucifixion are limited to very small nail marks and a wound on his side.
Statues in the Basilica
The Chair of St. Peter
Also known as the Throne of Saint Peter, the relic conserved located in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica. The chair is a wooden throne that is believed to belong to the Apostle Saint Peter. Repaired and decorated by Bernini, the oak chair has been enclosed in a sculpted bronze casing.
About St. Peter's Chair
St. Peter’s Tomb
It is believed that St Peter was crucified and buried on the Vatican Hill and the St. Peter's Basilica was built on top of the burial spot. In 1968, Pope Paul VI said that the relics of Saint Peter had been identified, despite there being no actual scientific evidence. It is believed that the grave lies at the foot of the aedicula beneath the floor. The Confessio area was created in front of St. Peter’s Tomb to commemorate his martyrdom.
Visiting the NecropolisFrequently Asked Questions About St. Peter's Basilica
A. St. Peter's Basilica is a Renaissance style located in Vatican City. Designed primarily by Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno between 1506 and 1626, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world.
A. St. Peter's Basilica is located at Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City.
A. During the low season, between 1 October to 31 March, the St. Peter's Basilica is open from 8 AM - 5 PM and during high season, from 1 April to 30 September, the Basilica is open from 7 AM - 7 PM.
A. The Old St Peter's Basilica was built between 319 AD and 333 to commemorate Saint Peter, who is believed to have been buried there. In the 16th century, at the behest of Pope Julius II, the current St. Peter’s Basilica was built after the old one fell into disrepair.
A. Yes, you can now book your St. Peter's Basilica tickets online now. You can book your St. Peter's Basilica tickets here.
A. As a church, St. Peter's Basilica expects its visitors to follow certain decorum. A dress code is strictly enforced at St Peter's Basilica. Clothing above the knees, low cut tops and bare shoulders are not allowed.
A. You can travel to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City by metro, train or bus.
A. Yes, the entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free during Mass. However you have to be dressed in proper church clothes.
A. The St. Peter's Basilica Dome or the Cupola, Vatican Grottoes, Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter’s Baldachin, Statue of St. Longinus, St. Peter’s Tomb and the Chair of St. Peter are some of the main attractions inside St. Peter's Basilica.
A. Yes, you actually can simply enter St. Peter's Basilica unless you wish to skip the line or wish to opt for a guided tour.
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