A visit to this place is a must-see on any trip to Italy. From the outside, the basilica appears quite modest, but its interior captivates even the most discerning art and architecture enthusiasts. It’s rare for us to feel truly overwhelmed, yet this time, the beauty, grandeur, and sheer scale first took us by surprise – then completely enchanted us. We invite you inside the most important Christian church – St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (or, if you prefer, in Vatican City).
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Vatican City – Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, Colonnade
St. Peter’s Basilica – photos
The construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome began in 1506 and was completed in 1626, taking a total of 120 years. It is well known that this church project required an enormous financial investment. But even if we didn’t know that, it wouldn’t be hard to guess. The abundance of marble, mosaics, and gilded details strikes you the moment you step inside. These luxurious elements can be found in every corner of this vast church. “Modest” is the last word one would use to describe its interior.
The overwhelming sense of space is due to the basilica’s impressive dimensions. Covering over 22,000 square meters, slightly more than three football fields, this monumental church was built in the shape of a giant cross. Its exterior length is approximately 211 meters, the width of the transept exceeds 137 meters, and the height of the central nave reaches over 46 meters. This massive basilica can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers at once. Inside, there are as many as 45 altars.
Catholic tradition holds that St. Peter’s Basilica was built on the burial site of Saint Peter, who is considered the first pope of the Roman Church. Beneath the main altar, the central point of the basilica, his tomb is believed to be located. Another significant element of the interior is the monumental baldachin designed by Bernini. It is likely the largest artistic bronze casting in the world. You have to admit, it’s impressive even in photos! It stands about 29 meters tall, nearly the height of a ten-story building.
For many tourists from all over the world, the most important part of a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica is seeing the tomb of Pope John Paul II. Initially, he was buried in the Vatican Grottoes. However, in 2011, after his beatification, his body was moved to the Chapel of St. Sebastian due to the large number of visitors. This chapel is located near the entrance to the basilica, close to the famous Pietà by Michelangelo. The tomb of John Paul II is very simple – just a modest white marble slab with the inscription “Sanctus Ioannes Paulus II” (Saint John Paul II).
And speaking of the Pietà – you certainly can’t miss this world-famous masterpiece. The iconic marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus Christ on her lap. In addition to Michelangelo’s works, the basilica houses pieces by renowned sculptors (Gianlorenzo Bernini, Antonio Canova, Arnolfo di Cambio, Bertel Thorvaldsen, François Duquesnoy) as well as painters and mosaic artists (Giotto di Bondone, Pietro da Cortona, Guido Reni, Carlo Maratta, Domenichino, Cavaliere d’Arpino).
For dessert, we leave you with one of the most impressive (and also most photogenic) achievements of Renaissance architecture – the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. It was primarily designed by Michelangelo, and after his death, it was completed by Giacomo della Porta. The dome rises to a height of over 136 meters, with a diameter exceeding 42 meters. It is one of the tallest domes in the world, adorned with mosaics depicting saints and biblical scenes. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to reach the top, but you can. The view from there is said to offer a panoramic vista of Rome.
St. Peter’s Square and Bernini’s Colonnade – photos
The interior of St. Peter’s Basilica makes a colossal impression on those unaccustomed to spaces dripping with gold (like us). But that’s not all. We haven’t yet mentioned the impressive St. Peter’s Square, where the church proudly stands. The “courtyard” of the basilica has a diameter of 240 meters and can accommodate up to 300,000 people at once. It is here that the most important papal ceremonies take place, as well as the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
St. Peter’s Square is surrounded on two sides by a colonnade, which is meant to symbolize the arms (or wings) of the Church embracing the faithful. It consists of 284 columns and 88 pilasters. At the top of the colonnade are 140 statues of saints. In the center stands an ancient obelisk – interestingly, an Egyptian one – that was brought here by Pope Sixtus V. The entire view is truly epic, especially against the backdrop of the setting sun over Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City – tickets
- Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge.
- However, there are optional paid attractions.
- Dome access:
- 8 € – by foot (551 steps).
- 10 € – by elevator (to the first terrace) + 320 steps.
- Vatican Necropolis and St. Peter’s tomb (reservation required) – 13 €.
- Basilica Treasury – 5 €.
- Dome access:
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome – opening hours
- St. Peter’s Basilica is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM.
- Sometimes, the opening hours may change due to events taking place in the basilica or elsewhere in Vatican City or Rome, so it’s a good idea to check the hours directly before your planned visit.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City – visiting time
- The time for visiting is not restricted and depends on individual preferences. A quick walk and a brief look at the interior of the basilica will take about 30 minutes.
- If you plan to admire the individual works of art and architecture more thoroughly, allocate 1 to 2 hours for the visit.
- If you decide to visit or climb the dome, add an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
- Visiting with a guide (either private or group tour) may have a different duration – if you choose this option, ask the guide about the tour schedule.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome – how to get?
St. Peter’s Basilica is located at Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, right by St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
- On foot / by bike. The attraction is about 2.5 kilometers from the center of Rome – just a 35-minute walk or less than 20 minutes by bike.
- By bus. The nearest bus stops are: Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro, Cavalleggeri/Fornaci, Cavallegeri/Gregorio VII, Aurelia/Bonifacio VIII, Risorgimento/Porta Angelica, Piazza Del Risorgimento.
- By metro. St. Peter’s Basilica is about 900 meters (about a 12-minute walk) from the Ottaviano metro station.
- By car. There are several parking lots near St. Peter’s Basilica. Here’s the location of the nearest one: PARKING NEAR ST. PETER’S SQUARE.
St. Peter’s Basilica – interesting facts and tips
- St. Peter’s Basilica held the title of the largest Catholic church in the world for many years. Are you curious about which building surpassed it? It’s the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Yamoussoukro, the capital of Ivory Coast.
- Regardless of your faith, when entering religious places, it’s important to dress appropriately. In this case, no matter the season or outside temperature, you must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- To avoid the crowds, try to arrive as early as possible, ideally before opening hours. Alternatively, come late in the afternoon when the lines are usually much shorter, and waiting times are quicker.
- Remember that every Wednesday there is a papal audience. Not only can it be crowded, but part of the basilica may also be inaccessible to visitors. It’s best to choose a different day.
- If you expect to face a long wait in line, bring some water with you – Rome is a concrete city, and the summer heat can be unbearable. If you don’t want to faint in the sun, make sure to bring something to drink. Additionally, a small snack might be a good idea.
St. Peter’s Basilica – opinions / reviews
- Patrix – 10/10. This basilica is phenomenal! Upon entering, you’ll feel like a small person. The columns are incredibly tall. The omnipresent gold makes a huge impression. The works of art are spectacular. I’m amazed.
- Wiolczix – 9/10. When it comes to architecture and art, the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica is simply a masterpiece. Upon entering, I felt overwhelmed by the monumental scale… of everything. The height of the walls, the immense amount of gold, the huge columns, giant sculptures, the sizable altar, and the enormous dome make an incredible impression on an ordinary, small person. There is really a lot to admire here. Believe me – it’s worth waiting in line to visit this basilica. (Years ago, I waited for about 2 hours in the July heat, but with Patryk, we got in much quicker and at a much lower temperature.) But to be honest, not everything about it appeals to me: I believe every Catholic temple should have a modest interior, and all the precious things in it should be sold, with the profits given to the poor. I also don’t like paying for additional attractions – it somehow clashes with the idea of the Church’s charity. If tickets are only meant to reduce queues, rather than make money from tourists, it would be enough to introduce free online reservations or on-site tickets on a “first come, first served” basis (so as not to discriminate against those digitally excluded).
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican – frequently asked questions
Is it worth standing in line for St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes, it is definitely worth waiting in line for St. Peter’s Basilica, regardless of whether you are Catholic or not. It is one of the most important Christian temples (if not the most important), a treasure trove of art, and a true gem of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Although the lines to enter may seem extremely long, they usually move quite quickly. It’s a good idea to arrive very early in the morning or late in the afternoon – we chose the latter option, and the wait took only a few minutes.
How much does it cost to enter St. Peter’s Basilica?
Entry to the basilica itself is free. Paid services include guided tours, visiting the treasury, descending to the catacombs, and going up to the dome.
What are the opening hours of St. Peter’s Basilica?
The basilica is open to visitors all year round from 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM. It is worth checking the opening hours before your visit, as they may change due to events taking place in the Vatican. On Wednesday mornings, it may be more difficult to enter due to the papal audience.
What is worth seeing in St. Peter’s Basilica?
The most famous work of art in St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s Pietà. The richly decorated dome, designed by the same artist, also leaves a strong impression, offering a panoramic view of Rome. Be sure to see Bernini’s baldachin above St. Peter’s tomb and the Holy Sacrament Chapel. Particularly important for the faithful is the tomb of Pope John Paul II. The entire interior of the basilica impresses with its richness of details, marble, and mosaics, which are worth admiring.
How long does it take to go up to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica?
Climbing to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the chosen option and pace. You can take the elevator or climb the stairs. The elevator takes visitors to the first level (terrace), but you will have to climb about 320 more steps to reach the top. Those who take the stairs will have to climb around 550 steps. Once at the top, you can spend as much time as you want.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome – map
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most important points on the Vatican map.