Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica), Rome

Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica), Rome (must see)

Despite not being the mother church of Catholicism or Rome's cathedral, Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is one of Christianity's holiest sites. Tradition holds that Saint Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, is buried inside, beneath the high altar, known as the Altar of the Confession.

Built to replace the aging original basilica, the new construction began in 1506, under Pope Julius II, and was completed in 1626. Designed by Renaissance masters such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, the structure embodies the grandeur of Italian High Renaissance architecture. Its vast interior makes it the largest church in the world by space.

The Latin cross layout features a vast dome, spanning 42 meters in diameter and towering 120 meters high. Meanwhile, the imposing fa莽ade adorned with statues of Saints Peter and Paul is complemented by a narthex housing the Holy Door. The latter, walled up with bricks, is opened only during jubilee years. Inside, the immense nave, wide aisles, and chapels are decorated with elaborate sculptures and artwork. Among these are Michelangelo鈥檚 Piet脿 and Bernini鈥檚 Baldachin, a monumental canopy over the Papal Altar. Other notable artworks include Giotto鈥檚 Navicella mosaic and equestrian statues of Constantine and Charlemagne.

Michelangelo played a crucial role in shaping the place, refining its design into a more unified and monumental form. His dome, completed in 1590, has profoundly influenced Western church architecture. Slightly more pointed than Michelangelo's original plan, the dome's design blends Renaissance ideals with Baroque dynamism. Encircling the interior is an inscription that reads: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church... and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven."

The basilica also has six bells. The largest of them, "Campanone," weighs 9 tons and is used for ringing for papal blessings. Up on the roof are the sculptures of Christ the Redeemer, Saint John the Baptist, and 11 Apostles. Meanwhile, inside, there are over 100 tombs. Among those laid to rest are many popes, including Pope Jean Paul II, royals, and other historical figures, such as Holy Roman Emperor Otto II and Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

Tips:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues. Admission is free (until 5 PM when the gates close), but expect to undergo a security check before entering. Remember to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered (affordable scarves for ladies are available from nearby vendors). If you're feeling adventurous, ascend to the top of the dome. An elevator ride can save you from climbing more than 300 stairs.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (Saint Peter's Basilica)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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