St Peter's Basilica in Rome
St Peter's Basilica in Rome stands at the heart of the Vatican, in the west of the city. An emblematic monument of Rome, it is the principal church of Catholicism, its spiritual centre and also the largest. Its architecture, beauty and richness make it one of the essential stops on a stay in Rome.
Famous worldwide for its monumental architecture, its dome designed by Michelangelo and the major works it houses, the basilica impresses as much by its artistic richness as by its historical importance. This page presents its history, architecture and interior, as well as all the practical information you need to prepare your visit to St Peter's Basilica.
Note that because of heightened security checks, getting in can take time, sometimes with a long queue in full sun. Admission to St Peter's Basilica is free; access to the dome is charged.
History of St Peter's Basilica in Rome
The history of St Peter's Basilica in Rome goes back to the beginnings of Christianity.
It was built on the site of the tomb of St Peter, apostle of Christ, near the former Circus of Nero where St Peter was martyred along with many Christians.
The obelisk that adorns St Peter's Square in fact comes from that circus.
A small building seems to have existed as early as the 2nd century in honour of St Peter.
But it was the Emperor Constantine who had a great five-aisled basilica built on this site from the year 319.
That basilica was already richly decorated and was restored and enlarged several times.
In the 14th century the popes, for political reasons, settled in Avignon with their entire court. On their return a century later, the papacy left the Lateran Palace (in ruins) and settled in the Vatican. But the Constantinian basilica was also falling into ruin. A restoration was considered and even begun, but in the end a complete reconstruction was preferred.
Pope Julius II (1503 to 1513) asked the architect Bramante to design the plans for a new basilica. He chose a Greek-cross plan (each arm of equal length) with a dome at its centre.
Construction lasted more than a century and the greatest architects and artists of the Renaissance succeeded one another, including Raphael, Peruzzi, Michelangelo who designed the great dome, Vignola, Giacomo della Porta, Carlo Maderno who altered the plan to make it a Latin cross (the nave longer than the transept) and finally Bernini (who was in charge of building two bell towers, but the first collapsed after a calculation error…). St Peter's Basilica therefore has no bell tower!
Bernini also designed St Peter's Square and its colonnade.
Pope Urban VIII consecrated the new basilica in 1626, 1,300 years after the first… Even so, work continued until the 18th century.
Note that it is not the cathedral of Rome, since St John Lateran holds that role.
You enter the basilica from St Peter's Square, where you will have the chance to see the famous Swiss Guards watching the entrance to the Vatican Palace at the Bronze Door.
According to legend, their famous uniform striped in blue, yellow and red was designed by Michelangelo. In reality this costume was created at the beginning of the 20th century by a commander of the Guard who took inspiration from a fresco by Raphael, the Mass at Bolsena, which can be seen when visiting the Vatican Museums, in the apartments of the Apostolic Palace.
Exterior architecture of St Peter's Basilica
The façade:
It is the work of Carlo Maderno and is one of the last parts to be built. It presents a succession of columns rising over two storeys, separating the doors and windows which are alternately rectangular or round. The broad loggia houses the balcony of the papal blessing and of the announcement of a new pope's election. Above, an inscription recalls that it was Paul V Borghese who ordered the façade.
The whole is surmounted by statues of Christ and the Apostles. Two clocks are placed at each end. Contrary to what was originally intended, the dome is not very visible, the lengthening of the nave to make a Latin cross having blocked the view.
The narthex and the doors
The narthex (porch): before entering St Peter's Basilica itself, you pass through the narthex. At each end you will see an equestrian statue, of Charlemagne and of Constantine. You can also admire a very fine mosaic by Giotto showing Christ walking on the water. It adorned the previous basilica.
Five doors give access to the basilica, including on the right the Holy Door with 16 bronze panels, which is opened only in Holy Years (this door dates from 1950). Another remarkable door is that of Filarete, from the 15th century, which adorned the previous basilica.
The interior of St Peter's Basilica
The nave and the major works
The interior of St Peter's Basilica is impressive, grandiose, monumental… It may lack warmth and charm, but it leaves a lasting impression, which was the aim when it was built, in the midst of the Counter-Reformation. The decoration is extremely rich, in Baroque style. The floor and walls are covered in polychrome marble. Four monumental pillars on either side separate the three aisles. You will find medallions representing the popes.
At the entrance, on the floor, a slab marks the place of Charlemagne's coronation.
On the right-hand side you will find Michelangelo's famous Pietà, a work of his youth, carved from a single block of marble.
Many sculptures adorn the basilica, such as the holy-water stoups at the entrance, surrounded by large angels.
Many funerary monuments are also present, most often those of popes, including the magnificent monument of Alexander VII, shown kneeling in prayer. Before him, a half-open tomb from which a hand of Death emerges, holding an hourglass. This tomb was made by Bernini.
In the nave, a famous statue of St Peter holding the keys of heaven dates from the 13th century. Pilgrims still venerate it by kissing or rubbing the foot, worn away over time.
Bernini's baldachin
At the crossing of the transept you can admire Bernini's impressive baldachin with twisted columns. It stands above the papal altar and the tomb of St Peter.
The dome of St Peter's Basilica
Above, the gigantic dome designed by Michelangelo. It is generously lit by 16 windows. The rim of the dome bears the Latin words “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven”. Mosaics representing the heavenly kingdom decorate the dome.
In the choir you will find a chair, an episcopal seat known as the Chair of St Peter but in reality dating from the 4th century, highlighted by Bernini. The seat is surmounted by angels and a glory from which rays of light emerge.
The dome
Access to the dome is from the right-hand side of the basilica. It is charged; the first part can be done by lift (the most demanding stretch remains on foot). Take care: climb only if you are in good physical condition and not claustrophobic. The route passes through very narrow corridors with low ceilings; the heat can be intense and once you have started, it is impossible to turn back… Halfway up there is a view of the dome from the inside. From the cupola, the view over the city is magnificent!
You can also visit the Vatican Grottoes (the entrance is sometimes from inside the basilica and sometimes from outside). These grottoes correspond to the crypt where many popes are buried, including John Paul II.
Opening hours, getting there and ticket prices for St Peter's Basilica
Getting there : Ottaviano – San Pietro metro station or by bus lines 23, 34, 60, 62, …
Address : Piazza San Pietro
Opening hours : St Peter's Basilica is open from 1 April to 30 September every day from 7:00 to 19:10. From 1 October to 31 March every day from 7:00 to 19:10. On Wednesdays, if there is a papal audience, the basilica opens only from 13:00. Closed on 1 and 6 January.
Access to the dome is open from 1 April to 30 September every day from 7:00 to 18:00 (last ascent at 17:00). From 1 October to 31 March every day from 7:30 to 17:00 (last ascent at 16:00).
Ticket prices: Admission to the basilica is free. Access to the dome costs €8 for a full climb on foot (550 steps), €10 with a partial ascent by lift (320 steps remaining).