Travel tips, tourism and places to visit in Roma

Since 1929, Vatican City has formed the spiritual centre of the Catholic church and it is also where the pope resides. Vatican City is an independent state measuring just 44 hectares and has its own security service, the ‘Swiss Guard’. This article is about visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel, read this article about the Sistine Chapel visit.

St. Peter’s Basilica

The ‘Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano’ was built between 1506 and 1626 on the site of a church dating from the time of emperor Constantine the Great (324). According to tradition, this church contained the grave of Peter. Because building St. Peters Basilica took so long, several designers worked on it, including Bramante, Raphael, Antonio del Sangallo, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. Many of the decorations in the Basilica are the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. One of the most impressive aspects of the Basilica are its dimensions – 136 metres high and 186×123 metres wide.

^{St. Peter’s Basilica}

^{Vatican City}

Sightseeing in St Peters Basilica

• A main attraction in St Peter’s is ‘La Pieta’. This 1499 artwork is the only work signed by Michelangelo and can be found in the first side chapel to the right. It is a statue of Mary holding the body of Jesus.
• The gigantic bronze baldachin by Bernini from 1633, placed over where Peter is believed to be buried. One story says that the cladding was made with bronze that came from the ceiling of the Pantheon.
• Another attraction is the bronze statue of Peter. The foot has worn away as a result of pilgrims kissing it. This statue stands at the base of one of four large columns that support the dome.
• The ’Cathedra di San Pietro’ from 1655 in the choir. This bronze-clad wooden chair has to be carried by four people. Tradition has it that Peter once sat on it.
• The tomb of Alexander VII Chigi (left nave) was also designed by Bernini. A gilded figure with an hourglass represents the passing of time and death that comes for us all.
• Using a separate entrance you can also visit the crypts with the 148 tombs (catacombs) of the popes.

Dome of St. Peter

In addition, you can choose to climb the dome. 550 steps lead to a wonderful view of Rome and the Vatican. After passing security, you will find a ticket window on the right side of the Basilica. Here you can buy tickets for the dome (8 euros). You can choose to walk all the steps, or go part of the way with a lift for an additional 2 euros.

^{Altar of the Basilica of St. Peter}

^{Swiss Guard in Vatican City}

Necropolis

There are excavations of the old necropolis located under the Vatican. Every day, only a select group of 250 people are allowed to visit these excavations (‘scavi’) of the Roman burial site with the grave of the apostle Peter – Saint Peter. Not suitable for people who get claustrophobic. More information about this tour can be found here.

St Peter’s Square

The large square in the Vatican is known primarily from the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speeches by the Pope at Easter and Christmas. Weather permitting, and if he is in Rome, a service is held here every Wednesday by the Pope. If you would like to attend this audience of the Pope on Wednesday, you will find on this website more information about reservations. The enormous square was designed in the 17th century by Bernini after being commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. The buildings around the elliptical shape symbolise the church’s arms, welcoming the faithful into the Kingdom of Heaven. Tip: Are you visiting the square on a Sunday? At noon, the pope will give his blessing from the window of his study.