St. Peter’s Basilica Review – St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro), also known as St. Peter’s Cathedral, is the holiest landmark in the Catholic world and the largest church in the world. It is a must-visit spot for first-time visitors to Rome. This article provides an overview of St. Peter’s Basilica’s history, must-see highlights (including Pietà, the Chair of St. Peter, St. Peter’s Tomb, and the Dome), the best time to visit, ticket information, and transportation details, helping you plan your trip to Rome with ease.
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Contents
- Why Should You Visit St. Peter’s Basilica? (History and Features)
- How to Get to St. Peter’s Basilica? (With Maps Link)
- St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Hours and Tickets
- Best Time to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
- Highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica (Multiple Images)
- Frequently Asked Questions about St. Peter’s Basilica
- Other Attractions Near St. Peter’s Basilica
Why Should You Visit St. Peter’s Basilica? (History and Features)
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, located within the city of Rome, covering only 44 hectares. It holds a profound religious and cultural significance as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Catholic Church. It is the residence of the Pope and houses world-renowned treasures such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
St. Peter’s Basilica, located at the heart of Vatican City, is the most sacred landmark in the Catholic world and the largest church globally. The church’s history dates back to the 4th century, but the current structure was completed in the 16th century by renowned artists and architects, including Michelangelo, who designed its iconic dome. This church is a magnificent blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, with its stunning interior decorations and priceless religious artworks drawing admiration from visitors worldwide.
Inside the basilica, you’ll find masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s design of the Baldachin (St. Peter’s Chair), and the breathtaking dome. You can also climb 551 steps to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome.
A stunning view of St. Peter’s Basilica at sunrise.
How to Get to St. Peter’s Basilica? (With Maps Link)
From the city centre of Rome, you can take Metro Line A to Ottaviano station and walk for about 10 minutes to reach St. Peter’s Basilica.
Google Maps Link
St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Hours and Tickets
Opening Hours
- Daily：07:00 – 18:30
- On Wednesdays, there is a Papal Audience event, and you can choose to join one of the guided tours mentioned below.
Tickets / Tours
-
- Free Entry for the Basilica
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Skip-the-Line Tickets)：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (Guided Tour)：KKDAY
- Vatican St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Guided Tour
- St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour (Including Dome Climb)
The first group of visitors before the church opens at around 6:30 am. The later it gets, the more crowded it becomes!
Best Time to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
The basilica is free to enter, but the queue can take 1-2 hours. To save time, you can arrive early at 6 am for the first batch or join a guided tour with a fast-track entry.
Highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica (Multiple Images)
1. St. Peter’s Square
Designed by Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this oval-shaped square is surrounded by colonnades. The iconic Egyptian obelisk and fountains at the center of the square attract visitors, especially during religious ceremonies when the area is filled with crowds.
The empty view captured at 6 am.
By 6:30 am, there’s already a steady flow of visitors.
Looking up from below, even non-believers are awestruck.
Caught by my partner! Even in the summer heat, I complied with the dress code and wore a blazer.
2. Michelangelo’s Dome
The dome, designed by Michelangelo, is a landmark of the basilica, with its exquisite mosaic artwork on the inside.
Climbing to the top is a challenge, requiring a walk up 551 steps. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Vatican City and the surrounding area. However, when I visited, many artefacts, including the Baldachin, St. Peter’s Chair, and the Pietà, were under restoration in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year. I plan to revisit and climb the dome then.
Looking up at the dome; couldn’t get closer due to the Baldachin’s restoration during my visit.
Aerial view of the dome and St. Peter’s Square. Image credit: St. Peter’s Basilica official website.
3. Baldachin of St. Peter
Designed by Bernini, this monumental bronze canopy stands above the main altar and is nearly 30 meters tall. It symbolises St. Peter’s burial site and showcases Baroque grandeur and religious authority. During my visit, the Baldachin was completely covered for maintenance. For reference, I’ve included an image from the official St. Peter’s Basilica website below.
The Baldachin was completely covered for restoration during my visit.
The original Baldachin; Image credit: St. Peter’s Basilica official website.
4. St. Peter’s Chair
This sculptural piece, also by Bernini, symbolises the religious authority of St. Peter. It is placed in the central apse, surrounded by golden sculptures and angelic figures, making it an awe-inspiring sight. During my visit, I couldn’t get close to the chair, so I could only take a distant photo of a small portion of it. Below is an image from the official St. Peter’s Basilica website.
The best angle I could capture at the closest point during my visit (haha).
What it should look like when not under restoration; Image credit: St. Peter’s Basilica official website.
5. Pietà
A masterpiece created by Michelangelo in his youth, this sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus in sorrow. Known for its delicate expressions and intricate craftsmanship, it is one of the must-see highlights in the basilica. When I visited, the Pietà was undergoing restoration, so I’ve included an image from the official St. Peter’s Basilica Instagram below.
This is the Pietà I saw (haha).
The Pietà’s latest restored look; Image credit: St. Peter’s Basilica official Instagram.
6. Angels of St. Peter’s Basilica
Although I couldn’t see the Baldachin, St. Peter’s Chair, and Pietà in their full glory during my visit, the basilica is still home to many exquisite sculptures. One pair of angels stands out, symbolising life and death. The key to distinguishing them lies in their eyeballs—those with eyeballs represent life, while those without eyeballs represent death.
Can you spot which angel has eyes but no eyeballs?
7. Swiss Guards
A delightful surprise as I left the basilica: seeing the Swiss Guards outside, dressed in their brightly coloured, traditional uniforms. These soldiers serve as protectors of the Pope and Vatican City. The design of their uniforms dates back to the Renaissance period, making them a striking sight.
The Swiss Guard soldiers are so cute!
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Peter’s Basilica
1. How long should I spend at St. Peter’s Basilica?
It’s recommended to allocate 2 hours for the visit. If you plan to climb the dome, add an extra hour.
2. Can I bring a backpack into St. Peter’s Basilica?
Small backpacks are allowed but must undergo security checks; larger luggage must be stored.
3. Is St. Peter’s Basilica suitable for children, pregnant women, or the elderly?
The main basilica is fully accessible, but the steps leading up to the dome may be challenging for some. It’s advised to consider personal physical limits.
Other Attractions Near St. Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican Museums：A world-renowned collection of art and historical treasures, just a 15-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Castel Sant’Angelo：About a 20-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica, offering beautiful views of the Tiber River and historical landmarks.
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