St. Peter’s Basilica Review – Highlights, Rooftop, Queuing Time
Last Updated on 01/02/2025
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 shares my personal experience and 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.
Rome Articles：Rome Complete Travel Guide｜Rome Top 11 Attractions Overview & Infos
Rome Attractions Reviews：Colosseum｜Pantheon｜Spanish Steps｜Trevi Fountain｜Vatican Museums｜St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica Review / Experience
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 hours (artworks under renovation for the 2025 Jubilee)
If I hadn’t happened to visit in 2024, when much of Rome was under renovation in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, St. Peter’s Basilica might have become my favourite cathedral. However, since I wasn’t able to see its most iconic exhibits, Milan Cathedral holds the top spot in my heart for now—until I have the chance to return and admire those treasures in person.
That said, even without seeing The Pietà, the Baldachin, and the Chair of St. Peter, this basilica still left me, a mere non-religious visitor, in awe! I arrived at 6 a.m. during dawn, and the tranquillity outside the church, combined with the gentle sunlight shining on this sacred place, filled me with a sense of solemnity and reverence.
The exterior of the basilica itself is a masterpiece of art. Once inside, the dazzling decorations, magnificent dome frescoes, and intricate sculptures in every corner make the whole experience feel worthwhile (even though it’s free to enter—but I couldn’t think of a better way to describe it!).
Why Should You Visit St. Peter’s Basilica? (History and Features)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (Guided Tour)
- Vatican St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Guided Tour
- St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour (Including Dome Climb)
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.
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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