St. Peter's Basilica
As one of the most famous monuments of the Vatican and Rome, Saint Peter's Basilica needs no introduction. It stands as the church of all churches in the Catholic faith. Built on the site of a 4th-century church, it took 120 years to complete this architectural masterpiece. Built in the Renaissance style, Saint Peter's Basilica is the largest, richest, and most fascinating church in Italy. It is lavishly decorated with art from Michelangelo, a majestic dome, and a 29m papal altar by Bernini.
Covering 3.7 acres, the church was built under Emperor Constantine on the spot where St Peter was buried. It has witnessed the crowning of kings, emperors, and popes from Charlemagne to Pope Nicholas V and Julius II. It has also gone through a number of renovations over the centuries and has passed through the hands of some of the best artists the world has ever known, including Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo, just to mention a few.
Saint Peter's Basilica dome is considered Michelangelo's greatest architectural achievement, though he didn't live to see it. The interior of the basilica is jaw-dropping with 27m high columns taken from the Pantheon, statues of Christ the Redeemer, St John the Baptist and the 11 apostles, balconies, the Tomb of St Peter, and so much more. Thousands of visitors and pilgrims tour the basilica every day with awe and reverence equal to none.
