St. Peter's Basilica Top Attraction of Vatican City & Rome, Italy

World’s largest church in Christianity, Saint Peter’s Basilica is located within Vatican City across the river Tiber, west of Rome’s center. The Vatican City is completely surrounded by the Rome. The Church’s Italian name is Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and in Latin it is called as Basilica Sancti Petri. The wonderful building is more than one hundred years old and built by famous architects of Italy. The imposing church was built on Vatican Hill across the River Tiber from the center of Rome. The location’s reference is highly symbolic as here Saint Peter (who is considered the first pope) buried (according to tradition).   

According to history, the construction of basilica started around 319 to 322 AD by Roman Emperor. They wanted to build a basilica at the Holy site of small shrine which marked the likely location of the tomb of the St. Peter, on the Vatican Hill. They built an eighty five meter long nave with four aisles and a wide atrium with a central fountain called cantharus, connected by a colonnade. You can enter the atrium through a triple-arched portico. In front of atrium a tall bell tower is standing.

Basilica At Night

The modification and enlargement of Basilica was under progress after its ruin in middle of 15^th century. But the progress was halted till half of a century after the death of Nicolas V. Finally Pope Julius II decided to build a completely new church instead of restoration. The new building was designed with a high dome by the architect named Donato Bramante and Julius II laid the first stone of the new basilica in 1506. The dome was completed in 1590 by Giacomo della Porta, after replacing of different architects and many modifications. The main façade of the extended building was completed by Carlo Maderno in 1614. In 1626 the final touch of work was done by pope Urban VIII. It took exactly 1300 years in completion and named St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Interior of the Basilica 

Since then it is the holiest spot of Christianity, and from all over the world draws millions of pilgrims and tourist yearly.       

 Bird Eye View of Church's Square

St. Peter’s Square is the main attraction for visitors on their way to the St. Peter’s Basilica, built in mid of 17^th century by architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He created almost 138 statues of saints standing over the roof of colonnades. A stone pillar (obelisk) from Egypt was carried there in 37 AD, which is standing in middle of the square.

Building of Basilica church has 211.5 meter long nave. A dome over the roof is massive one it is one of the largest of the world measuring 42 meters in diameter and 132.5 meter (434 feet) high. The front façade is 45.5 meter (149 feet) high created by Carlo Maderno. He also placed the big pillars against the wall instead of in front of the building. Inside of church tells more stories to us. The Basilica has a ground area of 15160 square meters and fully covered by a vault ceiling and a dome, which can easily accommodate 60000 pilgrims.      

The Dome of the Church

Light Emitting Form Windows of the Dome

The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is designed by Michelangelo. This masterpiece has a diameter of42.34 meters and rests on four massive five sided pillars. A cylindrical drum rested on top of pillars with 16 numbers of large windows. The windows actually support the ribbed vault. A large size of lantern is placed on where the ribs come together at the oculus. Stairs takes tourist to top where you can enjoy an amazing panorama over Rome from platform at the base of the lantern. An elevator service is also available but stairs a bit cheaper. From the galleries inside give you a view of interior of the Basilica. If you want to go on the top of the dome, a narrow staircase can take you to reach on the top. 

The Front Facade of Basilica