St. Peter's Basilica in the Roman city-state of Vatican City is the most famous basilica in Christendom and impresses with its massive dimensions. Climbing up to the richly decorated dome provides a spectacular view over Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica in the Roman city-state of Vatican City is the most famous basilica in Christendom. It is not only the memorial of St. Peter the Apostle, according to tradition the first bishop of Rome, but also the birthplace of the papacy. Every pope of the Catholic Church considers himself a successor of St. Peter.
St. Peter's Basilica was worthy of an entry on several of our top 10 lists:
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PICTURES: St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Rome
Photo gallery: St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
History of St. Peter's Basilica
The first Christian emperor Constantine had the first St. Peter's Church built between 315 and 349. The unusual choice of location for the church on the Vatican hill, which was difficult to build on, and even more so outside the city walls of the time, can be traced back to the tradition that the apostle Peter was buried there after his martyrdom under the emperor Nero in about 70 AD.
This early Christian basilica was restored, enlarged and decorated many times, but was close to decay at the end of the 14th century after the exile of the popes in Avignon. In 1452, under Nicholas V, the idea of a new construction arose, which lasted until 1626, the consecration was made by Pope Urban VIII.
The construction involved great names such as Bramante, Giuliano da Sangallo, Raphael, and finally Michelangelo, who at the age of 72 took over the construction supervision and adhered to Bramante's original plans. Thus was built one of the largest churches in the world, whose colossal dimensions underline its importance for Christianity.
Magnificent appearance of St. Peter's Basilica
The interior of St. Peter's Basilica is 186 meters long in total, with the nave extending over 45 meters. Thus, St. Peter's Basilica can claim the title of the church with the largest interior in the world. The floor space of over 15,000m² can accommodate about 60,000 people. The enormous dome is 119 meters high and 42 meters wide and is supported by four mighty pentagonal pillars.
Entering the monumental basilica, one is immediately captivated by the powerful aura of this historic building. To see everything, you can probably spend a whole day between the sublime walls. The enormous columns of precious marble, the walls and portals ornately decorated with mosaics and frescoes convey an impressive image of power and wealth.
Ascent to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica
The entrance to St. Peter's Basilica itself is free of charge, but the few euros for the ascent to the dome should be afforded in any case! Take the elevator or climb 231 steps to the first viewing platform inside the massive vault. The walls of the gallery are covered with grandiose mosaics, whose elaborate design only really becomes visible when you walk past them. Their creators include great names such as Michelangelo and Giacomo della Porta.
From here, the 2m high letters on the frieze of the dome are also easy to read. They come from the Gospel of Matthew and mean: "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and to you I will give the keys to the kingdom of heaven" ("Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum").
Sensational view from the roof of St. Peter's Basilica
From the gallery inside the dome, you climb the last 320 steps via an intermediate stage on the expansive roof of St. Peter's Basilica to the 133-meter-high observation deck. Claustrophobia is not allowed in the narrow stairs! The sweaty (with crowds also nerve-racking) climb is rewarded with a breathtaking view over St. Peter's Square, the Vatican and Rome.
Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds in front of the entrance and in the church, it is best to visit St. Peter's Basilica before 9 am. From around half past nine, St. Peter's Square fills up with waiting people who also want to visit the gigantic church.
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