It is probably the most visited sight by tourists and not without a reason. Apart from being the center of Catholic religion, this Basilica is so enormous and beautiful that it will leave no one indifferent.
St. Peter’s Basilica or in Italian Basilica Papale San Pietro, is located in the city of Vatican in front of which there is the famous Piazza San Pietro (San Peter’s Square). Saint Peter’s Basilica was constructed in 1626 during the rule of pope Urban VIII, while the square was finished in 1667. In the past, on the same site there was another one built in the 4th century by the Roman Imperator Constantine I. According to the legend, Saint Peter’s Basilica marks the spot where Saint Peter was buried after he was crucified in the area of Nero’s Circus.
Many famous architects worked on the design of the building among which even Michelangelo, who did not live to see the end of the work. His vision of the Basilica was later changed, therefore nowadays only one part of the building can be attributed to him.
What to visit
Basilica Saint Peter
The biggest Catholic Church in the world is a breathtaking building. It is maybe the most well-known tourist attraction in Rome and definitely worth visiting.
Dome of the Basilica
Before entering the church on the right there would be a sign for the Dome of the Basilica. The view on the top of the building is simply just amazing. It can be reached by the elevator or on foot, and of course the price will be different depending on which option you choose.
(!) Be warned, the passage is very narrow close to the top that it is impossible for tall people to stand straight, older individuals will have a hard time to even make it to the top, and there is no room to pass by someone if he or she is moving slow. If you do not believe us, check out the photos.
(!) The elevator will take you just half the way. The other, more difficult part of the climb, you will have to make on foot.
Ticket prices for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
Saint Pater’s Basilica
The entrance is FREE of charge.
Dome of the Basilica
By Elevator ticket price is 8 Euros (€) (231 steps by elevator 320 on foot).
On foot ticket price is 6 Euros € (520 steps).
(!) You can only pay with cash, no credit cards, student cards, discounts are accepted.
We advise you to check the prices of different attractions before visiting on the official web site of the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Working hours
Working hours of Saint Pater’s Basilica
From 1 April to 30 September working hours are: 7:00 -19:00h.
From 1 October to 31 March working hours are: 7:00-18:30h.
Dome of the Basilica St Peter-working hours
From 1 April to 30 September working hours are: 8:00-18:00h.
From 1 October to 31 March working hours are: 8:00-17:00h.
We advise you to check the working hours before visiting on the official web site of the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Interesting facts
-Just under the dome there is a colossal papal altar “Baldacchino di San Pietro” which is 30 meters high and made out of bronze taken from Pantheon.
-Saint Peter, one of the Apostils of the Christian church, is believed to have been crucified in Rome around 67AD. According to legend, Saint Peter was crucified on his own request, but with his head places downwards, believing to be unworthy to die in the same way as Jesus.
-It is believed that Saint Peter was crucified next to an ancient Egyptian obelisk in the Circus of Nero. Nowadays, this obelisk stands in the center of the Saint Peter’s square, as a witness to the crucifixion of the Apostil. This is why this obelisk is called “the witness”.
-Basilica of Saint Peter is one of the largest buildings in the world. It is 218 meters long, 133 meters high, has an area of 23,000 m2 and it was constructed to host up to 20,000 worshipers at once.
-In the first section (chapel), there is statue to the right that was made by Michelangelo - “La Pieta”. This statue is nowadays protected by a glass wall, because in 1972 a mentally ill individual attacked the statue with a hammer.
-There are 5 main entrances to the basilica: the door to the far left is called: “Porta della Morte” (The door of death) constructed in 1964, which is used for funeral processions. Next to it follows: “Porta del bene e del Male” (The door of good and bad).
-The central entrance is called: “Porta del Filarete” (Filaret door), this door was the main entrance to the ancient basilica of Saint Peter constructed in the 4th century. The entrance to the right is called: “Porta dei Sacrementi” (The Sacraments door) constructed in 1965. It shows an angel that announces 7 sacraments.
-The entrance to the far right is called: “Porta Santa” (The holy door), constructed in 1965.
Photo by Matthias Schröder on Unsplash
