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Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

This week is the Catholic Church’s Holy Week – the prelude to Easter.  Thousands of visitors and pilgrims will descend into Vatican City to participate in various events leading up to the blessed event.  So, this week’s photo post is a look at the symbol of the Vatican and one of the holiest places in Christianity – San Pietro in Vaticano or St. Peter’s Basilica.

St Peter's basilica from the street
St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter's basilica

The site’s history dates back to 40 AD where it once was a chariot racing stadium.  Construction on the current basilica began in 1506 involving many prominent artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini.  It took 150 years to complete the basilica and went through many architects and various redesigns.  Named after St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and considered the first pope, this was the traditional site where he was considered crucified and buried. 

Piazza San Pietro or St Peter’s Square is actually an elliptical space created by Bernini that marks the entrance and largely used for masses and ceremonies. An open colonnade enclosed the piazza which was supposed to symbolize the Catholic Church welcoming visitors. It was particularly imposing with 284 columns and 140 saint statues on top of it.

St Peter's Square Colonnade image

The obelisk with a cross on top is the centerpiece of the piazza.  It was brought to Rome from Egypt by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD and moved here in 1586.  It also serves as a sun dial where its shadow positioning determines time and date.

St Peter's Square obelisk

St Peter's Basilica Vatican

The basilica’s facade of huge columns and windows looked more like a museum or a palace than a church.  On top were travertine statues of Christ the Redeemer at the center, St. John the Baptist and 11 of the apostles.  The right clock next to them showed the European mean time and the left showed Rome time.  A memorial inscription translated into English as “Paul V Borghese, Roman, Pontiff, in the year 1612, the seventh of his pontificate, [erected] in honour of the Prince of the Apostles” stretched across it. 

The magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo can be accessed for a rooftop tour and 323 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Rome.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to go up.

St Peter's Basilica dome

This was some of the crowd after the papal audience let out on a Wednesday afternoon.  Imagine a crowd twice as much or more this week there.  Behind were the group of buildings known as the Apostolic Palaces which include the Papal apartment at the top floor.  The pope can be seen from his wondow on Sundays at noon to bless the crowd.

St Peter's square crowd image

While its exterior was vey impressive, its interior was even more awe-inspiring.  One needed to pause upon entering this holy place just to take in everything.  Our first thoughts were “Wow, where do we begin“.  Its magnificence, size and historic importance took my breath away.  This is what we first saw as we entered.

St Peter's Basilica entrance

The basilica was shaped like a cross with the center positioned over St. Peter’s tomb.  It is said to have the largest interior of all Christian churches in the world with a total capacity of 60,000 people.

St Peter's Basilica interior

The focal point of the papal altar is the huge canopy with four twisted marble columns known as the baldachin or baldacchino.  Standing at 90 feet (30 m) tall, each column is decorated with gold vine leaves.  Created by Bernini, it took nine years to make.  It was truly spectacular.  Fringes and tassels on top made it almost look like a tapestry even though it was cast in bronze.

St Peter's basilica baldachin image

Behind the altar is the Cathedra Petri or Throne of St. Peter.  This extravagant sculpture of a larger gold and bronze chair encloses the relic of St. Peter’s chair he used for teaching.  It is crowned with gold angelic sculptures and a stained glass window with a dove in the center symbolizing the Holy Spirit, the Church’s soul, in the midst of bright sun rays.  It was simply stunning.

St Peter's basilica cathedra petri image

Soaring above the baldacchino is the world’s largest dome.   Looking up at the various mosaics and saying it was magnificent almost seemed like an understatement.  It was definitely worth the neck strain wandering through here.

St Peter's Basilica interior dome image

Michelangelo Pieta inside St Peter's Basilica

Long considered as the center of the Catholic faith, it also doubles as a museum for masterpieces of artwork.  Michelangelo’s famous Pieta lies behind a thick, protective glass by the entrance.  It was a very poignant sculpture conveying a sense of serenity.  Carved in marble, this is the only one Michelangelo signed and represents the lifeless body of Christ in the arms of his mother after his crucifixion. 

The bronzed Statue of St. Peter Enthroned is also quite famous.  Its one extended foot has been worn away by faithful pilgrims who have kissed/caressed the foot to show their devotion to the saint.

St Peter enthroned image

It almost made me wish I took European Art History or Religious Studies classes in college to fully appreciate everything in here.  The next best things are getting an audio tour or hiring a guide.  Huge statues and mosaics were everywhere so it was a bit overwhelming.

St Peter's Basilica sculptures

Even the holy water holder was extravagant in here.  This was one of a few throughout the church.

St Peter's Basilica holy water holder

As a side note, we highly recommend the Scavi (excavations) tour. It goes through the Vatican Necropolis (City of the Dead) – a small city of crypts, mausoleums, alleys and even an ornate chapel.  It was far too interesting to be morbid.  We learned the fascinating history of the tombs, the Vatican and how St. Peter’s remains came to be stored here – all underneath the Basilica.  This 90-minute tour of archaeological wonders was one of the highlights of our trip.

Vatican Scavi ticket image

Due to its small spaces and fragility, only 250 people are allowed to go through per day.  There were tours in different languages in groups of 12 people or less. We reserved four months in advance of our trip.  No one under 15 years old is admitted.  No photography or bulky items were allowed so the tickets and picture above are my only tangible reminders of this tour.

St Peter's Basilica at night image

We went to mass inside the basilica during one of their evening services and choir students from England were singing. We didn’t understand a single Italian word during the mass but the rituals were the same that we were able to follow along.  It was a lovely service with the angelic voices echoing through the church combined with the beauty of the Italian language.

St Peter's Basilica night image

As Catholics, it was a profound and unforgettable experience that almost felt surreal too.  What an incredible place to sit through any type of service. Regardless of what faith one believes in, St. Peter’s Basilica is a memorable and worthwhile site to visit and to marvel at the architecture, art and the history behind this extraordinary church.

*Have you visited St. Peter’s Basilica? 


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St Peter's Basilica

46 thoughts on “Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City”

  1. I can imagine what a profound experience it must have been for you, Mary! We visited the Vatican when we were in Rome last summer and toured the museums with Context Travel. I expected to be wowed by the Sistine Chapel but, while I thought it was beautiful, it was also very crowded and it didn’t give rise to any great emotion. When our tour ended we walked into St. Peter’s Basilica and I was overwhelmed. I hadn’t expected to feel that way as I’m not Catholic and I have visited many beautiful churches but for some reason as soon as I crossed the threshold of the basilica I felt myself starting to cry – it was just so beautiful and such a moving experience. Seeing your photos, particularly the beautiful Pieta, brings the experience back quite vividly.

    1. I started off my schooling in a Catholic elementary school so St. Peter’s and the Vatican were always one of those places we needed to visit. Our first time seeing the inside was one of those travel moments that can never be replicated and forgotten. I’ve often wondered how non-Catholics feel about stepping into the Vatican and particularly St. Peter’s Basilica. I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience. Surprisingly, the Sistine Chapel was not as crowded when we visited during mid-week afternoon in November. We sat for 15 minutes in the chapel just admiring everything and sneaking in some ceiling shots. =)

  2. What a stunning selection of photos and so much great information. I can’t even imagine the crowds by the time Easter rolls around.
    And the Excavations Tour sounds fabulous – glad to have heard about this.

    1. Thank you Leigh! As much as I loved this place, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near here during Christmas and Easter. The scavi tour is a must do tour when in Rome. So fascinating!

  3. This brought back memories of our visits to the Vaticn and I am amazed you were able to get so many fabulous shots and not the backs of the heads of a tour group that just crowded in front of you. Very beautiful indeed. Hope you get to go up the Dome someday. . .it was a great experience and beautiful views. You picked a perfect subject for this week.

    1. Thanks Jackie! Our visits were during the evening so there were less people. It was also during November mid-week. I can imagine how it looks during the summer weekends. We’d love to go up to the dome on our return visit with the kids.

  4. My week seems to be filled with armchair traveling through Rome. I might need to go out for Italian tomorrow night ;-) Gorgeous shots! I’m jealous you got some at night. We never made it back down at nighttime to do some shooting when we were there a few years back.

    1. Thank you! Rome is just particularly popular this week. We passed by twice during the night and actually liked wandering around here without all the crowd and it was just more beautiful all lit up. Bon appetit on Italian night =)

  5. Great write up. I visited St. Peters during my whirlwind European travels one summer in college. I found it a truly moving place. After seeing countless churches in so many cities, I wasn’t even looking forward to seeing it. Turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.

    1. Thanks Debi! I’m glad St. Peter’s left such a lasting impression on you despite all your other church visits. It is absolutely grand not to make an impact.

  6. Your photos are outstanding! I remember being there back in the 1990’s
    with a friend who didn’t like churches. As you can imagine, there
    was a lot I didn’t get to see. I do want to go back someday. I would love the excavation tour. Good to know that you have to book way in advance.

    1. Thanks Nancie! I hope you get to return to Rome soon. Definitely book the scavi tour months in advance especially if you’re coming during the summer.

  7. It is a remarkable place. Glad to see you were able to visit at night.

    When I visit these types of sites, I like thinking in terms of a longer expanse of history. Two thousand years ago this area hosted circuses and what is now Vatican City hosted enormous pagan spring celebrations. What will the area be like two thousand years from now?

    1. We actually liked visiting the basilica at night – less crowds and it was prettier all lit up. Haven’t really thought of the area that far ahead but I like your idea and thought process. I would hope that the Vatican and this church would still be around and wonderfully preserved instead of being buried with all the other Roman ruins.

    1. The basilica went through a lot of redesigns and various architects and all the politics too. It was beautiful beyond words and makes you wonder at people’s talents.

  8. Such lovely artwork in St Peter’s Basilica. I remember being quite overwhelmed the first time I stepped inside the doors. My youngest daughter remembers the odd costumes of the Swiss Guards the best.

    1. I loved those Swiss Guard uniforms – it’s a bit hard to take them seriously with such a costume. I was totally overwhelmed walking around without a guide. Need to get one next time.

  9. Loved this photo post! My parents took me to St. Peter when I was maybe 12 or so… sadly, I don’t remember the inside. I’ve been in front of it since many, many times, but have never made it back inside. I’m usually in Rome over New Year’s and/or too late and/or decided on the Musei Vaticani instead. So, I really enjoyed getting a peak inside here instead :)

    1. Thanks Sabrina! You need to definitely visit the inside of the basilica once you go back to Rome. I loved the museum but wish we had more time to visit and explore.

  10. The photo inside the Basilica is amazing! I’ve never made it to Rome, and I’m not sure that even if I did that the holy sites would be at the top of my list as I’m not particularly fond of crowds, but pictures like yours certainly make it tempting.

    1. Thanks Steve! It’s so hard to get away from crowds at all the tourist sites in Rome. But, it is a little bit more tolerable during the non-summer months. I hope that when you make it to Rome that you’ll get the chance to see the holy sites too.

  11. I loved looking through your pictures and remembering our own trip to St Peter’s.
    We are not Catholic, but when we were at St. Peter’s very early in the morning we
    were able to really experience the holiness of the place. Great pictures!

    1. Thanks Jessica! It’s been nice to hear non-Catholic perspectives on visiting the Vatican. I’m glad your family had a wonderful visit too.

  12. Gorgeous! We visited in 2007 and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen – I loved all the history – we actually had a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and it will go down as being one of the top ten things I have ever seen in my life.

    Happy Easter!!!

    ~Becca

    1. Thanks Becca! The whole Vatican area was just absolutely beautiful. Totally agree on the beautiy of the Sistine Chapel. How lucky for you to have a private tour. Happy Easter to you too.

  13. i have visited St. Peter’s. It is one of the most extraordinary things I have ever seen. As a Catholic also, the beauty and symbolism practically brings you to your knees in awe. You got great pics – not easy in there with the lighting (or lack of it). Love this post.

    1. Thanks Sonja! A visit to St. Peters and the Vatican is necessary to feel its power and see its beauty. It’s an even more moving experience as a Catholic. So glad you had an awe-inspiring moment too.

  14. Nice photos! I haven’t been to Rome, but it is my dream to go there with my mom. We will surely enjoy our time there. It reminds me to devote some time to blog about the Churches I visited when I was in the UK. Have a good Easter! :D

    1. Thanks Mica! You and your mom will have a wonderful time in Rome and the Vatican. Surprisingly, there are a lot of Filipinos to welcome you. Hope you had a great Easter!

    1. Thanks Gay! I love visiting churches and cathedrals too no matter what religious order. They’re so fascinating and usually beautiful. Hope you scratch this off your bucket list soon.

    1. St. Peter’s really is one of those unforgettable places that leave quite a mark. Here’s wishing for a return trip for both of us again soon =)

  15. I went to Italy for two weeks one week was in Rome,and the other was in Naples.
    We had a lighting tour of Rome which I was disappointed. I decided to get up early the next day and see for myself.
    I went straight to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. I was disappointed with the size of the Colosseum it looked small from the outside but when I got inside it was really big. After that I went to the Roman Forum and I was amazed at it.
    I was a catholic then but I only looked at the Vatican from the square. I just wasn`t interested.
    The second week was at Naples and we went up mount Vesuvius and Pompai It was awesome.
    Has for the Vatican I wasn`t impressed at all,because I have seen quite a lot of cathedrals which are better than the St Peter`s,and due to the fact St Peter was never in Rome at all. Look at your bibles?

  16. The Scavi tour is well worth the extra time and small fee. It is fascinating, even if you are not Catholic. And the bonus is that the tour ends inside the basilica, in front of the barricades that are often used to control the crowds entering the basilica, so you can get up close to more than the public, and you have a personal guide to continue answering your questions about the basilica. And you don’t have to wait in any lines to see the basilica!

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