Saint Peter’s Basilica: The Miraculous Heart of Christianity

• Tourist Information
• Map
• Why is Saint Peter’s Basilica important?
• Who designed and built the Basilica?
• What is the Vatican?
• Is Saint Peter buried in this Basilica?
• What architectural elements does the Basilica have?
• The Vatican Obelisk
• What is inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
• The interior is covered with mosaic
• Madonna and Child mosaic
• The Navicella mosaic above the central door
• Arrow of Saint Longinus
• Saint Peter’s Tomb
• One of the oldest bells in Rome
• The clocks in the towers
• “Constantine the Great” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
• “Charlemagne” by Agostino Cornacchini
• Tombs and relics
• The impressive doors of Saint Peter’s Basilica
• Main Door (Gates of the Holy Year)
• Door of the Dead (Porta della Morte)
• The Door of the Sacraments (Porta dei Sacramenti)
• Door of Blessing (Porta della Benedizione)
• Door of the Holy Spirit (Porta dello Spirito Santo)
• The door of the Crucifixion (Porta della Crocifissione)
• The floor of St. Peter’s Basilica
• The statue of Saint Peter Enthroned
• Confessio Chapel
• Statues
• Pietà by Michelangelo
• Saint Sebastian’s Chapel in Saint Peter’s Basilica
• Chapel of the Sacrament
• Relics of Saint Petronilla
• The Legends of Saint Peter’s Basilica
• Legend of the Keys of Heaven
• The Legend of Saint Peter and the Lamb
• Legend of Santa’s Ladder
• The Legend of the Cross of Constantine
• The stone on which Saint Peter stood
• Talking statues
• Legend of “Shadow of Saint Peter”
• The Legend of Michelangelo’s Tower Bell
• The stone with the tears of Saint Peter
• The marble lion
• Bernini’s columns
• Michelangelo’s rays

Tourist Information

Construction Year	1506
Type	Basilica, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Getting there	Train Nearest train station: Roma San Pietro SUBWAY Nearest station: Line A, Ottaviano-S Bus Bus lines 64, N904 and 916 It can also be reached on foot from the center of Rome by crossing the Tiber River and taking Via Conciliazioni.
Architectural styles	Renaissance architecture, Baroque architecture
Architects	Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Raphael, and others
When to visit	There is no better time to visit the Vatican when it is less crowded. The Vatican is the most popular tourist destination in Rome and there are always many tourists. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best choices. The days around the weekend tend to be busy and Wednesday is usually the Papal audience. Mornings are crowded due to groups arriving early, afternoons are less crowded. The winter months are less crowded than the summer months.
Tickets	In St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, entry is free, but there are checkpoints. There are long queues at these checkpoints. Attire: Men must wear long pants (no shorts) and cover their shoulders, women must have their shoulders covered and skirts above the knee. You can rent audio guides at the entrance to the basilica. Prices for going up to the DOM: On the stairs – 6 euros, With the elevator – 8 euros. To reach the top of the dome made by Michelangelo you have to climb 491 stairs. Timetable: Daily: 7:00 – 19:00 (April – September); 7:00 – 18:00 (October – March). Dome: 8:00 – 18:00 (April – September) 8:00 – 16:45 (October – March) Treasury Museum: 9:00 – 18:15 (April – September) 9:00 – 17:15 (October – March)
Website	www.museivaticani.va
Location	Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican, Rome, Italy, Europe

Map

Why is Saint Peter’s Basilica important?

St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the most visited Catholic church in the world.

Saint Peter’s Basilica (in Italian Basilica di San Pietro) is located in the Vatican City, within the papal state, in the monumental Piazza San Pietro.

The basilica is 186 meters long, the height of the dome is 119 meters and it has a total area of over 15,000 m².

St. Peter’s Basilica can accommodate 20,000 people.

Saint Peter’s Basilica is considered the second largest sacred place in Christendom, after the Church of Notre-Dame de la Paix in Yamoussouko in Ivory Coast, Africa.

Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the four patriarchal basilicas in Rome, along with the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Who designed and built the Basilica?

The original plan of St. Peter’s Basilica was designed by the architect Donato Bramante in the 15th century. Michelangelo contributed significantly to the design and construction of the dome. Bernini was responsible for the ornaments and sculptures in St. Peter’s Square.

What is the Vatican?

The Vatican is a small sovereign state and the smallest country in the world. The Vatican has about 800 inhabitants. Citizenship is not guaranteed by birth, but by appointment, and is granted for as long as the person works within the Vatican State, ending when he no longer holds the position.

Is Saint Peter buried in this Basilica?

According to Catholic tradition, the basilica is believed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter, who was not only the most important apostle of Jesus but also the first bishop of Rome. Peter’s tomb is said to be right under the high altar of the basilica.

After the crucifixion of Jesus, which would have taken place around the year 33 of our era, his disciple Peter became the leader and one of the main organizers of the Christian Church. After preaching for about 30 years in the area of Palestine, he left for Rome in the year 64. There, Peter was the witness and victim of Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians. He would have been crucified in the emperor’s circus and, according to Origen, he would have asked as a last wish to be crucified upside down, not being worthy of a death similar to that of Jesus.

What architectural elements does the Basilica have?

Designed primarily by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous work of Renaissance architecture.

One of the most impressive parts of the basilica is its incredible dome. Its design was initiated by Michelangelo and continued by Giacomo Della Porta. Carlo Maderno finished the dome in 1614.

The Vatican Obelisk

What is inside St. Peter’s Basilica?

The interior is covered with mosaic

The mosaics in St. Peter’s Basilica are its distinguishing feature and are a remarkable form of religious art and ornamentation.

These mosaics are composed of small pieces of stone, colored glass, and gold arranged in intricate patterns and designs. They represent scenes from the Bible, holy figures, Christian and historical motifs, as well as decorative motifs.

Madonna and Child mosaic

One of the most famous mosaics in St. Peter’s Basilica is the “Madonna and Child”, which is above the central gate of the Basilica. The mosaics in the central apse of the Basilica illustrate scenes from the life of Christ and from the history of the Church.

The Navicella mosaic above the central door

The “Navicella” mosaic is located above the central entrance door to St. Peter’s Basilica, known as the “Gates of the Holy Year”. This mosaic is a replica of an earlier work from the late medieval period and was restored and redrawn in the 18th century under the orders of Pope Clement XI.

The “Navicella” mosaic is a remarkable work of art located in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. “Navicella” means “little ship” in Italian and represents a biblical scene that illustrates the moment when Jesus walks on water to save the apostles from a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

The “Navicella” mosaic is an artistic and religious masterpiece that adds to the beauty and spiritual significance of St. Peter’s Basilica and is one of the outstanding elements that you can admire during your visit to this important Christian place of worship.

Arrow of Saint Longinus

The Arrow of Saint Longinus is one of the relics venerated in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Saint Longinus is a figure in Christian tradition and is considered the Roman soldier who was present at the crucifixion of Jesus and who, according to the Gospels, pierced Jesus’ side with a spear while he was on the Cross. This moment is mentioned in the Gospel according to John (John 19:34-37).

Saint Peter’s Tomb

From the church, go down past the statue of Saint Peter and you can reach the Vatican Grottoes, where there are many tombs of the Popes, here is the Tomb of Saint Peter, behind a glass wall.

At the top of the altar, a glass window allows visitors to see part of the stone on which St. Peter is believed to have stood during his crucifixion. This stone is an important symbol and a sacred relic.

One of the oldest bells in Rome

The oldest bell of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican dating from 1288 is correct. This bell, known as “Giovanetto’s Bell” or “Campanone,” dates from that period and was made in the 13th century. The bell was originally placed in the north tower of St. Peter’s Basilica. Today, the “Giovanetto” bell is in a specially designed space inside St. Peter’s Basilica and is an object of historical and artistic interest for visitors exploring this important Christian church.

The clocks in the towers

In the towers on either side of the facade are two clocks. The clock on the left has been electrically operated since 1931.

“Constantine the Great” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

This is a marble monument dedicated to the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who was one of the most important Roman emperors in history and played a key role in the conversion of the empire to Christianity. The sculpture depicts Constantine the Great in a noble position with a solemn expression, wearing a toga and with an image of the Christian cross in his hand, symbolizing his conversion to Christianity and the importance of this event for the history of the Church.

“Charlemagne” by Agostino Cornacchini

This impressive sculpture depicts Charlemagne, king of the Franks and the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. His figure is made of marble and shows Charlemagne in a majestic position with symbols of royal power.

Tombs and relics

There are over a hundred tombs inside St. Peter’s Basilica, and most of them are found in the grottoes below the basilica. 91 popes are buried here, along with Emperor Otto II, composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, James Francis Edward Stuart, an exiled member of the British royal family, Queen Christina of Sweden who abdicated to devote herself to the Catholic religion, and Countess Matilda of Tuscany, a supporter of Catholicism. The newest tomb is that of Pope Benedict XVI. The tomb of Pope John Paul II was moved to a side altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The impressive doors of Saint Peter’s Basilica

Main Door (Gates of the Holy Year)

This is the main entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica and is commonly used for important papal events and ceremonies. The door has an imposing design and is decorated with carved motifs and relief ornaments.

Door of the Dead (Porta della Morte)

This door is located on the right side of the aisle on the left side of the basilica, near the Altar of Saint Peter. It is so named because in the past it was used to carry the bodies of deceased popes during their funerals.

The “Door of the Dead” is an interesting and historical detail of St. Peter’s Basilica and represents the link between the liturgical events and the funeral traditions of the Vatican. This custom was in effect during past centuries when the papacy had a strong influence over Rome and the Vatican.

The Door of the Dead includes an interesting element, an image of Pope John XXIII kneeling before the crucified figure of Saint Peter.

The Door of the Sacraments (Porta dei Sacramenti)

This door is on the right side of the basilica facade and is also used for religious ceremonies. It is surrounded by beautiful columns and sculptures.

Door of Blessing (Porta della Benedizione)

This door is on the left side of the basilica’s facade and is only open during special events or important ceremonies, such as the proclamation of a new pope.

Door of the Holy Spirit (Porta dello Spirito Santo)

This door opens only during the Jubilee or certain festive occasions and is specially designed to mark these important religious events. It is said that people who pass through it receive indulgence (total forgiveness of sins). The door is made of bronze and was designed by Vico Consorti.

The door of the Crucifixion (Porta della Crocifissione)

This door is found in a side area and is only open during the Jubilee and has a representation of the Crucifixion of Jesus on the outside.

The floor of St. Peter’s Basilica

The floor of St. Peter’s Basilica is made of a variety of precious materials, including marble, granite, and stone. It is richly decorated with mosaics, inscriptions, and religious and artistic motifs, including Christian symbols, papal coats of arms, and floral motifs. This provides a remarkable visual experience as visitors walk through the basilica.

Along the Basilica are markings showing the comparative lengths of other churches, starting from the entrance.

The statue of Saint Peter Enthroned

The statue of Saint Peter was made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and was created between 1624 and 1633 and is part of a larger ensemble that also includes Trajan’s Column, an Egyptian obelisk and other decorative elements.

The statue depicts Saint Peter in a solemn position and dressed in liturgical vestments, such as a miter and a stole. In his right hand, he holds the keys of Heaven, which are a symbol of papal authority and the power to forgive sins. Saint Peter is represented with a solemn and venerable expression.

Over the years, many worshipers and pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Basilica touched or kissed the feet of the statue of St. Peter as part of acts of veneration. This custom is an old tradition and has become a symbol of respect and faith towards the first pope of the Catholic Church.

Confessio Chapel

The Confessio Chapel, also known as “Saint Peter’s Chapel” (Capella di San Pietro), is an underground chapel located under the Altar of Saint Peter in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

The Confessio Chapel is considered a sacred place where the faithful can approach the tomb of Saint Peter and make special prayers and devotions.

Above the entrance to the chapel is a scene representing the moment when Saint Peter was chosen by Jesus Christ to lead the Church, known as “The Receiving of the Keys.” In the chapel, there is also a bronze plaque marking the traditional site of Saint Peter’s tomb.

Those who come here can often see priests who are at the disposal of the faithful to listen to their confessions and prayers.

In the Confessio Chapel is the Palium Niche (Stole Niche) which contains a bronze urn, donated by Pope Benedict XIV, to keep the white stoles embroidered with black crosses and woven with pure lamb’s wool blessed on St. Agnes’ day.

Statues

In the four columns supporting the dome are niches containing four monumental statues of St. Andrew, St. Longinus, St. Helena, and St. Veronica.

• Saint Helena Holds the True Cross, by Andrea Bolgi;
• Saint Longinus holding the spear that pierced the body of Jesus, by Bernini (1639);
• Saint Andrew with the Cross of Saint Andrew, by Francois Duquesnoy;
• Saint Veronica holding her veil with the image of the face of Jesus, by Francesco Mochi;

Pietà by Michelangelo

Michelangelo’s “Pietà” is one of the most famous and remarkable works of sculptural art in the history of art. This masterpiece was created by Italian artist Michelangelo Buonarroti between 1498 and 1499 and is considered one of the greatest achievements of Renaissance sculpture.

“Pietà” depicts the scene of Mother Mary’s lament over the body of Jesus Christ, after the crucifixion. The sculpture shows the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus on her knees and having an expression of deep pain and sadness. The body of Christ is represented in a graceful and idealized position.

Michelangelo carved the “Pietà” from a single massive block of white marble with extraordinary technical mastery.

Michelangelo’s “Pietà” measures approximately 174 centimeters in height and 195 centimeters in length.

Michelangelo’s “Pietà” is in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, in a special chapel. It can be admired by visitors and pilgrims exploring the basilica.

Saint Sebastian’s Chapel in Saint Peter’s Basilica

This chapel is specifically dedicated to the veneration of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr saint and one of the most famous saints in the history of the Catholic Church.

The chapel usually contains an artistic representation of Saint Sebastian. Saint Sebastian is often represented in art as a handsome young man tied to a pole or tree and the arrows from his bow represent his torture and martyrdom. He is a symbol of courage and faith in the face of religious persecution.

Chapel of the Sacrament

This chapel has a special religious significance and is dedicated to the celebration of the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion), one of the most important rituals of the Catholic Church.

The Chapel of the Holy Mystery is a sacred place where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. This is an essential part of the Catholic liturgy where the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Relics of Saint Petronilla

Saint Petronilla is a Christian saint recognized in the Catholic Church and other Christian traditions. She is believed to have lived in Rome in the early centuries of Christianity and is considered to be a Christian martyr. Saint Petronilla’s relics are kept in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

There are various legends and traditions surrounding the life and death of Saint Petronilla. She is considered to be a Christian martyr who suffered for her faith in Jesus Christ. Tradition holds that she was the daughter of Saint Peter or someone close to him, but this is a matter of debate and interpretation in church history.

Saint Petronilla is celebrated in the Catholic liturgical calendar on May 31. On this day, believers pay homage to him and pray for protection and healing.

The Legends of Saint Peter’s Basilica

Legend of the Keys of Heaven

One of the most famous legends is that of the Keys to Heaven. According to Catholic tradition, Jesus gave Saint Peter the keys to Heaven, giving him the authority to decide who could enter the kingdom of heaven. In St. Peter’s Basilica, it is said that the keys are symbolically represented inside the dome and that this is a manifestation of papal authority.

The Legend of Saint Peter and the Lamb

Another legend suggests that Saint Peter had a vision in which he saw a lamb, a symbol of Jesus Christ, which prompted him to build a church in his name. This vision is often associated with the choice of the current location of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Legend of Santa’s Ladder

Near Saint Peter’s Basilica are the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), said to have been brought from Jerusalem and to have been the steps Jesus climbed before Pilate during his trial. The faithful climb these stairs on their knees while praying.

The Legend of the Cross of Constantine

The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great is said to have had a vision of the Cross of Christ before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Legend states that after the victory, Constantine donated part of the Cross of Christ to St. Peter’s Basilica, and it became one of the church’s most sacred relics.

The stone on which Saint Peter stood

Saint Peter is said to have been crucified upside down in an area near the current Papal Altar in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Legend states that during his martyrdom, a stone opened and allowed Saint Peter to turn his head down to show his humility and submission to his death.

Talking statues

Legend of “Shadow of Saint Peter”

It is believed that at certain times of the day and year, a special light forms in St. Peter’s Basilica, projecting a “shadow” of St. Peter on one of the columns inside. This phenomenon is often associated with the spiritual significance of the church.

The Legend of Michelangelo’s Tower Bell

Inside the tower of St. Peter’s Basilica, there is a bell that Michelangelo placed there as a sign of humility. It is said that this bell has never been rung and will remain so until the end of the world.

The stone with the tears of Saint Peter

There is a tradition that St. Peter wept bitterly after being rejected by Jesus before his crucifixion. It would have been teardroped onto a stone, and that stone would have been added later to the structure of the basilica. The stone is believed to still contain the tears of Saint Peter.

The marble lion

In the courtyard in front of the basilica, there is a marble statue of a lion. The lion is said to have been a guardian of ancient temples and to protect the basilica. There is a tradition that if you sit on the lion’s back and make a wish, it will come true.

Bernini’s columns

The famous Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square) in front of the basilica is decorated with two massive columns made by the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is said that in the past these columns were used to expose the bodies of those sentenced to death or to subject them to torture during trials.

Michelangelo’s rays

On December 21st, during the winter solstice, a beam of natural light penetrates through the eye of the dome and illuminates the image of Saint Peter on the altar. This event is called “Michelangelo’s Rays” and is a special experience for visitors who are in the basilica on this day.