St Peters Basilica in Rome

Set in the heart of Vatican, the basilica of Saint Peter is considered one the holiest sites for the adherents of Christianity and the greatest of all Catholic churches. The legend has it that the basilica was built on the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome. In 324 AD Constantine commissioned a basilica to be built over Peter's tomb. That structure stood for more than 1,000 years until it verged on collapse. The present basilica, mostly completed in the 15th and 16th Centuries, represents the best example of High Renaissance and Baroque. Inside, the massive scale showcases some of greatest Italian artists such as: Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo or Maderno.

The basilica occupies a unique position in the Catholic tradition and is often referred to as the greatest of all churches of Christendom. Although in the New Testament there is no evidence of Saint Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, it is believed that his tomb lies just below the altar of the basilica. That is why many Popes have been buried there. The first church was built on this site in the 4th Century. However, the construction of the present basilica began well after, in 1506 and was finished in 1626.

St Peter's is a famous place of pilgrimage, not only for its historical associations, but also as a s a masterpiece of architecture. Probably the largest Christian church, it covers an area of 2.3 ha and has a capacity of about 60,000 people. Its dome is a dominant feature of the skyline over the city of Rome. Underneath there is the celebrated 16th-century twisty-columned baldacchino , said to be made of bronze stripped from the Pantheon. In the apse of the basilica there is an impressive monument of is Bernini, which represents the 'Chair of St Peter', which was a gift given for the Pope by French king Charles the Bald. Opposite, in the first chapel on the right stands one of the Vatican's finest treasures: the exquisite 'Pietà' by Michelangelo, which is one of the best examples of the Renaissance human form.

In the right nave can be found a sumptuous 13th-century bronze statue of Saint Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio. There is always a queue of worshippers who want to stroke or kiss the Saint's feet, as it is believed to bring good luck. The basilica's complex also include the Treasury, filled with precious jewel-studded chalices, reliquaries, and other devotional articles. The sacristy houses a Historical Museum (Museo Storico) displaying the finest Vatican treasures, including the 14th-century bronze tomb of Pope Sixtus V.Underneath the basilica, there are the Vatican grottoes, containing numerous tombs of the popes, both ancient and modern. The splendid Vatican Gardens and papal apartments are definitely worth a visit as well.