Saint Peter's Basilica - St. Peter's Basilica

Located at the far end of St. Peter's Square, the Church has a beautifully designed facade with a towering dome that is a towering symbol of the small Vatican state and is an outstanding work of art and architecture of the Late Renaissance. Renaissance and Baroque.

The history of this site incorporates a lot of Christian mythology. It is said that, after Jesus was crucified, one of his 12 apostles, Peter from Galilee, set out on a long journey to Rome, where he was martyred at the hands of Emperor Nero. The spot where he died, near the Egyptian obelisk at Circus (which still stands today), was marked first by a red rock, and later by a shrine, followed by a Church of St. Peter (Old) at 360. This wooden structure stood for more than a millennium until falling into disrepair in the 15th century. In 1506, Pope Julius II razed the church and a series of buildings. Renaissance masters began a century-long construction project.

The church's stunning exterior, with its massive nave and legendary high dome, is due to a two-generation collaboration between Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo, but it's the setting inside that really impresses.

Once inside, visitors will find frescoes and mosaics by Bernini and Giotto and a host of other treasures. Michelangelo's Pietà and Saint Peter's sculptures by Arnolfo di Cambio, Vico Consorti's Holy Door and Bernini's famous altar, along with treasures buried underground, such as the beautiful tombs of Vatican figures important, from Saint Peter to Pope John Paul II. Whether the visitor is a Catholic, an art enthusiast or just a lover of beauty, St. Peter's is a must-see.

Saint Peter's Basilica is located in the center of Rome and is open daily, although opening times vary by season. If you're planning to visit the Vatican Museums at the same time, keep in mind that the museum is closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month.

Visitors can walk to the church from the city center; The most direct route is to cross the Tiber and go straight up Via della Conciliazione. Ottaviano tram station is a short walk along Via Ottaviano.

Mass hours:

October to March: 7:00am - 6:30pm

April to September: 07:00am - 07:00pm

Opening hours for visitors to the cathedral: 08:00 am and the cathedral will close 1 hour before the last prayer service.

Ticket prices to the Dome:

Elevator available + 320 steps: 8 EUR

Walk 551 steps: 6 EUR