St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) in Vatican City is one of the largest churches in the world and the main venue of papal ceremonies. It is not a cathedral — the Pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome is St John Lateran — but it stands over the tomb traditionally held to be that of the Apostle Peter.

The first basilica on this site was built under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. Pope Julius II laid the foundation stone of the present church in 1506, and over 120 years Bramante, Raphael, Antonio da Sangallo, Michelangelo, Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Maderno all worked on it. Michelangelo designed the great dome, completed by della Porta in 1590; Maderno lengthened the nave and built the façade, and Pope Urban VIII consecrated the basilica in 1626.

Its size only becomes clear inside: the building is about 220 metres long, and the cross on top of the dome stands almost 137 metres above the square. Highlights include Michelangelo’s Pietà (1498–1499) in the first chapel on the right, Bernini’s bronze baldachin with four twisted columns above the papal altar, his Chair of St Peter in the apse, and the medieval bronze statue of St Peter, whose right foot has been worn smooth by pilgrims’ hands and kisses.

Entry to the basilica is free, but expect a security queue under the right-hand colonnade of St Peter’s Square; it is shortest early in the morning. Shoulders and knees must be covered. The basilica opens daily at 7:00, though it can close at short notice for papal ceremonies.

Climbing the dome is well worth it: 551 steps lead to the gallery around the lantern with a view over the square and the whole of Rome, or 320 steps if you take the lift to the roof terrace. In 2026 a ticket bought on the day costs about €10 on foot and €15 with the lift; online tickets with a time slot and audio guide cost more.