Saint Peter's Basilica, Major basilica in Vatican City
Saint Peter's Basilica is a papal basilica and parish church in Vatican City, standing as one of the largest Christian churches in the world. The building covers a floor area wider than a football field, and the dome rises above the central crossing with a diameter of 42 meters (138 feet). Rows of columns frame the nave and side chapels, while marble flooring in geometric patterns stretches beneath the vaulted ceiling.
Construction began under Pope Julius II in 1506 to replace a fourth-century church that had stood on the site since Constantine's time. Michelangelo took over the project in his seventies and designed the dome, though he did not live to see its completion. The building was finished in the early 1600s, and the colonnades framing the square were added later by Bernini.
Pilgrims from every part of the world gather here for mass, prayer, and moments of reflection before the tomb of Peter. Visitors kneel in silence, light candles, or join in the singing during services that take place throughout the day. On Wednesdays, crowds fill the square outside for papal audiences, while major feast days bring processions and ceremonies that spill out across the colonnades.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, as guards turn away visitors who do not follow these rules even if they have waited in line. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the longest waits at security, especially on Wednesdays when papal audiences draw extra crowds. Climbing the dome requires a separate ticket and involves narrow stairs, so be ready for a workout if you choose the walk instead of the elevator partway up.
A bronze statue of Saint Peter near the main altar has a worn right foot because visitors have touched and kissed it for centuries, believing the gesture brings blessings. Underground tours lead to the necropolis beneath the floor, where excavations uncovered ancient Roman tombs and what many consider the resting place of Peter himself. The enormous dome offers a view from the lantern at the top, but reaching it means squeezing through passages so narrow that only one person can pass at a time.
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