Chair of Saint Peter, Bronze and gold sculpture in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
The Chair of Saint Peter is a sculpture in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, where a wooden throne sits encased within an elaborate bronze and gold structure. This monumental composition from the 17th century rises above the main altar and brings together wood, metal and glass in a single baroque ensemble.
The wooden core dates from the 6th century and was given to Pope John VIII by Emperor Charles the Bald in 875. Bernini created the surrounding baroque structure between 1656 and 1666 as part of the redesign of St. Peter's Basilica.
Four bronze figures of Church Fathers hold up the throne while light streams through a glass window showing the dove of the Holy Spirit. The name points to the first Bishop of Rome, whose office continues for Catholic believers up to the present day.
The sculpture sits in the apse behind the main altar, so you can see it from the nave as you walk through the basilica. For a closer look, move toward the rear part of the church where the lighting brings out details of the work.
Between October and December 2024, the ancient wooden throne was displayed at ground level for the first time since 1867, allowing people to view it up close. This rare opportunity let visitors see the carvings and the age of the wood without the usual distance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
