Saint Peter’s Basilica is a Roman church in the Renaissance Style located in the Vatican City. Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most known churches in the world. As the symbol of the Catholic world and significance, Saint Peter’s Basilica is visited by millions every year various reasons ranging from pilgrimages to studies of architecture The Basilica, with its magnificent Dome is a jewel of the Vatican City that cannot be overlooked by anyone traveling in Italy.
Saint Peter’s Basilica underwent two stages in construction and design. The Old Saint Peter’s Basilica was constructed under the reign of Emperor Constantine between 319 AD and 333 AD. This simple church went through periods of neglect and lost its grandeur. In 1505, however, Pope Julius II commissioned the demolition of the Old Basilica and began the construction of a new, more elaborate Basilica.
The location of Saint Peter’s Basilica has a unique history of its own. The Basilica in fact known to be a burial site of its namesake, Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and known to be the first bishop of Rome. Due to the significance of the site, both the Old Saint Peter’s Basilica and the New Saint Peter’s Basilica, were constructed in the same location.
The current Saint Peter’s Basilica was was designed mainly by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Moderno, and Gran Lorenzo Bernini. The dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica is 448 feet high. The Dome was redesigned by Michelangelo in 1547. At the time of Michelangelo’s death in 1564 only the drum of the dome was built. The dome was finally completed in 1590 by Giacomo della Porta. On request of pope Paul V the imposing edifice was extended further into a true Latin cross plan by Carlo Maderno, who completed the main facade in 1614. The church was finally reconsecrated in 1626 by pope Urban VIII, exactly 1300 years after the consecration of the first church.
The entire interior of St. Peter’s Basilica is decorated with beautiful marble, sculptures and gilding that are breathtaking and admired by millions of visitors every year. The 320 steps climb to the top of the Dome is worth the spectacular view. The viewing plantform overlooks the entire city of Rome and there is no better view of the magnificient city. The galleries inside give you a birds-eye view of the interior of the church. From here a long, narrow and spiraling staircase brings you to the top of the dome.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is visited by diverse people from all around the world and today, it is one of the most visited sites in all of Italy. The history and the significance of this architectural symbol of the Vatican city does not merely represent the Vatican, but also the history of Italy, and its people. Our tour of the Basilica and the Dome is a unique offer that takes advantage of all of the beautiful aspects of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Expereinced English speaking guides will take you on an exciting journey through the history of the Basilica, the Dome and the Vatican with engaging stories and interesting facts. Learn about one of the most popular and importantn monuments in the world with this unique tour that gives you the opportunity to skip lines and avoid waiting! Do not waste your time waiting in line when you can be spend it learning about and admiring the Basilica and climbing the legendary Dome.
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