The Basilica of St Peter and the adjoining St Peter's Square are crammed with artistic treasures, but it's sometimes difficult deciding what to look at first.
The examples listed below offer a brief introduction to a few of the many monuments, paintings and religious objects one of the world's biggest churches and its beautiful piazza have to offer:
Obelisk St Peters Square
The 25 metres high Obelisk is set in the centre of Piazza San Pietro (St Peters Square) and was originally brought to Rome from Egypt in AD 36 by Emperor Caligula. It was subsequently moved to its present location in the middle of the 16th century and acts as a sundial; the obelisk’s shadow marking noon as it touches the white marble discs set in the paving.
The Colonnade St Peters Square
The colonnade which forms the entrance to St Peter's Square is a stunning example of the genius of Bernini who worked tirelessly between 1656 and 1667 to produce a structure which, “Symbolises the Church, two arms embracing all humanity…” It is 340 metres wide with a balustrade topped by 140 statues of saints.
The Façade St Peters Square
The hugely impressive façade greets the visitor to St Peters and is 45 metres high and 114 metres long. It is dominated by eight huge columns, which are nearly three metres in diameter and 27 metres high.
In the centre of the façade is the balcony from which the Pope gives his Easter and Christmas blessings. Underneath is a marble sculpture of Jesus handing the keys to Peter. At the entrance to the grand staircase are two eight-metre statues of Saints Peter and Paul.
St Peter's Dome
The magnificent dome was designed by Michelangelo who became chief architect in 1546 but was not fully completed on his death in 1564.
A gallery, 330 steps up from the roof and 53 metres above the basilica floor gives the visitor a dramatic view of St Peters. You find yourself close to the vast mosaics of Christ, the apostles, saints and angels. For most, Catholics or not it is a deeply moving and thought provoking moment.
Further information:
Papal Basilica ofSaint Peter
General Information: fax +39.06.698.85518
Daily Mass Schedule: 9-10-11-12-17
Sundays and Holiday Mass Schedule: 9-10.30-11.30-12.15-13-16-17.30
Opening time of the Basilica:
From 7:00 to 18:00 every day (until 19:00 during winter), except on Wednesdays (if there is the papal audience the Basilica remains closed until 12:00). Entrance is free.
You can visit the dome (from October to March every day from 8:00 to 16:45, until 17:45 from April to September); entrance is charged.
Public transport:
The best way to get there is by Metro, nearest station Ottaviano
