St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Known for its stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture, it attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims every year.
The basilica’s construction began in 1506 and took over a century to complete, involving some of history’s most celebrated architects like Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, St. Peter’s Basilica holds deep religious and historical significance.
It sits atop the traditional burial site of Saint Peter, the apostle and first pope, making it a central pilgrimage destination.
From its towering dome to the sacred Vatican Grottoes beneath, this basilica is filled with fascinating stories and remarkable facts that reveal its importance in both art and faith.
1. Not the Original Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica standing today is actually the second on the site. The first basilica was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine over what was believed to be Saint Peter’s burial place
By the Renaissance, this ancient church had fallen into serious disrepair. Pope Julius II made the bold decision to demolish the old structure in 1506 and commission the grand basilica we see now, ensuring a lasting legacy of faith and architectural brilliance.
2. Took Over 120 Years to Build
Construction of St Peter’s Basilica began in 1506 under Pope Julius II and spanned about 120 years, completing in 1626.
Architects like Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini each shaped its design. Bramante started with a Greek cross plan, which Michelangelo modified into a Latin cross.
Maderno added the nave and façade, while Bernini designed the stunning St Peter’s Square. This lengthy process reflects a deep commitment to architectural mastery and artistic collaboration.
3. Designed by Renaissance Masters
St. Peter’s Basilica showcases the genius of Renaissance masters like Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Bramante’s original Greek cross plan laid the foundation, inspired partly by the Roman Pantheon.
Michelangelo, who took over at age 70, shifted the design to a Latin cross and created the iconic dome standing 136 meters tall.
Bernini’s final touch was the breathtaking St. Peter’s Square with its elegant colonnades, completing this masterpiece of art and architecture.
4. The Dome is the Tallest in the World
Michelangelo’s dome at St. Peter’s Basilica soars to 136 meters (446 feet), making it the tallest dome globally. Though Michelangelo designed it, he died before its completion.
Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana finished the dome, using a double-shell design inspired by the Pantheon and Florence Cathedral.
This engineering feat offers unmatched stability and beauty. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
5. Built Over St. Peter’s Tomb
St. Peter’s Basilica stands directly over the traditional burial site of Saint Peter, the apostle and first pope, believed to have been crucified in Rome.
Excavations beneath the basilica reveal ancient mausoleums and the Scavi Necropolis, where possible remains of Saint Peter were found.
The basilica’s altar is positioned precisely above this sacred tomb, making it a vital pilgrimage destination.
This foundational connection reinforces the basilica’s spiritual significance and historical authenticity within the Catholic Church.
6. Home to Michelangelo’s Pietà
Michelangelo’s Pietà, completed when he was just 24, is a centerpiece inside St. Peter’s Basilica. It stands out as the only work he ever signed, on Mary’s sash, ensuring his authorship was known.
The sculpture captures Mary holding the dead Christ with remarkable detail and emotional depth. Visitors find the youthful appearance of Mary symbolic of purity, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Despite enduring damage over centuries, the Pietà remains a masterpiece of Renaissance art, drawing countless admirers each year.
7. The Largest Church in the World
St. Peter’s Basilica holds the title of the largest church globally, spanning an astonishing 21,095 square meters (227,060 square feet). Its vast interior occupies more than 37 acres, and the entire site covers around 23 hectares.
The basilica stretches 218 meters (715 feet) long with a towering dome reaching 136 meters (448 feet) high, the tallest in the world.
Its massive size symbolizes the Catholic Church’s grandeur and spiritual significance, accommodating over 60,000 worshippers inside and more than 80,000 in St. Peter’s Square outside.
8. St. Peter’s Square is an Architectural Marvel
St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and urban planning.
Shaped like a grand ellipse, the square symbolizes the embracing arms of the Church, welcoming visitors from around the world.
Its colonnades consist of 284 Doric columns arranged in four rows, creating a breathtaking sense of symmetry and perspective.
At the center stands a 25.5-meter-high ancient Egyptian obelisk, flanked by two fountains, adding elegance and balance.
Capable of holding over 300,000 people, the square serves as a gathering place for religious ceremonies, papal addresses, and timeless moments of spiritual unity.
9. A Blend of Styles
St. Peter’s Basilica skillfully combines Renaissance and Baroque styles, reflecting centuries of evolving architectural ideas.
Donato Bramante’s original Greek cross plan shifted to Michelangelo’s Latin cross design, blending symmetry with grandeur.
Carlo Maderno added the expansive nave and grand façade, enhancing spatial flow. Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Baroque touch shines in St. Peter’s Square, featuring dynamic colonnades and statues.
This fusion creates a cohesive yet richly layered masterpiece, embodying Catholic heritage and artistic innovation.
10. A Center of Catholicism and Pilgrimage
St Peter’s Basilica stands as the heart of Catholicism and a major pilgrimage site worldwide. It honors Saint Peter, the first pope, whose tomb lies beneath the altar.
Millions visit annually for spiritual reflection, papal ceremonies, and to admire its sacred art. The basilica’s location on the Vatican grounds signifies its central role in Church tradition.
Pilgrims often pass through the Holy Door, opened only during Jubilee years, symbolizing renewal and forgiveness.
Alicia Richards