St. Peter’s Altar in St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest spots in Christianity. Built over the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope, it’s a key symbol of the Church.

The altar features Bernini's stunning Baldachin, a giant bronze canopy supported by four columns, representing the Church’s spiritual shelter. Behind it is the Cathedra Petri, a golden chair symbolizing the Pope’s authority. This spot draws pilgrims from all over, not just for its beauty but because it’s tied to St. Peter’s legacy and the heart of the Catholic faith.

Where is St. Peter’s Altar located?

Canopy over main altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, showcasing intricate architectural details.

St. Peter’s Altar is located inside St. Peter’s Basilica. It is at the far end of the basilica, directly beneath the dome, and is the focal point of the church’s interior. To reach it once you're inside the basilica, simply head toward the main altar area. The altar is situated directly above St. Peter's tomb, so as you walk toward the large central area, you’ll pass under Bernini’s grand Baldachin, the iconic bronze canopy. If you’re already inside, it’s impossible to miss—the altar is the central piece that draws all eyes toward it.

Directions to St. Peter's Basilica

Did you know?

Vatican City St Peter's Basilica exterior with tourists in foreground.

⛪ St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world.

View of St. Peter's Basilica interior from the dome, showcasing ornate architecture and Vatican City landmarks.

⚰️ 91 Popes are buried beneath the church.

St. Peter's Basilica and Dome in Rome with tourists exploring the Vatican City.

🏗️ The Basilica took 120 years to build.

St. Peter's Basilica viewed from Via Della Conciliazione in Vatican City.

🌍 It’s also the tallest dome on Earth.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets

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St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry Tickets with Dome Access

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

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St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour

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The story behind St. Peter’s Altar

St. Peter's Basilica showcasing the stunning architecture and historical significance of the location

The birth of St. Peter’s Altar

Under the guidance of Pope Urban VIII, a big fan of all things art, the talented artist Lorenzo Bernini was given the task of designing St. Peter’s Altar. The work took a solid 11 years to complete—talk about dedication! The result? A breathtaking Baroque-style bronze canopy that stands above the altar. Pope Clement VIII consecrated it on June 5, 1594, making it a true masterpiece of both art and faith.

St. Peter's Basilica interiors showcasing intricate detail of the architecture

The Altar’s holy foundation

What makes this altar even more special is where it’s located—directly over the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope. Bernini positioned the altar right beneath the center of St. Peter’s Basilica’s massive dome, creating a symbolic connection between the heavens and the ground below. This clever move also cemented the Basilica as the ultimate heart of Christianity, with the Pope standing right there in the center of it all.

Papal altar inside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, showcasing intricate architecture.

A symbol of power and devotion

The altar isn’t just an artistic wonder; it’s also a symbol of the power and influence of the Catholic Church. By positioning the altar this way, Bernini helped showcase the significance of St. Peter’s Basilica—not just as a church, but as the center of Christendom. It’s a spot where the Pope leads some of the most important religious ceremonies in the world.

Main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Rome

Another Bernini masterpiece

While the altar is the star of the show, St. Peter’s Basilica also features another incredible work by Bernini—the Altar of the Chair. This piece surrounds the wooden chair of St. Peter, symbolizing his authority as the first Pope. Together, these two works help tell the story of St. Peter’s legacy and the Church’s deep historical roots.

Who built St. Peter’s Altar?

Master Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini was behind St. Peter’s Altar and its imposing baroque bronze canopy or the baldacchino. Often described as the lead sculptor of his age, Bernini was entrusted with sculpting the St. Peter’s Altar by Pope Julius II.

Bernini opted for a four-pillar creation in bronze in his typical Baroque style and pulled off what many describe as the visual centerpiece of St. Peter’s Basilica. Even though Bernini, the famous Italian sculptor, had commissioned multiple works in Rome, the St. Peter’s Altar and the canopy remain a signature of his artistry.

What makes St. Peter’s Altar a masterpiece? See for yourself

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St. Peter’s Baldacchino

A giant sculpture in bronze, St. Peter’s Baldacchino covers the St. Peter’s Altar to reveal the pride of the structure. The cross on the ciborium is pointing at the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The four pillars of the Baldachin are spiral and were brought from Jerusalem. For this structure, the bronze used was taken from the Pantheon. The Baldacchino also features motifs directly denoting the noble Barberini family, where Pope Urban VIII was born.

St. Peter’s Chair

A chair symbolizing the first Pope, St. Peter, was designed by Bernini and placed inside a sculpture in the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica. It took nearly ten years to complete the work in 1666 with the help of scores of artists. Reaching 15 meters in height, the structure was built using 74,000 kilograms of bronze. To commemorate the chair of St. Peter, the church in Rome celebrates the feast of the Chair of St. Peter every year on February 22.

The Dome’s magnificent alignment

One of the most striking features of St. Peter’s Altar is how it’s perfectly aligned with the basilica’s massive dome. This alignment wasn’t just for aesthetic purposes. It was a deliberate move to emphasize the altar’s central role in Christianity. The dome, which is 136m high and the tallest in the world, serves as a visual and spiritual focal point, drawing the eye upward toward the heavens.

The role of Bernini in shaping the space

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s genius is everywhere in St. Peter’s Altar, and his influence extends beyond the individual pieces. Bernini was tasked with designing a space that would serve as the focal point for Christian worship, and his work transformed St. Peter’s Basilica into a spiritual and artistic masterpiece. His careful planning of the Baldacchino, the Chair of St. Peter, and the overall design of the altar area showcases his understanding of both religious symbolism and architectural brilliance, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest artists of the Baroque era.

A timeless symbol of Christian unity

The altar represents the foundation of Christianity, with St. Peter’s tomb directly beneath it. The artwork around the altar, from the Baldacchino to the Chair of St. Peter, all serve to remind visitors of the Church’s unbroken history and its connection to St. Peter, the first Pope. Together, these elements speak of the Church’s legacy throughout the centuries.

How to view it best?

Best time to view

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Papal Masses on special occasions like Christmas or Easter draw large crowds, so plan accordingly. Weekday Mass is at 5pm, and Sunday/Holy Day Mass times vary.

Best angle for viewing

Stand in the central nave, facing the altar, to get a direct view of the Baldacchino and the dome. A slight angle from the side aisles also offers a great perspective of the altar and the basilica's architecture.

How much time to allocate

Allow 20 to 30 minutes for a quick visit. If attending a Mass, arrive early and expect it to last about an hour or more.

Frequently asked questions about St. Peter's Altar

When is mass at the Papal Altar?

The Papal Mass takes place on weekdays at 5pm as well as Sundays and Holy Days throughout the day.

What's inside St. Peter's Altar?

Inside the Papal Altar you will notice the massive dome right above, the Baldacchino, and St. Peter's Chair.

Can anyone celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Altar?

No. Only the Pope is allowed to celebrate Mass at the Papal Altar. It’s reserved for the pontiff, especially during major events like Christmas, Easter, and canonizations.

Is St. Peter's Tomb below the Papal Altar?

Yes. St. Peter's Tomb is located directly below the Papal Altar or St. Peter's Altar.

Was the bronze for the Baldacchino really taken from the Pantheon?

Yes. A good portion of the bronze used for the Baldacchino was stripped from the ancient Roman Pantheon under Pope Urban VIII’s orders!

Can you see the altar clearly without attending a Mass?

Absolutely. Outside of Mass times, visitors can walk right up near the altar area (though you can’t step onto the altar itself) and admire it from the main nave.

Are there hidden symbols on St. Peter’s Altar?

Yes! If you look closely at the Baldacchino, you’ll spot bees, laurel leaves, and suns — all symbols tied to the Barberini family, Pope Urban VIII’s lineage.