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
⛪ St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world.
⚰️ 91 Popes are buried beneath the church.
🏗️ The Basilica took 120 years to build.
🌍 It’s also the tallest dome on Earth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Papal Mass takes place on weekdays at 5pm as well as Sundays and Holy Days throughout the day.
Inside the Papal Altar you will notice the massive dome right above, the Baldacchino, and St. Peter's Chair.
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.
Yes. St. Peter's Tomb is located directly below the Papal Altar or St. Peter's Altar.
Yes. A good portion of the bronze used for the Baldacchino was stripped from the ancient Roman Pantheon under Pope Urban VIII’s orders!
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.
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.
