Standing tall as a mark of Rome and the entire Christendom, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is a Renaissance masterpiece. Built over the Tomb of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, the colossal structure is one among the four major basilicas in the world.
The structure was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1506 and took nearly 120 years to complete. The construction saw contributions from the master artists and architects of the Renaissance era, including Michelangelo and Raphael. Read on to learn about everything that makes this Church an architectural marvel.
St. Peter's Basilica was built in Baroque style architecture. It follows the style of the Roman Pantheon, but Michelangelo modified the final design to include the supporting piers to hold the massive dome. The core plan of Bramante was to match the Basilica to a Latin cross.
The interior was opulent with marbles, Renaissance-era sculptures as well as artefacts. After Bernini built the Baldacchino and St. Peter's chair to complete the structure, the Church has become a textbook symbol of the renaissance.
Standing at 118.6 meters wide and 48 meters high on its own, without the support of the building because it was built independently by architect Carlo Maderno.
For a massive structure like St. Peter's Basilica that took over a century to build, the Vatican hired the best architects in Rome.
Diving into the architecture of the Basilica would be incomplete without the mention of St. Peter's Square.
As you step into St. Peter’s Basilica, the sheer scale takes your breath away. The marble floor seems to stretch endlessly beneath your feet, drawing your eye toward the shimmering bronze Baldachin by Bernini, standing beneath Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring dome. Light pours through the oculus high above, illuminating the intricate mosaics and colossal statues that line the nave. It’s a space that humbles and uplifts in equal measure.
Look up and you’ll see Latin inscriptions encircling the dome, declaring the Basilica’s spiritual significance. Every detail—from the symmetry of the nave to the ornate chapels—feels like a conversation between divine inspiration and architectural mastery. If you’ve marveled at the grandeur of the Duomo in Florence, you’ll find St. Peter’s on an even more monumental scale.
See it up close with a skip-the-line tour, or explore further and learn more about what’s inside.
Diving into the architecture of the Basilica would be incomplete without the mention of St. Peter's Square.
St. Peter's Basilica architecture follows the famed Renaissance-era and Baroque style.
The first main architect of St. Peter's Basilica was an Italian Architect named Donato Bramante. But throughout its construction, the building saw at least five artists contribute to its design.
Throughout its construction, St. Peter's Basilica adopted the best of Baroque-style architecture and flourished during the Renaissance. World-famous artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael have contributed to the structure.
St. Peter’s Basilica is sprawling across 2.3 hectares. It's 220 meters in length, 150 meters in width, and 136 meters high.
The main attraction inside the Basilica is the Dome built over the Tomb of St. Peter. It is also famous for its Papal Altar, artworks, tombs, & much more.
St. Peter’s Basilica has a beautiful facade decorated with giant sculptures from the Renaissance era. The beauty of its exterior also includes the large plaza known as St. Peter's Square.
The major attraction of the interior of St. Peter's Basilica is the ornate designs & sculptures. It also has the sacred Papal Altar, Baldacchino, and invaluable sculptures such as the Pieta.
St. Peter's Basilica is primarily built using travertine stone.
Yes. St. Peter's Square is an extension of the Basilica, almost welcoming its visitors with open arms.
The architecture of the Basilica includes a variety of sculptures created by various artists. The Monument to Pope Alexander VII, The Pieta, and St. Andrew Sacristy are among the main attractions.
The Tomb of St. Peter is the literal pillar on which St. Peter's Basilica is built, aside from which, Popes from yesteryears were laid to rest.
The architecture of St. Peter's Basilica uses elements from both the Baroque and Renaissance styles.
The Papal Altar in St. Peter's Basilica was designed by Bernini.
St. Peter's Square was designed by Bernini between 1657 -1667.
St. Peter's Basilica Entry with Audio Guide
St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry Tickets with Dome Access
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour
