Point of interest
St. Peter's Basilica
in Rome, Italy
The monumental basilica, with Michelangelo's dome and Bernini's St. Peter's Square, is the spiritual heart of the Vatican.
Where it is
St. Peter's Basilica rises in Vatican City on St. Peter's Square, at the western end of Via della Conciliazione.
Address: 4/a Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 00184 Rome
What it is
Inside, Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's bronze baldachin and the vast space beneath the dome are the highlights; climbing the dome rewards you with a sweeping view over Rome. Entry to the basilica is free, but a dress code applies (shoulders and knees covered) and security queues are usually long.
History
The present church was built over the tomb of the Apostle Peter; the foundation stone was laid in 1506 under Pope Julius II and it was consecrated in 1626. Bramante, Michelangelo (the dome), Maderno and Bernini all contributed to its design and execution. It is one of the largest churches in Christendom and the centre of the Catholic world.