Located in the heart of Rome, The Vatican is the center of the Catholic Church and the smallest state in Europe. It has only 0,44 square kilometers and within its walls live less than 1.000 people, including the Pope who resides in a palace surrounded by gardens that can be visited with prior reservation.
There are three visits to Vatican City that make it shine with its own light: the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica. About the great temple of Christendom, in which the pontiff celebrates the most important liturgies, we will talk in the next post and especially about its magnificent dome.
History of St. Peter's Basilica
It owes its name to the first pope in history, Saint Peter, whose mortal remains are buried in the basilica. Its construction began in 1506 and culminated in 1626, being consecrated that same year. Brilliant architects such as Miguel Ángel, Bramante and Carlo Maderno participated in its construction.
Exterior of the Basilica
The facade of St. Peter's Basilica is the work of the architect Carlo Maderno who completed it in 1614 with measures 48 meters high and 114,69 meters wide. The imposing pediment with a central tympanum that is supported by an order of projecting Corinthian pilasters and columns is striking. The tympanum is crowned by a balustrade with thirteen huge statues, the central one representing Christ the redeemer blessing the believers. Above the architrave, an inscription in Latin recalls that the work was carried out under Pope Paul V.
In the lower area there are five entrances to the atrium on which there are several windows, three of them with a balcony. The one in the center bears the name of "lodge of blessings", because from it the pope looks out to give his Urbi et Orbi blessing at Christmas, at Easter and after being elected pontiff.
Interior of the Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest buildings in the world. It has a length of 218 meters and a height of 136 meters. In total, it has an area of 23.000 m² that offers capacity for 20.000 people.
The construction of the temple began in 1506 during the pontificate of Pope Julius II on the remains of a building that was ordered to be erected by Emperor Constantine at the point where the Circus of Nero arose, the same place where Saint Peter was martyred. The works ended in 1602 with Pope Paul V.
There are many works of art that can be seen inside the Basilica of Saint Peter such as the Pieta by Michelangelo who sculpted it from a single block of Carrara marble when he was very young., the statue of Saint Peter on his throne or the Baldachin of Saint Peter, a monumental architectural structure elaborated in the seventeenth century by Bernini to mark the place where the tomb of Saint Peter was.
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Dome of San Pedro
The dome reaches a height of 136 meters. Several artists intervened in the works as it was initiated by Michelangelo, Giacomo Della Porta continued the work and was finished by Carlo Maderno in 1614. Such is its beauty that it served as inspiration for the creation of other very famous projects such as the Capitol in Washington or St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
Entering St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most unforgettable experiences that can be lived in Rome, but seeing the city from its dome is unparalleled. However, the climb to the dome is not suitable for everyone, since the last section is done through a narrow and steep spiral staircase that can be overwhelming.
Schedule to access St. Peter's Basilica
- From April to September: 7 a.m. at 19 p.m.
- From October to March: 7 a.m. at 18:30 p.m.
The dome opens an hour later and closes an hour earlier.
Prices to go up to the dome
The entrance to the basilica is free but those who wish to access the dome will have to buy a ticket whose price is 6 euros if you go up on foot (551 steps) or 8 euros if you go up by elevator to the terrace and then to foot 320 steps.