Rising above St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see when you visit Rome. As one of the most famous works of Renaissance architecture, the largest church in the world, and arguably the holiest Roman Catholic site, St. Peter’s is legendary — in more ways than one. Most visitors are immediately impressed with its scale, beauty, art, sacredness, and history.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to visit St. Peter’s, including what you can see, the best times to visit, and tips to make the most of your time at this remarkable church.
St. Peter’s Basilica stands on the site where the ancient Circus of Nero was once located. According to tradition, the Circus is where the apostle Peter — one of the followers of Jesus — was crucified in the year 64 A.D.
Peter was the first Pope and the founder of the Christian church. For this reason, Constantine the Great — the first Christian Roman emperor — built a basilica on the site in 360 A.D.
Peter’s grave was believed to be also located in the Circus. Symbolically, the grave of the first Pope served as the foundation of the church.
The passing of time was not kind to the church. By the 15th century, it had fallen to ruin. Pope Nicholas V decided to build a new church to replace it. The modern St. Peter’s Basilica — the one we can admire today — first saw light in 1626.
The modern Basilica is the work of skilled architects such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. Once you begin your visit, Maderno’s masterpiece will welcome you: the stunning facade.
Decorated with tall Corinthian columns, the facade hosts statues of Jesus and various apostles on its top. On both sides, you’ll see two majestic bell towers, added after Maderno’s death.
The statue of Jesus, with outstretched arms. seems to bless and welcome all visitors.
And what about the big dome overhead? St. Peter’s Dome is one of the most recognizable sights in Rome. Michelangelo is responsible for the original project.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can climb its 550 steps to the top and admire the Eternal City. You’ll enjoy one of the best views in the city.
To access the Basilica itself, you’ll need to pass a security check in St. Peter’s Square. Remember to not bring anything dangerous or any kind of weapon with you — the security guards won’t be happy!
Once you reach the main entrance, you’ll see the stunning interiors of the church. The Basilica’s interiors are a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles. You’ll recognize the Renaissance style by its geometric patterns and classical elements inspired by Ancient Rome and Greece. The Baroque style includes elaborate statues and over-the-top designs.
You may need a few minutes to recover from the impact of such beauty. After catching your breath, be sure to stop by these highlights:
No, you don’t need a new pair of glasses — this weird structure is indeed twisted. The columns’ peculiar shape represents the descent of the Holy Spirit from Heaven. Gian Lorenzo Bernini placed “Baldacchino” to mark the location of St. Peter’s grave. I have to admit, looking at it for too long makes me dizzy. Yet, it’s so impressive that it’s worth it!
This is a sculpture of Mary holding Jesus’ body after the Crucifixion. Michelangelo’s talent is evident in every detail of the piece. Mary seems to be suffering but in a calm and resigned way. Jesus appears peaceful and youthful. The beauty of Mary’s dress is almost hypnotic. They seem so realistic that you might expect Mary to start talking at any moment.
If you look up, you’ll have the chance to see the splendid interior decorations of the dome. The beautiful mosaics depict the Doctors of the Church and the Holy Spirit. The windows allow natural light to come through, enhancing even more the heavenly feeling.
Underneath the church, you’ll find the Vatican Grottoes. This crypt contains the graves of many significant Popes who played a crucial role in history. Take a look around — your favorite Pope could be near!
Due to security checks, the Basilica entrance often has long wait times. To make the most of your time, plan ahead of your visit.
St. Peter’s is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:10 p.m., and the dome opens at 7:30 a.m. In the winter, the dome closes at 5 p.m. In the summer, it closes at 6 p.m. My advice is to get up early and be there by 8:00 a.m. After that time, you might find a lot of people already waiting in line.
A good alternative is visiting during lunchtime. From 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., many people take a break to enjoy the wonders of Italian cuisine. Take advantage and visit over lunch. You can also consider going shortly before closing time. Apart from avoiding crowds, you also get the chance to admire the Basilica in the unique twilight light.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Basilica frequently holds significant religious events. Christmas and Easter time are particularly busy periods. Check the official Vatican City website of the Vatican City to make sure visits are possible at your desired time.
Here are some final tips to help you have the best possible experience at St. Peter’s:
Avoid bringing dangerous objects.
The Vatican takes its safety seriously. Sharp or dangerous objects — or anything else that classifies as a weapon — are forbidden. You can’t bring glass bottles either. Plastic bottles are OK.
Dress modestly.
Being a religious place, it’s important to dress appropriately. Visitors are required to cover their shoulders and knees. I was once refused entrance to a beautiful monastery in Greece for wearing shorts. Don’t make my mistake — cover up and enjoy!
Respect the sacredness of the place.
Speaking loudly, swearing, or receiving phone calls is not the best idea in a Catholic Church. Turn your phone on silent mode, and focus on the beauty around you.
Make the most of your time.
If you don’t have much time in Rome, combine your visit to St. Peter’s with other important landmarks nearby. From the Basilica, you can discover the beautiful Borgo Pio neighborhood, Castel Sant’Angelo, and, if you have time, the Vatican Museums.
See Passeggiata del Gelsomino.
If you want to enjoy a special view of the dome, check out the Passeggiata del Gelsomino. It’s part of a disused Vatican Railway Station that’s now a beautiful promenade offering a unique sight of the Vatican. Few people know about it, and it’s one of the best secrets of the area.
Are you ready for your own Vatican experience? St. Peter’s is waiting for you!
