The sacred fulcrum of Catholicism, the sumptuous basilica of St. Peter’s, attracts pilgrims from all over the world to the Vatican City

Built under Constantine in 324 A. D. on the tomb of the apostle Peter, who was buried in 64 A. D. after being crucified, in this part of Rome destined for the Arena of Nero, the church was demolished in the XV century as it was deemed unsafe and then rebuilt until it was definitively consecrated in 1626.

Bernini’s style is dominant; the canopy roof which rises up under Michelangelo’s enormous cupola is his work, as is the chair in the apse with four saints supporting the throne.This latter contains some fragments thought to be relics of the throne from which St. Peter gave his first sermon. The Cupola of St. Peter’s was designed by Michelangelo too, at a height of 136.5 metres. He was, however, unable to complete it.

Inside the cathedral is Michelangelo’s Pietà, a marble masterpiece of Renaissance. It was sculpted in 1499 when Michelangelo was just 25 years old. It’s protected by a glass panel!

Do you want to see more fascinating places in the Vatican City?

The Sistine Chapel