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St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica, Rome

 
The Basilica of St. Peter, officially known as Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano, is more than a big church. It is the burial site of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It is located in the Vatican City not part of Italy. It is noted for its art. - Bernini's colonnade and baldacchino. Michelangelo's Pietà and cupola. - It is considered one of the greatest buildings of its time, both Renaissance and Baroque. It is protected by Swiss Guards in funny costume. And while Saint John Lateran, the first church in Rome, is the true seat of the Pope he almost always presides at St. Peter's... Read More Basilica.
Hide and seek at the Vatican

Hide and seek at the Vatican

Alfredo De Simone

Cupola Basilica of St. Peter

Cupola Basilica of St. Peter

Alfredo De Simone

Kids & Tour Guide St. Peter's

Kids & Tour Guide St. Peter's

Alfredo De Simone

St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Square

Alfredo De Simone

 
Getting There
 
The Vatican and St. Peter's Square are a long walk from most sites in Rome. Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano (San Pietro / Musei Vaticani) and walk 4-5 short city blocks or take a city bus to Piazza Risorgimento, Borgo Pio, Borgo Angelico, Borgo Vittorio or Via Crescenzio.
Map It!
Google Maps
Public Transport
Atac
Hours & Times
 
The Basilica is open daily, except Wednesday, 7:00 - 18:00 in winter, 7:00 - 19:00 in summer. On Wednesdays when there is a papal audience St. Peter's opens at 12:00. The dome is open 8:00 to 16:45 in winter and 8:00 to 16:45 in summer.
Mass Schedule
Vatican
Admission & Fees
 
Entrance to the Basilica is free. A fee is charged to visit the dome.
Things to Keep in Mind
 
When you stand at either of the two focal points of the ellipse, the Colonnade in St. Peter's Square, only one row of columns is visible.

Points of Interest Nearby

Adventure Travel

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