St Peter's Basilica
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Basilica di San Pietro - by Jeff A on Google
Description
St. Peter's Basilica is a Renaissance church located next to St Peter's Square in the Vatican City in Rome. It was designed by D. Bramante, Michelangelo, C. Maderno and G.L. Bernini, and built over several decades (1506-1626). It is regularly used for pilgrimage and liturgical fonctions and is widely considered the greatest church is Christendom. St Peter is said to be buried there, as were several popes. Architecturally, it has the tallest dome (136m) and largest internal volume of all Christian churches. Some of the highlights / masterpieces include Michelangelo's Pietà sculpture, Bernini's bronze canopy above the papal altar, the dome designed by Michelangelo and completed by Della Porta and Fontana, and the facade with Corinthian pilasters and columns topped by 13 statues. Trivia: the cathedral church of Rome (and seat of the bishop of Rome, the Pope) is not St Peter's but the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.
Access & Transport
The Basilica is on St Peter's Square, 300m from the Risorgimento/S. Pietro tram stop (19) and less than 10mins walk north of the "Roma S. Pietro" train station. It is possible to walk there from the old city by crossing either Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II or Ponte Principe Amedeo Savoia Aosta.
Instructions & Recommendations
Make sure to check if any special event is being held before heading there. Visitors are also requested to dress appropriately: no shorts, vest or sleeveless top Other attractions nearby include St Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums.
Environmental & Social
The running environmental footprint is low. Part of the city's architectural and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
St Peter's Basilica is just incredible, there is art in quantity and quality with some of the most famous names in Italian Renaissance cooperating to produce this unique church. Quite a departure from Christianity's roots of simplicity and poverty to say the least but, even for the non-religious, it does deserve praise for its artistic and architectural feats.
Key positive
Fantastic art inside
An architectural masterpiece
Free entrance
Key negative
Can be crowded, in particular on weekends and public holidays.
Suitability
No religious denomination restriction but visitors should dress conservatively since it is a church. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY07:00 - 19:00
TUESDAY07:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY07:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY07:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY07:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY07:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY07:00 - 19:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY07:00 - 18:30
TUESDAY07:00 - 18:30
WEDNESDAY07:00 - 18:30
THURSDAY07:00 - 18:30
FRIDAY07:00 - 18:30
SATURDAY07:00 - 18:30
SUNDAY07:00 - 18:30