St.Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is located inside Vatican City, and is the biggest church ever constructed. The original structure was originally built in the 300s, and was rebuilt because of structural collapses. The rebuilding was finished in the 1600s. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome for Catholics and non-Catholics both, and ranks right up there with the Sistine Chapel and other highly popular world renown and historic sites in Rome.

In the 1st century AD, the site of St. Peter’s Basilica hosted the Circus of Nero and a cemetery. According to ancient tradition, St. Peter was martyred in the Circus and buried nearby. His simple grave was remembered and visited by the faithful, and in 324, Emperor Constantine began construction on a great basilica over the tomb. The shrine of St. Peter is still the central focus of the church today.

In the mid-15th century it was decided that the old basilica should be rebuilt. Pope Nicholas V asked architect Bernardo Rossellino to start adding to the old church. This was abandoned after a short while, but in the late 15th century Pope Sixtus IV had the Sistine Chapel started nearby.

Construction on the current building began under Pope Julius II in 1506 and was completed in 1615 under Pope Paul V. Donato Bramante was to be the first chief architect. Many famous artists worked on the “Fabbrica di San Pietro” (as the complex of building operations were officially called). Michelangelo, who served as main architect for a while, designed the dome, and Bernini designed the great St. Peter’s Square.

St Peters Square is where crowds gather, especially each Sunday at noon. The Pope appears at the window overlooking the square and offers blessings to the crowd below. This is not the only time that crowds are in this area though, the square is usually full of visitors exploring the Vatican and fascinating history. From there you have a magnificent view of Rome and of the Saint Peter’s Square in particular. The famous square with long symmetrical colonnades was designed by Bernini. It features a central obelisk and two identical fountains.

Near the entrance of the Basilica you will probably encounter some of the famous Swiss guards.
Swiss GuardSince 1506 when pope Julius II invited Helvetian soldiers to join the small Vatican army, they have been the guards of the Vatican and the pope in particular. All entrants to the army must be Swiss, catholic and they must take the oath of loyalty to the pope. This oath is taken May 26th, to commemorate the sacking of Rome on the same day in 1527 when Swiss guards protected pope Clement VII during his escape to Castel Sant’Angelo. Of the 189 guards, only 42 survived.

Getting to St. Peter’s Basilica
By Subway – the Vatican area and nearest subway stop. Take Linea A (red line) toward Battistini and exit at Ottaviano-S. Pietro. Walk south on Via Ottaviano toward St. Peter’s Square.

By Walking – From the city center, the most direct route is to cross the Tiber and walk straight up Via Conciliazioni. A more interesting route is to go under the Passetto arch near Castel S. Angelo and walk up Pio Borgo, providing a more dramatic entrance from the right (north) side of the Piazza.