St. Peter's Basilica, Province of Rome

St. Peter's Basilica - details and images

In the mid fifteenth century basilica is in ruin and Pope Nicholas V ordered the restoration and enhancement of the church under a plan Bernardo Rossellino. After the death of this pope, the works were stopped. In 1506, Pope Julian II laid the cornerstone of a new basilica that was to be the largest in the world. Pope Julian II appointed Donato Bramante as chief architect of the new Basilica. In 1547 Bramante Michelangelo took place. He designed the imposing dome and changed some of the original plans. Michelangelo died in 1624, two years before the end of the dome. In 1626, the basilica was inaugurated when the church was the center of Christianity, drawing pilgrims from all over the world.

The building itself is very impressive. The world's largest church has a nave 218 feet long. Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter, designed by Michelangelo is the largest dome in the world, with 42 meters in diameter and a height of 138 meters. The interior, which has no less than 45 altars, is decorated by many famous artists works. Some of the most important works in the church's "Pieta" by Michelangelo, Bernini papal altar, throne of St. Peter all of Stuarzilor by Bernini and Canova Monument. Church can be visited free of charge every day provided that the tourists have a very decent outfit.

You can also visit the dome, where entry is not free but well worth its cost. There are two options: an elevator or stairs. A second alternative is somewhat more expensive. The elevator takes visitors to the dome where a spiral staircase leads to the top. From there one can admire a splendid view of Rome and absolutely Piazza San Pietro. The famous St. Peter's Square was designed by Bernini. In the center is an obelisk and two identical fountains.

Basilica San Pietro Schedule:
Daily: 7:00 to 7:00 p.m. (April-September) 7:00 to 6:00 p.m. (October-March).
Cupola: 8:00 - 18:00 (April to September) 8:00 to 4:45 p.m. (October-March)
Treasury Museum: 9:00 to 6:15 p.m. (April-September) 9:00 to 5:15 p.m. (October-March)

Metro: Ottaviano-S station. Pietro.
One can go and walk across the River Tiber in central Rome and going on the Via Conciliazione

Rates:
Admission is free at the Basilica San Pietro. To climb the dome, but charges are levied as follows:
Elevator: 7 €
Stairs: 6 €.

Dress code is not allowed access to people in shorts, short skirts or bare shoulders. Even in those hot summer days in shorts are back from the road and not allowed to visit the Basilica.


At the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica to meet several members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard celebrated. Pontifical Swiss Guard there since 1506 when Pope Julian II shooters invited to join a small Swiss army Vatican. They are keepers of the Pope and the Vatican. All members of the guards must be Swiss, Catholic, and must swear allegiance to the pope. The oath is filed on May 26 to commemorate the sack of Rome in the same day of the year 1527 when the Pontifical Swiss Guard to protect Pope Clement VII during his exile to the Castel Sant'Angelo. Of the 189 guard members only 42 have survived.

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is located, over the River Tiber, west of downtown Rome. Vatican City is completely surrounded by Rome.

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