St. Peter’s Basilica
Travel Attractions
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica
Quick facts
- Name: St. Peter’s Basilica
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Built 17th century
- Type of attraction: Architectural/Basilica
- Ticket price: Free
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest and most important basilica in the Catholic world. Its spectacular interior is placed under the dome designed by Michelangelo. The construction of basilica started in 1506 and it was completed only in 1626, which makes it a mixture in style between late Renaissance and Baroque.
The interior is lavishly decorated and it hosts magnificent paintings and sculpture, including famous the Pietà of Michelangelo. Basilica is a global center of religious services during church holidays and masses are held by the Pope himself with public address on the square in front of the church.
The St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, however due to the enormous number of visitors, it is recommended that you take a guided tour to avoid the lines. There are numerous ways to attend: you can schedule a group guided tour or an audio tour; you can even combine a group visit to the Basilica with a tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, or visit the Vatican Mosaic Studio. You can also hire a private guide to accompany you on your visit and combine it with other sites.
Finally, if you want to get the most out of your visit to St. Peter’s Square, you can do it with the help of a private guide who can even combine it with a visit to the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo.
The Vatican Museums, one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, are within walking distance of St. Peter’s Basilica. Thousands of works of art have been gathered by the Catholic Church over the course of more than five centuries.
You can discover the Castel Sant’Angelo after leaving the Basilica of St. Peter and strolling along the Conciliation Avenue (Via della Conciliazione), which was created during the reign of Emperor Hadrian as his personal mausoleum and that of his family.
Later, this structure became a military structure, and in 403, it was incorporated into the Aurelian Wall. The fort became the property of the popes in the 11th century, when it was connected to the Vatican City by a fortified corridor known as the “Passetto.”
Top hotels near St. Peter’s Basilica

Roma Luxus Hotel
In the Monti district of Rome, Roma Luxus Hotel provides free WiFi and stylish facilities. The property is located 300 meters from the Roman Forum and also features a bar and restaurant à la carte. All of the spacious rooms…

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux
Admire an exceptional perspective of the Coliseum over breakfast at Hotel Palazzo Manfredi’s rooftop terrace. The spacious rooms here give free Wi-Fi and Sky TV. With such a key place, it’s simple to get around Rome a 2-minute walk from…

NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento
Located in Rome’s Piazza del Cinquecento, NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento provides luxury lodging just a few strides from Termini Metro and Train Station. There is a free fitness center and a terrace on the rooftop. Air conditioning, a mini bar…
Travel info about Rome and Italy

Rome: inspiring, romantic and dynamic
Rome is an ancient city, founded about 3,000 years ago and never stopped being exciting and relevant ever since. Hence the nickname – The Eternal City. Today, it is a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis with perfect mixture of historical sites, art…

Visit Italy: 14 things you need to know
Italy has it all: rich history, spectacular cultural heritage, great food, wonderful site seeing experiences, numerous world known landmarks, friendly people, affordable accommodation and easy transport from place to place.
Tours and trips including St. Peter’s Basilica
The best of Switzerland and Italy in 9 days from Zurich to Venice. Discover Interlaken and Lucerne, then visit Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice.
9-Day Switzerland and Italy Tour Package: Zurich to Venice
Join us on a classic tour of Italy and Switzerland, 7-Day Rome to Zurich Tour: Florence, Venice, Swiss Alps, Lucerne. An Italian holiday and Swiss vacation rolled into one!
7-Day Rome to Zurich Tour: Florence, Venice, Swiss Alps, Lucerne
Enjoy a fantastic European tour from Berlin to Venice and visit many historic cities such as Munich, Prague, Milan, Zurich, Rome, and Venice.
13-Day Central and Southern Europe Holiday: Berlin to Venice
Join us on a classic Italy tour from Rome to Florence and Venice, through some of the most captivating landscapes in the world!
5-Day Italy Tour Package: Rome, Florence, Venice
Complete your dream of discovering France and Italy on this 6-day tour from Milan to Paris. The best France and Italy tour packages.
6-Day Milan to Paris Tour: Milan, Venice, Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Monaco, Nice, Cannes
Interesting facts about St. Peter’s Basilica
Here are some interesting facts about this amazing landmark:
- The St. Peters Basillica is home to over 100 tombs.
- Michelangelo’s Pietà is stored behind bulletproof glass to protect it from damage that happened already in 1972.
- It is believed that St. Peter was buried under basilica’s altar.
Safe travels!
[lmt-post-modified-info]