St Peter’s Basilica – A Short Virtual Tour
Today on the auspicious occasion of Good Friday, I would like to provide a virtual tour of St Peter's Basilica present in Vatican City. The Basilica is a majestic piece of architecture symbolizing the eternal power of Lord Jesus Christ and the divinity of the Holy Saint Peter, the chief apostle of the Lord.
St Peter's Basilica is an iconic landmark of the Vatican City. For my readers and friends who are not aware of Vatican City, it is the World's smallest state within the Roman enclave in Italy. The city is governed by the Holy Pope, the Head of the Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome.
St Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the World, renowned for its magnificent architectural beauty representing the ancient Renaissance style. It is one of the most popular religious and historical sites, visited by thousands of visitors from all over the world.
The History behind St Peter's Basilica
It is believed that the Church is built on the burial ground of Saint Peter. He was one of the 12 disciples of Lord Jesus Christ and assumed a leadership position after the crucifixion of the Lord. The construction of the church started way back on 18th April 1506 by the legendary Pope Julius II and marked its completion on 18th November 1626 under the supervision of Paul V. The church was designed by Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Carlo Maderno. It has been enlisted as one of the UNESCO's World Heritage sites in the year 1984.
The Incredible Architecture
The design of St Peter's Basilica was curated after drawing inspirations from the phenomenal huge Greek Cross and the prominent Roman temple of the Pantheon. The shape of the church hence represents that of a cruciform. The approach towards the church is through the St. Peter's Square. The Square is a huge open space, dominating the city with its grandeur and majestic presence.
The key beauty of the building is the central dome soaring high above the sky. It rules the sky of Vatican City, proclaiming its divine beauty and religious significance. The entrance to the church is through an enormous hall that stretches across the entire building area. As you climb up the steps to enter into the Church, you will be greeted with the huge statues of the two famous apostles of the Lord – Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
The interior of St Peter's Basilica is considered to host one of the spectacular architectural marvels. Adorned by outstanding designs and sculptures in its walls, ceilings, and columns, the Church illustrates the sheer brilliance of the architects, designers and the developers of ancient Rome. You will be amazed to observe the artistic beauty, marvelously carved out of marble.
Have you heard of Crepuscular rays? It is a splendid display of the setting sun rays from the horizon, peeping in between the clouds and radiating a golden aura in the sky. You can witness a similar experience inside the Basilica. Every day you can watch the Crepuscular rays illuminating the Church ceiling and radiating its glow like a Holy blessing on us.
Spreading across an area of almost 2.3 hectares, St Peter's Basilica is embellished by chapels, artworks, tombs, relics, and some remarkable furnishings. You will be mesmerized by the extraordinary works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the famous Italian sculptor and architect. One of his remarkable works include the Throne of Saint Peter and the spectacular canopy placed above the throne.
Among the artworks and sculptures, the key one which stands distinguished from others is the Pieta. This masterpiece of marble was designed and curated by the legendary sculptor, painter, and artist – Michelangelo. The work includes the body of the Lord on his Mother Mary's lap after the crucifixion.
There are 2 tower clocks at the façade of the Basilica. Then the façade is also ornate by the statues of Christ, St John and the other eleven apostles of the Lord. There are about 6 bells in the Church, all of which are operated electrically. There are said to be about 100 tombs inside the Basilica.
Timings and Entry
The Basilica opens at 7 AM in the morning every day and closes at 7 PM during the summer season from April till September and at 6:30 PM in the evening during the winter season from October till March. There is no entry fee for visiting the Church. Only there is an admission fee if you want to visit the Cupola or the Vatican Treasury. It takes approximately 1 hour to tour around the Basilica and if you are an ardent photographer then you will need much more time since there are exotic pieces of sculpture to be captured in your camera.
The Best time to visit the Basilica
You can visit the Church any time of the year but it is better to avoid the winter season due to the chilling weather. Normally it is crowded in the early mornings so you want to avoid and visit in the late afternoon when it is comparatively empty.
How to reach the Basilica?
The Basilica is easily accessed by bus and metro services from anywhere in Rome. Many tourists prefer the bus as you can experience the beauty of the city from the glass windows. Well if you love strolling and walking down the streets, then you can also opt to do so. The weather is quite pleasant and comfortable in the city with beautiful bridges and walking trails.
Hope I was able to provide a short virtual tour of the Basilica. Please remember you need to follow a particular dress code while entering the Church. Women are not allowed to wear skirts with length above knee and men are not allowed to wear shorts, only long trousers. Both need to cover their shoulders.
To read more Travel article, visit our Travel and Living section.
Author
Kuntala
A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.
I miss visiting my city, I don’t particularly love the Basilica per se but the square outside is one of my favourite places in Rome
Ya its huge and grand
Thanks for sharing. I have been to St Peter’s Basilica twice and I would love to go again. Lovely photos.
Ashlee | ashleemoyo.com
Thank you.
Brings back memories…I loved the climb to the top of the dome. The elevator is available till the 1st level of the cupola or the dome and then the difficult part of climbing to the top begins. The narrow spiral steps are pretty freaking, however, once on top of the dome, the view is mesmerizing. The entire premise and beyond can be seen. You have a close view of Jesus and the apostles. I even remember seeing snow covered mountains in the horizon towards the back side of the Basilica. The dome tour was difficult but definitely worth.
Thanks for sharing your experience dear
I bet it looks a little empltier today. It is my dream to visit here one day. Lovely photos
Thank you
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of my dream destinations. 🙂 Simply because Ive heard so much about this place. I hope I could visit this place one day.
Hopefully you will soon
It is neat to spend this time exploring different places online. I love learning new things and seeing the world from home.
Ya I understand and so my small try to keep my readers engaged with virtual tours.
This brings back memories — it’s been over 20 years since I have been there. I loved visiting Italy. Thank you for sharing this!
I am glad my post refreshed your memories
thanks for the virtual tour. i loved visiting St. Peter’s Basillica when I was in Roma. Hope you had a lovely Easter.
Wow great to know you have visited the place.
As a catholic, I’m always awed with the beauty of old sacred monuments & big churches. St Peter facade is so surreal yet it is solemn and imposing.
Yes indeed I agree with you
This is always one place that I regret that I missed during our time in Europe. Your pictures were beautiful and it makes me excited to hopefully visit here in the future.
You can plan next time
i love learning new things and seeing places, countries virtually, it is significantly and definitely unique.
Thats so nice of you
I’ve always wanted to experience St. Peter’s Basilica and now I have through this in-depth review!
You will love the place
St Peter’s Basilica is one of the places in Vatican City that I appreciate the most. It was so beautiful! I wish I can go back there.
Indeed a lovely place
Such great memories of my visit! Vatican City is a special place,filled with so much peace. Your pictures are beautiful.
Thank you so much
I had the pleasure of visiting here back in 2014. It was architecturally one of the most beautiful places i’ve ever visited. I loved all of your travel tips. Hope to visit again one day
Really an awesome place.
What a beautiful place to learn about. I would love to see this in real life someday.
You will love the church
Wow! It looks amazing! The photos is just super! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, glad you liked it.
Pingback: Touring Around St Mark's Square Venice - Kuntala's Travel Blog
Reading this post makes me think I was in Basilica ♡ Thanks for sharing.