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St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

4.8

#1 of 50 in Things to do in Vatican City

Historic Site Landmark Must See

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St. Peter's Basilica is not only among the most renowned works of Renaissance architecture, but it is also one of the largest churches in the world. Built over a period of about 120 years, this imposing structure was designed by several prominent Renaissance architects, including Michelangelo and Bernini. Tradition and strong historical evince hold that the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles, is located directly below the altar of the church. Because of its location in the Vatican, the Pope presides at a number of services held here throughout the year, frequently drawing audiences of up to 80,000 people. Take the elevator up to the roof and then climb the 323 steps to the top of the dome, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. A strict dress code forbids shorts, bare shoulders, or miniskirts inside the site. Arrange your visit to St. Peter's Basilica and discover more family-friendly attractions in Vatican City using our Vatican City road trip app .

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St. Peter's Basilica Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

39,325 reviews

Google

4.8

• By Paul471640

  What can I say .... this cathedral is simply awesome ! Vast is scale and marvellous in every detail .  more »

• By nikosd94

  Λοιπόν..... τι να πεις για αυτήν την εκκλησία.... οπωσδήποτε να την επισκεφθείτε , η είσοδος είναι δωρεάν αλλά η ουρά προχωράει ... μπαίνεις μέσα κ βλέπεις έναν μεγάλο πρέπει ναό αντάξια της φήμης του...  more »

  Well..... What to say about this church.... Definitely visit it, the entrance is free but the queue goes on... You walk in, and you see a great temple worthy of its fame.. The dome doesn't we climbed because it has 550 steps to climb! Or if you get an elevator for half the way is 320 the stairs... Many... But we were told that it has an incredible view... Caution is not recommended for claustrophobic
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• By Roonjhun Agarwal

  Beautiful place, amazing architecture. worth visiting the place. There is no entry fees for the church and square, but to avoid long queues you can buy fast entry pass. Make sure sleeveless and clothes below knees are not allowed inside the church. Tour guides and also audio tours are available before entering the church. Place is worth exploring.

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• By Daniel Cruces

  I really enjoyed been there, the feelings that you got been in this place are amazing, the greatness of the monuments around and inside the Basilica make you feel like if you used a time machine! It take you away from where you really are, could make you feel tiny too, but I a good way, enjoying the work of thousands of people through hundreds of years.. I am not a religious person (even knowing that I had been in contact with different branches of Christianity and others religions thought) I recommend to anyone that appreciate art and history, even if don't, you should go there, it may awake something inside of you that may change your perspective about all that.

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