St. Peter's Basilica

The present basilica replaced the church that Emperor Constantine built here in the fourth century. Construction began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626, 120 years later. Bramante drew the first design, Michelangelo redesigned the dome, Carlo Maderno added the nave and the façade, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini created the baldachin over the papal altar and the colonnades of St Peter's Square. Inside, the church covers 15,160 square metres and holds up to 60,000 people standing.

Just inside the entrance on the right is Michelangelo's Pietà. Under the dome, Bernini's bronze baldachin rises above the papal altar, which stands over the place where, according to tradition, Saint Peter is buried. At the far end, the Chair of Saint Peter glows beneath a window of gilded rays. Below the church, the Vatican Grottoes hold the tombs of many popes, and climbing the dome, by stairs with the option of a lift for part of the way, rewards you with a view over St Peter's Square and Rome.

Entry to the basilica itself is free, which also means long security queues. Tickets on Tiqets add something to the visit: an escorted entry with an audio guide, dome access with an audio guide, a guided tour of the square and the basilica, or a guided tour combined with the papal audience. There is also an audio guide app on its own.

A modest dress code applies: shoulders and knees covered. Arrive early in the morning for the shortest queues, and check the Vatican calendar before you go, as papal ceremonies can close the basilica or the square to visitors.