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Top 10 attractions in Vatican
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Saint Peter's Basilica is located in the Vatican and serves as the central sanctuary of the Catholic world, traditionally believed to be built on the burial site of Saint Peter. The current church was constructed in the early 16th century, taking over a hundred years to complete, with Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Raphael contributing to its design. It can accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers simultaneously. The central dome, designed by Michelangelo, spans over 40 m in diameter and stands more than 130 m tall, towering as one of Rome's most recognizable landmarks. The expansive square in front is encircled by a colonnade topped with statues of saints, creating a majestic atmosphere. The facade features five gates, from right to left: the Holy Door, the Door of the Sacraments, the Central Door, the Door of Good and Evil, and the Door of Death, each adorned with reliefs of biblical figures and stories. The Holy Door opens only during Jubilee years, typically every 25 years, and remains closed otherwise. Inside the nave, massive pillars divide the central aisle from the side passages, with arches between them covered in sculptures and decorations so lavish they take one's breath away. The interior is an artistic treasure trove, with three masterpieces not to be missed: Michelangelo's "Pietà," housed in a small chapel to the right of the entrance, depicts the Virgin Mary cradling Christ's body with solemn restraint—now viewable only behind protective glass; the bronze baldachin above the main altar, crafted by Bernini, features four spiral columns approx. 20 m tall supporting a nearly 30 m-high structure, adorned with a white dove at its center and guardian angels at the corners, surrounded by eternal lamps; and Bernini's "Chair of Saint Peter" at the far end of the nave, where a gilded bronze throne is crowned by cherubs encircling a stained-glass window with a white dove, radiating light. Additionally, the bronze statue of Saint Peter inside has had its right foot polished shiny by generations of visitors, making it a bustling spot. To reach the top, follow the passage marked "Cupola" to the right of the entrance: the full climb involves over 500 narrow spiral steps, though an elevator can take you partway, leaving about 300 steps to ascend. The dome's interior is adorned with exquisitely detailed mosaic panels arranged in petal-like layers. From the circular platform inside the dome, you can overlook the entire nave, then climb a narrow staircase to the outdoor terrace for panoramic views of Rome, including a close-up look at the 13 statues on the facade's cornice, with Christ holding the cross at the center. If visiting on a Sunday, you might witness the Pope leading prayers in the square, adding a special memory to this itinerary.Vatican · 94m from downtown
Cupola di San Pietro
The inner diameter of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica is about 42 meters, covering the entire cathedral. There have been a hundred years of twists and turns for this large dome. It was first designed by Bramante in 1506, and Raphael took over after his death in 1514. Six years later, Raphael also died. The church borrowed Gothic design for the top of the church, emphasizing the contrast between darkness and light, and used rose windows. Therefore, out of consideration for the light contrast effect at the entrance of the church, the dome was cancelled. Later, Michelangelo took over this work at the age of 71 and restored the dome in the name of "love for God, the Virgin Mary, and St. Peter." There are eleven statues on the eaves of the dome, with the statue of Jesus Christ in the middle. There is a clock on each side of the eaves, the right one is Greenwich Mean Time, and the left one is Roman Time. The large dome is one of the symbols of Rome.Vatican · 264m from downtown
Saint Peter's Square
Saint Peter's Square is the central square and an important site for Catholic pilgrimages and religious activities. It was primarily constructed in the 17th century and is situated directly in front of the basilica. The area is spacious, and the overall layout is solemn and symmetrical, echoing the magnificent facade of the basilica and reflecting the artistic characteristics of Baroque architecture that seeks grandeur, spatial depth, and visual impact. Today, it is the main venue for the Pope's public audiences, important religious ceremonies, and festive events. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the world gather here to admire the square's architecture, sculptures, and the magnificent exterior of the basilica.Vatican · 293m from downtown
St. Peter's Baldachin
St. Peter (Baldacchinodi San Pietro) under the canopy, also known as the bronze canopy, was completed by Bernini himself, and it is also one of the three outstanding treasures in the church collection, second only to Michelangelo's "Saint". The semi-circular balustrade in front of the canopy is permanently lit with 99 lanterns, and below it is the altar where the Pope holds mass, facing the rising sun in the east and holding the mass in front of the pilgrims. On both sides of the altar, there is a large pipe organ. When Mass is held, a low, soothing and beautiful melody is issued from the pipe organ, filling the entire hall.Vatican · 82m from downtown
St. Peter Square Obelisk
The obelisk is 37 meters high and is carried by four bronze lions. It is a wordless stele, and there are no Egyptian hieroglyphs inscribed on the stele like other Roman obelisks. From the top of the cathedral overlooking the large obelisk, is a very spectacular view.Vatican · 329m from downtown
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What travellers say about Vatican
cathyjy23 September 2026
5.0
Director Lu's explanations were professional and engaging. He explained the background and stories behind the important works in great detail, which was very rewarding. It was definitely worthwhile to follow my fellow Shanghainese, Director Lu, to appreciate the precious collection.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
SUNSHINE ONUS30 April 2025
5.0
The world's largest Catholic church is highly recommended. It is majestic, luxurious and meaningful. St. Peter's Basilica is known for its magnificent architecture, exquisite art and profound religious significance. Countless art treasures are displayed inside the church. The most famous ones include Michelangelo's sculpture "Pietà" and Bernini's "Throne of St. Peter". These works of art not only show the artists' superb skills, but also convey deep religious emotions. The walls and domes of the church are decorated with a large number of mosaics and murals. These works are based on religious stories, with bright colors and rich details, showing the artistic styles of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Cupola di San Pietro
poohwubear7 June 2023
5.0
Wow, wow, wow! St. Peter’s Square is stunning and larger than I imagined. The fountains, the architecture is all so grand!
Saint Peter's Square
fooler08095 October 2020
5.0
This is a front-end divine pet, a place that is incomprehensible, at least to me personally, a bit like a cabinet with a curtain in the palace, located in the visual center of the church, almost black.
St. Peter's Baldachin
漫天狂舞的飞雪9 August 2023
5.0
The smallest country in the world, with a small population, but a high international status
St. Peter Square Obelisk