The Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state. St. Peter’s Basilica is the seat of the Catholic Church.
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| Swiss guards |
Michelangelo’s masterpiece the Pieta. Notice the lifelike folds sculpted in the marble.
Doric pillared Collonnade at St Peter's Square
A few of the 140 saints above the collanade
Redesigned by Michelangelo, the Cupola or St. Peter’s dome is 448 ft in height.
You can climb up to get a closer view of the dome and get amazing views of the Vatican Gardens and St. Peter’s Square. It is on the right side close to the entrance of the basilica.
It takes about 537 steps to the summit. You may opt to take the elevator but it will only save you 171 steps you’ll need to still climb the stairs to reach the top.
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| view as you climb up the dome. |
There are sections where the stairway is narrow and the walls are slightly leaned inward. You’ll need to purchase tickets to access the dome. The ticket counter are outside the basilica but after security gates. It’s on the right side of the outside of the church. The entrance to the dome is near there too. There is a different set of stairs going up and going down.
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| part of the stairs to the dome |
Breathtaking views make the climb definitely worth the steps.
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| view of the Vatican gardens |
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| View of St. Peter's Square |
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| View of St. Peter's Square & Rome from the top |
Masses are held on different times in the various chapels within the Basilica. If you’d like to attend, you can check the time and venue of masses celebrated as well as the language they will use. view of the Vatican gardens
We were blessed that we visited the Basilica at the right time and was able to attend masses in the main chapel. If you’d like some quiet time for prayer, there is an adoration chapel on the right side closed off and entry is only for prayer.
Bernini’s Baroque canopy “The Baldacchino” stands above St. Peter’s tomb. Standing at 96 ft with twisty columns it is below the dome.
To visit the grottoes or crypt the entrance is on the left side of the church near the Baldacchino.
17th century fountain designed by Carlo Maderno (right side)
The other fountain in St. Peter’s Square was designed by Carlo Fontana
St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro)
There is a strict dress code implemented in the church and you’ll need to pass through security check before entering the Basilica. Entrance is on the right side facing the Basilica.
