The Basilica of St. Peter, commonly called St. Peter’s Basilica or Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano in Italian, is the most prominent building in Vatican City and covers an area of 5.7 acres and has a capacity of over 60,000 people.
There are over one hundred tombs located within St. Peter’s Basilica, and this is also the burial site of St. Peter, one of the apostles and considered the first Pope. Following tradition, other Popes are also buried below the Basilica.
Although St. Peter’s Basilica is not the Pope’s official seat, most Papal ceremonies are held at the Basilica for obvious reasons: size, accessibility to the Papal residence, and location within Vatican City.
The Dome
The Basilica’s dome, initially designed by Michaelangelo and completed by Giacomo della Porta, is one of the notable details of the Basilica. Tourists can choose from taking the elevator (costs 5 Euros) or the stairs (costs 4 Euros). Once there, the dome provides an excellent view of Vatican City and St. Peter’s Square. Some of the architectural details of the basilica are:
The Holy Door
The Holy Door is a bronze door made by the artist Vico Consorti and is decorated with scenes in the themes of sins and forgiveness. Shut from the inside, this door is only opened during Jubilee Years.
The Filarete Door
Designed by Antonio Averulino, the Filarete Door was preserved from the old basilica. Since it was too small for its new space, six panels were added at the top and bottom that depict Jesus and Mary enthroned; St. Paul with the sword; St. Peter giving the keys to the kneeling Pope Eugene IV; St. Paul sentenced by Nero; martyrdom of St. Paul; martyrdom of St. Peter on Vatican Hill; St. Paul appearing to Plautilla, to give her back the veil she had lent him to blindfold his eyes.
The Door of Death
The Door of Death got its name from its use as the exit for funeral processions. Sculpted by Giacomo Manzu in 1961-1964, this door features panels depicting the deaths of Jesus, Mary, Abel, Joseph, Pope John XXII, the martyr Stephen, Gregory VII, and other scenes of death.
A more detailed description of the interior and exterior details of St. Peter’s Basilica can be found at the Miracle of the Rosary Mission, and tourist info can be found at Stpetersbasilica.org. Here you can find operating hours, mass schedules, and the dress code inside the basilica which is strictly implemented.