Mind-Blowing Facts About St. Peter's Basilica
From its colossal dimensions to the artistic masterpieces within, St. Peter's Basilica is a treasure trove of history, faith, and incredible human achievement. Whether you're planning a visit or are just curious, these facts shed light on why it’s one of the most revered buildings on Earth.
It Took 120 Years to Build
The construction of the current basilica began on April 18, 1506, under Pope Julius II and was completed on November 18, 1626, under Pope Urban VIII. The project involved a succession of the greatest Renaissance and Baroque architects, including Donato Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
It Has the Tallest Dome in the World
Michelangelo took over as chief architect in his 70s and designed the basilica's magnificent dome. It rises to a total height of 136.57 metres (448.1 ft) from the floor to the top of the external cross, making it the world's tallest dome. Its internal diameter is a massive 41.47 metres (136.1 ft), just slightly smaller than the Pantheon's.
It Is Built Directly Over St. Peter's Tomb
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, who was martyred in Rome around 64 AD. The high altar, crowned by Bernini's famous bronze baldacchino, is situated directly over the spot where his tomb is believed to be, in an ancient necropolis that lies beneath the church.
It Is Not a Cathedral
Contrary to popular belief, St. Peter's is not a cathedral, which is a church that contains the seat of a bishop. The official cathedral of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome is the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, located across the city. St. Peter's is technically a papal basilica.
Over 90 Popes Are Buried Here
Deep beneath the main floor, the Vatican Grottoes and the even older Vatican Necropolis house the tombs of more than 90 popes. This includes the recently moved tomb of Pope St. John Paul II, who now rests in the Altar of St. Sebastian on the main level of the basilica.
Michelangelo's Pietà Is the Only Work He Ever Signed
The breathtaking sculpture of Mary holding the body of Christ was carved by Michelangelo when he was only 24. It is the only piece of work he ever signed. After overhearing pilgrims attribute the work to another artist, he returned at night to chisel "MICHAEL-ANGELUS BONAROTUS FLORENTIN FACIEBAT" (Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine, made this) on the sash across Mary's chest.
The Bronze Baldacchino is Enormous
The monumental bronze canopy over the main altar, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, stands at an astonishing 29 metres (95 ft) tall, roughly the height of a 9-storey building. It was crafted using bronze taken from the roof of the ancient Roman Pantheon.
St. Peter's Square Can Hold 80,000 People
The vast elliptical piazza in front of the basilica was designed by Bernini to allow the greatest number of people to see the Pope. The open space of the square itself can accommodate over 80,000 people. The colonnades that frame the square are meant to represent the welcoming arms of the mother church.
It Was Built to Replace a 1,200-Year-Old Church
The current basilica replaced the Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine the Great. After standing for nearly 1,200 years, the old basilica was in a state of disrepair, and Pope Julius II decided to demolish it and build a grander replacement.
The Letters in the Dome are 2 Metres Tall
The interior of the dome features a mosaic inscription from the Gospel of Matthew: "TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM. TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM" ("You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven"). From the floor of the basilica, the letters appear perfectly proportioned, but they are in fact 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Peter's Basilica the largest church in the world?
Yes, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest Christian church in the world by interior volume and area, covering 15,160 square metres. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can hold tens of thousands of worshippers.
Who's buried in St. Peter's Basilica?
The most significant tomb is that of St. Peter, located beneath the main altar. In addition, more than 90 popes are buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath the basilica, along with other important figures from Catholic history.
How old is St. Peter's Basilica?
The current St. Peter's Basilica was consecrated on November 18, 1626, after 120 years of construction. It replaced a much older basilica that was originally built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.
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