Vatican / St. Peter's Basilica
AbrahamicChristianbuildingMediterranean326 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano
Country
Vatican City
Region
Mediterranean
Coordinates
41.9022, 12.4539
Era
326 CE - present
Site Type
Building
About
The world's largest church, built over the traditional tomb of the Apostle Peter and the ceremonial heart of the Roman Catholic Church.
Significance
Center of Catholic Christendom, papal authority, and artistic patronage; draws more pilgrims annually than any other Christian site.
History & Historical Arc
The first basilica was commissioned by Constantine I (326 CE); the current Renaissance-Baroque structure was built 1506-…
Archaeological Notes
Scavi excavations beneath the basilica (1940s) revealed a 2nd-century necropolis and a monument (tropaion) identified as…
Key Features & Structures
- Michelangelo's dome
- Bernini's colonnade
Visitor Information
Free entry to basilica; dome climb has fee; Scavi tours require advance booking through the Vatican; modest dress enforc…
Related Figures
Peter the ApostleConstantine IMichelangeloBerniniPope Julius II
In the Bible
Bible Places
This location appears in the Bible as Rome
View verse references, maps, and biblical history →
Source References
- Matthew 16:18
- Acts 12
- Romans 1:7