St Peter's Basilica is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Vatican City and a must-visit for any visitor. It is arguably the most significant church in the world and contains many wonders. This article is all about giving you some tips to help you enjoy your visit as well as some interesting facts about the place itself.
The Basilica was built on the site believed by Catholics to be the burial place of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus' Apostles and first Pope (Pope). The Church claims that it is also where he was crucified upside down.
Its four great concrete piers are crowned with gigantic Corinthian capitals and each is supported by a colonnade of double columns. Bramante was the architect who came up with this monumental design and although he was not the primary designer, his vision dominated the entire Basilica, especially after Raphael and Michelangelo took over.
In the 17th century Bernini added two towers to the facade to better frame the dome. This was his response to his predecessor, Carlo Maderno's design which had been widely criticised for hiding Michelangelo's work behind it.
Behind the facade is a long portico or "narthex" that is one of the parts of the building that Bernini was most satisfied with. He was especially pleased with the way it successfully reflected light into the interior of the church.
There are two white circles amidst the cobblestones of St Peter's Square that mark particularly special places to stand. From these vantage points you can see that the four rows of columns in the Piazza are perfectly aligned. This is a remarkable feat of architectural precision.