Vatican - Vatican Square, St. Peter's Basilica, papal gardens. St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican: why it is worth visiting the main Catholic church in the world Which Christian church is larger than the Cathedral of St.
St. Peter's Square is located in front of a giant and a real architectural masterpiece - St. Peter's Cathedral. Before the reconstruction, it made all visitors freeze in mute delight. When you walk through the narrow streets of Rome, you do not expect that there will be so much open space in the very center of the city, the view is mesmerizing, it made your heart beat faster.
Obelisk in St. Peter's Square
In the center stands a forty-two-meter obelisk made of red granite. He comes from Egypt, brought by order of Caligula, installed in 1586.
Domenico Fontana was in charge of its installation, it took nine hundred people, one hundred and fifty horses and a lot of ropes. Initially, a monolithic pedestal was built, after which, with the help of a simple design and inhuman efforts, it was erected on a slab. The whole territory was closed, but a large crowd gathered to look at an interesting spectacle, they were forbidden to make any sound, for violations of the ban - execution.
Museum next to St. Peter's Square
Pontifex
On Sundays, a huge crowd of believers gathers in the square, everyone is waiting for the pontiff, after his appearance there is a joint reading of a prayer and a short sermon.
Wednesday is the day for audiences. If the weather is good, then the father of the Catholic world himself appears on the balcony, blessing pilgrims from all over the world. If the weather is unlucky, the audience will be held indoors.
You can get to the audience by purchasing a ticket. This rite is very popular among tourists, do not be lazy and book a ticket in advance. Those who did not get an audience can be consoled by a live video broadcast shown on the big screen.
How to get to St. Peter's Square
The Vatican is a small city-state, you can freely get around it on foot, and getting from Rome is also not difficult.
- Bus numbers 40 and 64 run from the center to the southern part of the Vatican. It is worth keeping bags and hand luggage closer, the route is popular among tourists, there are many pickpockets looking for easy money.
- The metro ride from the center of Rome takes about twenty minutes, take the train on line A, get off at the Ottavio - San-Pietro station. The train also runs to the Cipro station for those who want to visit the museum in the first place.
- Hiking is very popular. Tourists have compiled several routes to see more attractions, for example, from Piazza Venezia along three streets, you just need to go straight, or Via Ottaviano, just follow the flow of people.
St. Peter's Square is a must-see place for tourists and guests of Rome and the Vatican. She saw events that changed the course of history for several centuries. A place where all believers will find a new pope, a place of pilgrimage and the heart of Catholicism.
St. Peter's Basilica is the main attraction not only of the Vatican, but also of Rome. It got its name from the tomb of the Apostle Peter, presumably located on this site. This is a grandiose cathedral, inside which the largest temples of Europe can fit. The height of the dome of the cathedral is 136 m. By tradition, no building in Rome can be higher than the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral.
The cathedral took about 50 years to build and was almost completely completed in 1607. Several generations of great masters worked on its creation: Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini. The capacity is about 60,000 people + 400 thousand people in the area.
Usually a visit to St. Peter's Basilica is a continuation of the tour of the Vatican Museums. After visiting the Sistine Chapel, we go down to the courtyard, and go to St. Peter's Basilica.
Groups go one after another in a continuous stream
Along the way, I shoot a sculpture in a niche of buildings
You can drink holy water in the spring for free
Source of "Holy Water"
It is known that 5 doors lead to St. Peter's Basilica. One of the doors leading to the Cathedral is special. This is the Holy door, it is bricked up with concrete. It opens only in the Holy, or jubilee year, celebrated every quarter of a century. Every 25 years, on the eve of Christmas (December 25), before the anniversary year, the concrete is broken. In accordance with a special ritual, after kneeling three times and three blows of the hammer, the Holy Door swings open, and the Pope, taking the cross in his hands, enters the cathedral first. At the end of the jubilee year, the door is closed again and walled up for the next 25 years. In ancient times, the beginning of the jubilee year was marked by the sound of a trumpet made of goat horn, called yobel, from which the word "jubilee" was derived.
We are lucky that the current Pope Francis has decided to reduce this period to fifteen years. The last Jubilee was in 2000, and the new one began in December 2015, so the door is open until December 25, 2016. Hurry up who wants to see her
Fragment of the Holy Door.
16 rectangular panels of the Holy Door are separated by the coats of arms of 36 popes who celebrated the next anniversary years. The main theme of the plots depicted on the panels is the atonement of human sins by the grace of God. The Lord knocks on everyone's door and waits for us to open it for him.
You have to shoot overhead, there is a continuous stream, and you can’t stop. Therefore, I show only a few top panels.
Above: Annunciation.
Bottom: Return of the Prodigal Son (left) and Healing of the Paralytic (right).
Inside, the cathedral impresses with the harmony of proportions, and with its huge size, and the richness of decoration - there are a lot of statues, altars, tombstones, many wonderful works of art.
Along the entire perimeter of St. Peter's Cathedral there are numerous chapels, each of which is beautiful in its own way. In the first chapel of the right nave, next to the Holy Door, there is a brilliant creation of the twenty-year-old Michelangelo "Lamentation of Christ" (Pietà).
The sculpture was carved from a single block of white Carrara marble, and on the ribbon encircling the Madonna, the sculptor carved the inscription “Michelangelo is a Florentine”. Michelangelo worked on this creation for more than two years. The sculpture depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary, who holds her dead son, Christ, on her knees. The beauty of the lines, the ideal proportions of life-size bodies, young faces and Mother's sorrow are so obvious that one wants to freeze in a silent bow before the immortal masterpiece. Michelangelo was the first master to polish his marble sculptures. As a result, they are smooth and shiny, which no one has done before him. Thirty years ago, when I was here for the first time, you could come close to Pieta. After some vandal attacked the statue with a hammer and damaged it, it is now under special glass. There are always a lot of people at the fence behind which Pieta is located. We also stood there for a long time, looking at the details and admiring how accurately the genius of Michelangelo was able to convey the subtlest emotions of a grieving mother and the details of the body and clothes.
St. Peter's Cathedral houses an endless array of famous monuments, including a 13th-century bronze statue of St. Peter the Blesser, which is credited with miraculous properties.
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Statue of Saint Peter the Blesser
The statue of St. Peter, made of bronze by an unknown Syrian sculptor, enjoys extraordinary fame. It is believed that it is worth touching it and praying, prayers will be heard. This custom is very ancient, therefore one foot of the statue was erased from the touch of the worshipers.
In his left hand, the Holy Apostle Peter holds the keys to paradise. The wall behind the statue is decorated with mosaics, not fabric.
The total length of the basilica is 211.6 m. On the floor of the central nave there are marks showing the dimensions of other largest cathedrals in the world, which allows them to be compared with the largest St. Peter's Cathedral. The letters are made of copper. To make the marks visible, they are fenced off from tourists with burgundy barriers.
The famous dome designed by Michelangelo is 42.5 meters in diameter.
The vault of Michelangelo was realized according to the sketches of the master: a sphere going up, decorated with coffered decor. You can stand with your head up and look at the dome of the Cathedral and the details of its decor for hours.
God the Father is depicted in the very center of the dome. Around the inscription in Latin: "S. PETRI GLORIAE SIXTUS PP. V.A. MDXC PONTIF. V." ("To the glory of St. Peter, Pope Sixtus V in the year 1590, in the fifth year of the pontificate")
In the domed space above the main altar there is Bernini's masterpiece - a huge, 29 m high canopy on four twisted columns, on which statues of angels stand. Although the canopy does not look particularly large in the interior of the cathedral, it is equal in height to a 4-story building.
It is believed that under it is the place where the Apostle Peter was buried. The stairs from here lead down to the Vatican necropolis.
Through the canopy, you can see the pulpit of St. Peter created by Bernini. It includes the chair of St. Peter, supported by four statues of the church fathers, above which the symbol of the Holy Spirit hovers in radiance.
Inside the cathedral there are many chapels, where there are statues and sculptures, tombstones and tombs of Roman popes and emperors. The richness of the interior decoration is simply amazing in its splendor!
All popes are buried in the necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica. Tombstones of only the most worthy of them are installed in the cathedral itself.
Pope Benedict XIII was one of them.
Angels holding a vessel with holy water. They are different in different places.
The tombs, made by Italian masters, are works of art in themselves.
Below the altar is a sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Pope John XXIII.
Blessed John XXIII (November 25, 1881 - June 3, 1963), Pope of Rome since 1958. Having ascended the papal throne, he advocated peace and the peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems. The Italians called him "Good Papa".
Altar of the Immaculate Conception in the choir chapel. Mosaic 1744-47 after a painting by Bianchi depicting the Immaculate Virgin in glory, surrounded by angels. On December 8, 1854, on the day of the establishment of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Pius IX adorned the image of Mary with a crown, 50 years later Pope Pius X added 9 stars,
Luxury and grandeur
Equestrian statue of Emperor Charlemagne, the first to be crowned in the cathedral (old)
Charlemagne knelt down when he was crowned imperial by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day 800.
We leave St. Peter's Basilica and head to the square
St. Peter's Square
The entrance and exit from the Vatican is guarded by the Swiss Guard.
Swiss Guard
The motley form, dating back to the 16th century, is striking. Since then, it has hardly changed: a helmet or a beret, a white collar, camisoles and pantaloons in red-yellow-blue stripes. According to legend, the form of the papal guards was invented by Michelangelo.
The only weapon of the Swiss guards for many centuries was a two-meter medieval halberd.
The guard was officially founded in 1506 and has just over 100 members. Guardsmen line up as a guard of honor during receptions and state visits to the Vatican. The guardsmen are also responsible for the personal safety of the Pope, accompanying him during trips to St. Peter's Square in a special armored car (the so-called "popemobile").
Two Swiss Guards - representatives of the armed forces of the state of the Vatican. They are prohibited from marrying, wearing mustaches and beards, being less than 174 cm tall, and being under 19 and over 30 years of age. By the way, only bachelors are accepted into the guard. They can marry only by special permission, which is issued to those who have served for more than three years and have the rank of corporal, and their chosen one must adhere to the Catholic religion.
After walking a few meters, we get to St. Peter's Square - the largest Roman square, its dimensions are 340 by 240 meters. The square was designed by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini in 1656-1667.
View of St. Peter's Basilica from the square.
Classical columns support an attic topped with 13 statues. A five-meter statue of Christ, surrounded by John the Baptist and 11 apostles, adorn the front of St. Peter's Cathedral. Also, the facade of the temple is decorated with a clock created in the 18th century by Giuseppe Valadier.
In front of the entrance to the cathedral rise the statues of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter holds in his hands the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, given to him by the Lord.
In conclusion, a few photos of the square itself
St. Peter's Square is surrounded by two arcs of majestic colonnades, decorated with magnificent sculptures of 140 statues. In the center is an ancient Egyptian obelisk, brought here by order of Emperor Caligula in 37 BC.
On the left side of the photo above the colonnade is visible part of the residence of the Pope. This is where the Pope delivers his Sunday sermon.
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Cathedral and the square are repeatedly described in many sources, but none of them can convey the sacred and reverent feeling that arises from its direct visual perception.
We say goodbye to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, and say to Italy: "Goodbye!"
April, 2016
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St. Peter's Cathedral is one of the most famous temples in the world, the most important Catholic cathedral on the planet, as well as the main and largest building of the Vatican, the religious center of this state. It is one of the 4 patriarchal basilicas in Rome. In addition, St. Peter's Basilica is the ceremonial center of the Roman Catholic Church.
The height of St. Peter's Cathedral is 136.6 meters.
Width - 211.5 meters.
The total area is 22,067 square meters.
According to legend, the cathedral was built on the spot where the Apostle Peter was once executed. In fact, it is highly likely that this is not a legend at all, but a historical fact - the remains of St. Peter really lie under the altar of the cathedral.
The cathedral was built from 1506 to 1626.
Several generations of legendary masters worked on the construction of the church - such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Giacomo della Porta, Rafael Santi, Giovanni Bernini, Domenico Fontana, Carlo Maderno and many others.
It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the most spacious of all existing ones. In terms of the height of the dome, it is surpassed only by the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Paix in Yamoussoukro (the capital of Côte d'Ivoire) - its height is 158 meters against 136.6 meters at St. Peter's Cathedral. However, the Vatican basilica can accommodate about 60,000 worshipers (and another 400,000 in the square in front of the cathedral), while Notre Dame de la Paix only 18,000.
Every year millions of Christians take part in the services sent by the Pope himself.
Tickets and opening hours
The cost of a ticket to St. Peter's Basilica is 8 euros if you choose to fully walk to the very top of the temple (not everyone can do it, there are 551 steps ahead). Using the elevator, you will shorten the path to 320 steps, but you will have to pay 10 euros. Children under 12 can enter the cathedral for free.
Visiting the tomb of St. Peter and the necropolis is possible only by appointment. It can be done by mail. [email protected] or by calling +39 06 69873017.
You can also visit the cathedral as part of a guided tour.
Opening hours in summer (from April 1 to September 30) - from 07:00 to 19:00, in winter (from October 1 to March 31) - from 07:00 to 18:30.
Visiting the dome in the summer (from April 1 to September 30) - from 07:30 to 18:00, in winter (from October 1 to March 31) - from 07:30 to 17:00.
It is possible to go to St. Peter's Basilica without a queue through a separate entrance. You can explore the cathedral on your own with an audio guide available in 11 languages. For details, click the button below.
Walking route from the Colosseum to St. Peter's Basilica:
Walking route from the Trevi Fountain to St. Peter's Basilica:
Walking route from Plaza España to St. Peter's Basilica:
Google panoramas of St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Cathedral, located in the Vatican (Basilica di San Pietro), is one of the most visited attractions in Rome. The history of the famous cathedral dates back to the 4th century: just imagine how many masterpieces of art are kept within its walls.
And don't let the huge line that usually accumulates in front of the cathedral scare you: you should definitely visit it. After all, this is the most significant Catholic church in the world!
And having risen to the dome, you can admire the gorgeous views of the capital of Italy.
History of St. Peter's Basilica
Initially, a Roman basilica was built on the site of the modern cathedral: its construction dates back to the 4th century. At that time, the empire was ruled by Constantine I (Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus).
The basilica was consecrated in honor of the Apostle Peter, who died as a martyr in 64-67 AD. - it was over his grave that the first altar was created.
Architects and construction of the cathedral
During its existence, the church has experienced more than one reconstruction, but by the 16th century it had already partially collapsed. Then, by decision of the pontiff Julius II (Iulius II), work began on the restoration of the ancient temple.
The architect was Donato Bramante, who planned to rebuild a small basilica in the form of a large cross with a huge dome.
However, the famous architect failed to complete the plan: he died in 1514. He was succeeded by Rafael Santi, who worked on the construction of the cathedral together with the assistant Fra Giocondo, and later with Giuliano da Sangallo.
After the death of Raphael, the construction work was led by the architect Antonio da Sangallo, who proposed to build a basilica in the form of a Latin cross. He also failed to turn his plan into reality.
When da Sangallo died (in 1546), Pope Paul III appointed Michelangelo as chief architect: he decided to return to Bramante's original architectural plan.
Michelangelo carried out colossal work, but Giacomo Della Porta was already involved in the completion of the construction of the temple - after the death of Michelangelo in 1564.
It was at that time that decorative fragments of the proto-baroque appeared in the cathedral. The famous architect, together with Domenico Fontana, carried out work on the construction of the dome and the main vault of the cathedral.
Opening of the cathedral and subsequent reconstruction
The opening of St. Peter's Basilica took place in 1590, when Pope Sixtus V celebrated the first Mass there. However, work on the external design of the temple continued: a colonnade was erected, including 36 columns, a massive cross over the dome and a golden lantern.
During the coming to power of Pope Paul V (Paulus V), it was decided to lengthen part of the building, as well as to attach the side aisles - as a result, the cathedral received the shape of a Latin cross. The alterations to the temple were led by Carlo Maderno in the 17th century.
Photo: Vladimir Mucibabic / Shutterstock.com
St. Peter's Square
Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini was directly involved in the construction of the square in front of the cathedral (Piazza San Petro) from 1656 to 1667.
As planned, the large-scale square was supposed to accommodate a huge number of believers who wanted to receive the blessing of the pope or participate in religious events.
Today, up to 400 thousand people can be here at the same time.
The square is shaped like an oval and is surrounded by two galleries of columns: in total there are 284 Doric columns, as well as 80 pillars.
Directly on the attic, with which the colonnade is crowned, there are 140 sculptures of saints. When viewed from above, the area resembles a key.
Architecture
When you look at St. Peter's Basilica, first of all, its scale impresses. The building, together with the dome, reaches a height of about 132 meters, and the total area is 23 thousand square meters. m. The baroque facade is 48 meters high and 118 meters wide.
Facade
The facade of the cathedral is decorated with classical columns, behind which there are five portals. These are the Gates of Good and Evil (Porta del Bene del Male), the Gates of Death (Porta della Morte), the Gates of Filaret (Porta del Filarete), the Holy Gates (Porta Santa) and the Gates of the Sacraments (Porta dei Sacramenti).
The Gates of Death have a very interesting appearance: they were created in the 20th century by the master Giacomo Manzu.
Above the columns is an attic with sculptures - a statue of Christ, 11 apostles and John the Baptist. The length of the main statue reaches 5 meters.
The central portal of the temple is framed by equestrian statues of Emperor Constantine, made in 1670 by Bernini, and Charlemagne, created in the 18th century by Augustino Cornacchini.
In addition, on the facade of the building you can admire the magnificent clock of the 18th century by Giuseppe Valadier (Giuseppe Veledier), as well as the fresco "Navicella" (Navicella degli Apostoli), made in the 13th century by Giotto di Bondone (Giotto di Bondone).
What to see inside
Upon entering the cathedral, one is struck by a huge interior space, richly decorated with decorative elements. Just imagine: the height of the arched vaults separating the central nave from the two side ones is 23 meters high and 13 meters wide.
Thanks to this design, a feeling of infinite depth of space is created - the total area is about 2500 square meters. m.
Pay attention to the amazing marble floors - some elements are partially preserved from the original basilica.
The interior decoration of the cathedral was mainly done by Gian Lorenzo Bernini - it was he who created the famous statue of the Roman centurion Longinus. By the way, the original spearhead of a centurion is kept in the cathedral.
Chair
The main masterpiece of Bernini in the cathedral is a huge canopy, at the base of which there are four pillars - the kevorium.
Directly above the canopy is a pulpit by the same master, created in honor of St. Peter. It includes the chair of St. Peter, supported by statues of saints - above them the symbol of the Holy Spirit hovers.
Photo: Goran Bogicevic / Shutterstock.com
Photo: Anton Balazh / Shutterstock.com
On the right side of the pulpit is the tomb of Pope Urban VIII (also made by Bernini), and on the left side is the tomb of Paul III, which was created by Guglielmo della Porta in the 16th century.
Statue of Saint Peter
If you go through the entire gallery, then in the last arch you will see a bronze statue of St. Peter, which many believers come to bow to. A queue usually gathers near the statue, but people pass quite quickly.
It is believed that you need to touch her and pray - then the prayers will be heard. In the left hand of St. Peter are the keys to paradise.
central part
Walk along the central nave of the temple: in the niches there are statues of saints Helena Sophia Barat, Teresa, Vincenzo de Paoli, John Bosco, Philip Neri, John, John Battista de la Sale.
In the very center of the temple, you can see numerous mosaic paintings created according to Domenichino's sketches.
Pay attention to the memorial to Pius VII, which was made by Bertel Thorvaldsen (Bertel Thorvaldsen). Here are the tombs of the pontiffs and exquisitely decorated chapels.
Of greatest interest is the Gregorian Chapel (Gregoriana Capella).
right nave
The central sculptural group in the right nave - "Pieta" - was made in 1499 by Michelangelo himself. The name of the masterpiece is translated as "Lamentation of Christ."
Photo: Vitaly Minko / Shutterstock.com
Next to it is a monument to the pontiff Leo XII, created in the 19th century by Giuseppe de Fabrisa, as well as a monument to Princess Christina by Carl Fontana (17th century).
Nearby is the tomb of Margravine Mathilde of Canossa, one of Bernini's masterpieces. This was the first woman buried in St. Peter's Basilica.
In the small Chapel of the Crucifixion, there is a very beautiful wooden crucifix, believed to have been made by Pietro Cavallini in the 13th century.
Chapel of Saint Sebastian
Amazing mosaics are located in the Chapel of St. Sebastian (Capelle di San Sebastiano) - the work of the master Pier Paolo Cristofari (Pier Paolo Cristofari).
By the way, the sketches of the mosaics belong to Domenichino. Looking at the vault, you can admire the amazing mosaics made by Pietro da Cortona (Pietro da Cortona).
Chapel of the Holy Communion
The Chapel of the Holy Communion (Capella del Santissimo Sacramento) was decorated by Carlo Maderno and Francesco Borromini. Particular attention in the chapel is attracted by an amazing decorative lattice.
Nearby is the gravestone of Gregory III - the bas-relief decorating it symbolizes the reform that the Pope carried out. It was he who introduced the new (Gregorian) calendar.
Left nave
In the left nave, you can admire the 19th-century Stuart memorial by Antonio Canova. Also worthy of admiration are the magnificently decorated 18th-century tomb of Maria Clementina Sobeski by Pietro Bracci and the tomb of Pope Innocent VIII by the 15th-century master Antonio Pollaiolo.
Look at the tomb of Alexander VII (Alexander VII) - it was decorated by Bernini himself. The bronze and marble ensemble includes a sculpture of a praying pontiff surrounded by statues of Truth, Mercy, Prudence and Justice. And in the foreground is a skeleton symbolizing death: in his hands you can see an hourglass.
Chapel of the Epiphany
Walking along the left nave, pay attention to the Epiphany Chapel (Capella del Battesimo) - it was designed by Carlo Fontana, and Baciccio was engaged in its mosaic design.
Dome
The grandiose dome of St. Peter's Basilica, seen from afar, weighs as much as 14,000 tons. Its inner diameter is about 41 meters and its height is about 117 meters.
The dome was created according to the architectural plan of Michelangelo himself: initially, the structure had to have the diameter of an ideal ball.
Photo: Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock.com
The construction of the dome was carried out by Giacomo della Porta - he made the necessary changes to the structure to ensure its stability. However, by the 18th century, the building began to collapse: massive chains helped to save the dome - they pulled the vault.
There are 16 windows in the dome, which are divided by double columns, and inside the structure is supported by four massive columns. While in the cathedral, you can admire the amazing mosaics by Giovanni De Vecchi.
How to get to St. Peter's Basilica
The cathedral is located on Piazza San Pietro. How to get there:
- by metro (line A) with a stop at San Pietro or Ottaviano: the exit from the first station is closer to the square, and from the second - closer to the museums;
- on buses No. 11, 23, 32, 81, 590, 982 - you need to get off at the Risorgimento stop;
- if you plan to immediately go to St. Peter's Basilica and museums upon arrival at Termini station, then buses No. 40 and 64 will do;
- by tram number 19, which stops near the cathedral on San Pietro.
Opening hours
Peter's Basilica in Rome can be visited:
- from October 1 to March 31 - from 7.00 to 18.30;
- from April 1 to September 30 - from 7.00 to 19.00.
You can climb the dome every day:
- from October 1 to March 31 - from 7.30 to 17.00;
- from April 1 to September 30 - from 7.30 to 18.00.
Ticket price
The cathedral itself is free to enter (as of 2020).
The cost of climbing the dome depends on how many steps you are willing to climb:
- Option 1: You take the elevator and go up 320 steps. Ticket price - 10 Euro.
- The second option: you climb on foot, passing 551 steps. Ticket price - 8 Euro.
At the same time, please note that in the upper part the width of the passage is only 50 cm - it is not very comfortable to climb. In total, the ascent and descent will take you about 1 hour.
Information on the cost of visiting and opening hours may change - check on the official website www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/it/cupola/orari.htm
St. Peter's Square is majestic and beautiful. Bernini's colonnade around the perimeter, coupled with the Cathedral of St. Peter give it completeness and harmony. Yes, there are a lot of people… But apparently, this is a mandatory condition for this square.
St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), located in the northwest, is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is located on the territory of the Vatican (see Vatican Guide).
Behind the outer side of the colonnade in Piazza San Pietro, a narrow line is laid out with white stone on gray paving stones. This is not just a marking, but the border of the state of the Vatican. This line is very formal, it is guarded by the Swiss guards in colorful striped uniforms. While in Piazza San Pietro, wait for the changing of the guard - this action is unusual, beautiful and exciting. You can enter the sovereign territory almost without hindrance: tourists are only required to observe decorum in the wardrobe. Short shorts, miniskirts and bare shoulders are not allowed here.
San Pietro - the square bearing the name of the keeper of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, photo Edgar-Moskopp
Piazza San Pietro is a place of attraction for Catholics from all over the world. The Pope himself addresses the faithful from here, overshadowing them with a cross from the “box of blessing”. Connoisseurs of cultural, historical, artistic values rush here. There are no shops or souvenir shops here. The huge space looks free even with a large crowd of tourists.
The center of the Piazza San Pietro ensemble is a granite obelisk. The stone colossus was brought from Egypt in the 1st century. For a long time, the rulers of Rome wanted to move it to the square, but the project was only completed in 1586. The grandiose operation was carried out under the direction of Domenico Fontana; it involved 140 horses and 900 people.
Every year, Presepe is held near the obelisk in Advent. Human-sized figures depict biblical scenes of the birth of Christ and the adoration of the Magi, and the baby figure changes every week - it grows.
Fountains of Bernini and Maderno
Fountain against the backdrop of Bernini's colonnade, photo noemkr
Baroque fountains by Bernini and Maderno are installed on both sides of the Egyptian stele at symmetrical points of the square. In them, as in all the fountains of Rome, clean drinking water is supplied. From the obelisk along the pavement, the light stone rays of a sundial diverge, the 36-meter stele is assigned the role of a gnomon.
The area, when viewed from a height, has the shape of a keyhole - St. Peter was the keeper of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. The dome of the main Catholic shrine - dominates Piazza San Pietro. The facade of the building is crowned with statues of the eleven apostles. The bas-relief adorning the main portal depicts the scene of handing the keys to paradise to the Apostle Peter. In the central nave of the temple there is a statue of St. Peter (XIII century) - the object of worship of pilgrims. Under the cathedral, on the lower level of the building, called the Vatican grottoes, there is a chapel - in it, before the execution, St. Peter confessed. The tomb of the apostle is hidden under the chapel.
The height of the building to the highest point of its dome is 136 meters. Climb to the observation deck of the basilica - from there you can see stunning panoramas of Rome!
Square space
The space in front of the basilica was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1656-67. It consists of two squares: the first, trapezoidal, is located directly in front of the wide steps of the cathedral and is fenced with galleries; the second is oval, facing Rome, surrounded by the majestic colonnades of Bernini. Two white circles are marked on the paving stones on both sides of the obelisk. If you stand on any of these symbolic points, the semicircular colonnades will become visually "transparent" - four rows of giant columns will be located one after another.
A wide Via della Conciliazione leads from the square to the city - a street built by order of Mussolini in 1930.
How to get there
Take metro line A to Ottaviano station;
tram 19 to the stop Risorgimento - San Pietro;
bus number 49 - to V.le Vaticano / musei Vaticani; ed. 32, 81, 982 - to Piazza del Risorgimento; ed. 492, 990 - to Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipion.
How do I save on hotels?
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