About St. Peter's Basilica

Often regarded as the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica boasts the tallest dome at 136.5m and spans a total area of 2.3 hectares, with interiors covering over 3.7 acres. 

Masterpiece of Renaissance Art and Architecture

Designed by Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini, the basilica is a Renaissance treasure. It houses masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s grand Baldacchino. Every mosaic, sculpture, and detail aim to inspire awe and deepen spiritual reflection, making the basilica a living gallery of Christian art.

Reclaimed Glory: Ancient Rome in the Basilica

Materials from ancient Roman structures were reused to build the basilica. Marble from the Colosseum and bronze from the Pantheon were transformed into sacred elements. This reuse symbolises the shift from Roman imperial power to a Christian sanctuary honouring God and faith. 

Mosaics Preserve Artistic Beauty

Except for Raphael’s The Transfiguration above the Pietà, all artworks inside St. Peter’s Basilica are glass or ceramic mosaics. In the19^th century, original paintings faded due to humidity, so mosaics were made to replicate them, ensuring their lasting beauty despite the basilica’s damp conditions.