St Peter’s Basilica isn’t just your average Sunday morning church; it’s an architectural masterpiece and one of the top attractions in Rome. Despite its fame, many people take stunning pictures of this church but remain unaware of its rich history and unusual design. St Peter’s Basilica holds many secrets, and learning some facts about its history and architecture will provide deeper insights.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is one of the holiest sites of Christianity and a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. This article will reveal some fascinating facts about St Peter’s Basilica that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this famous landmark.
21 Peter’s Basilica facts that might surprise you
1. Sacred Grounds
A Saint’s final resting place
Ever wondered why St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t just any church in Vatican City? Well, beyond the breathtaking views, it’s a nod to history and faith. Legend has it that St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s Twelve Apostles, met his unfortunate end at the hands of Emperor Nero in 64 AD, right here. His remains found their resting place in a nearby cemetery, close to the site of his crucifixion, just outside the Circus of Nero.
Later on, people built a shrine to honour his memory on this very spot. Fast forward about 260 years, and this sacred ground was chosen for building the church. The Via Cornelia, once running alongside the north wall of the Circus of Nero, now lies beneath part of this church and St. Peter’s Square.
2. Built twice
First off, let us tell you the fascinating history of two constructions. St. Peter’s wasn’t just constructed once and left alone to enjoy its glory. Did you know that the current church is not the first but the second building built on the same site?
First Version
Constantine I (also known as Constantine the Great) decided to build the first St. Peter’s Basilica in the 4th century AD. This Roman emperor, who had a change of heart and converted to Christianity, started construction between 319 and 333 AD. The creation of this grand temple took about 40 years, and it stood proud for approximately 1,200 years.
The old basilica was over 103.6 metres (340 ft) long and attracted pilgrims from far and wide. It housed the remains of popes up until the 15th century. By then, however, it was in ruins, forcing a pope to start the construction of a new church.
Second version
Pope Julius II decided it was time for a makeover. In the 16th century, he ordered the demolition of the old church. After that, he kicked off the construction of the much larger basilica we see today. While the previous temple was wiped out, the current St Peter’s still uses foundational elements from the original structure. This clever blend of old and new symbolizes the ongoing sacred significance of the site.
3. St Peters Basilica facts – Construction
You know what they say: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was this church!
How long did it take to build the current St. Peter’s Basilica, you may ask? Construction began on 18 April 1506 and lasted a grand total of 120 years and 7 months. The interior decoration continued for many decades afterwards, making this monumental project lengthy and pricey.
4. How much did it cost to build it?
The popes spared no expense in making a statement with Catholicism’s most sacred shrine. Here’s where it gets juicy: According to Wikipedia, the construction cost soared to over 46,800,052 ducats. In today’s terms, the Archaeologist website estimates this would equate to approximately $33 billion by 1626 standards. This hefty investment underscores the basilica’s monumental importance in Catholic history and architectural legacy.
5. Architects behind it
Ever thought about what it takes to build an architectural marvel like this grandiose church? Spoiler alert: It took a village of brilliant minds to bring this masterpiece to life.
St. Peter’s Basilica facts: It wasn’t designed by just one architect but by a team of the greatest minds of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Imagine having Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini on the same project. Did you know even Raphael (yes, the same Raphael known for his incredible paintings) contributed to St. Peter’s design? According to Wikipedia, it took 15 architects to complete this project.
Bramante was the original architect, and his design had a massive central dome inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Later, Raphael’s plans also aimed for a Pantheon-inspired dome and elegance, but he died 5 years after he took the job. Fast forward to 1537, and Michelangelo steps in, already in his seventies. Not only did he accept the challenge, but he also added his genius touch, redesigning dome to be more structurally sound and visually stunning. And then we have Bernini’s brilliant contribution. In the 17th century, Bernini designed the massive St. Peter’s Square and its beautiful colonnades, which symbolize the ‘’welcoming arms’’ of the church.
6. Size matters
St Peter’s Basilica isn’t just any average neighbourhood church; it has divine proportions. This architectural marvel makes other cathedrals look like tiny chapels.
This colossal temple covers an interior area of 15,160 square meters and an exterior area of 21,095 square meters. With a mind-blowing gross volume of 1.6 million cubic meters, St. Peter’s Basilica claims the title of the largest church in the world by interior measure. It has a seating capacity of 20,000 or 60,000 when standing. That’s like squeezing a whole concert stadium under one roof!
St Peter’s Basilica fun facts:
Did you know that according to the Guinness World Record, the largest church in the world is not St. Peter’s but the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast? This Catholic minor basilica in Africa has an area of 30,000 square meters and can accommodate 18,000 worshippers. However, the area also includes a residence of the priest and a villa, which are not part of the church.
7. St Peter’s Basilica isn’t the official seat of the Pope
One of the little-known facts about St. Peter’s Basilica is that despite being one of the holiest Roman Catholic sites, it isn’t the official seat of the Pope. Instead, the Lateran Basilica in Rome serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome (the Pope). St. John Lateran is not only the oldest public church in Rome, but it is also the oldest basilica in the world.
Here’s one more interesting fact about St. Peter’s: As of 2019, there are 1,810 minor basilicas worldwide, but only four major basilicas. All four major basilicas have a unique Holy Door and are in Rome. These are St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.
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8. Stolen building materials
Popes didn’t just settle for any old material and rocks – they wanted the best of the best! So, where did they get the precious material for the construction? They were all about sustainable sourcing and minimizing construction costs by repurposing existing materials. Pope Nicholas V, in the 15th century, authorized the use of stone from the partially ruined Colosseum for the construction of the new basilica. Imagine the journey of these massive stone blocks, taken on the Pope’s orders to become part of the new temple.
And the bronze for the famous baldachin? According to a local legend, Pope Urban VIII sourced the bronze from the ceiling of the Pantheon’s portico in 1625. While Urban’s records indicate that approximately 90 % of the bronze from the Pantheon was used for a cannon, the remaining portion was likely used for the Baldacchino. However, there is some uncertainty, as some sources suggest that the bronze came from Venice.
9. Holy Door
Before you step inside, don’t overlook the last door on the right. In the Vatican, they refer to it as the Holy Door or Porta Santa. Here’s a fascinating secret: Did you know that this world-famous church has a door that is only opened once in a blue moon? The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica is sealed up tight with mortar and cement most of the time. Only the Pope gets to open it during special Jubilee years.
A quick history lesson
The tradition of the Holy Year, or a Jubilee, started with Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. Since then, Catholics have celebrated it every 25 years or so. Later, Pope Alexander VI expanded the ceremony by opening doors in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Here’s a fun twist: in the past, the Pope would use a hammer to knock down the bricks sealing the door. However, for safety reasons, this smashing tradition was ditched. Now, a few days before the big event, workers carefully take down the wall. The Pope only gives the bronze door a symbolic push, and the Holy Door swings open.
Fun facts about the Holly Door in St. Peter’s Basilica
So, what’s behind this famous door? A bunch of medals and documents from the Pope’s reign when it last opened. There is also a casket holding the key, ready to be used by the Pope. Pretty cool, right? Above the Holy Door, marble plates commemorate the last two openings by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.
The Grand opening
Once opened, the Holy Door stays open throughout the Jubilee Year. But why all the fuss? Walking through the Holy Door isn’t just a physical act; it’s symbolic. Pilgrims from around the world flock to Rome to pass through it. Why? It’s not just a ceremonial walk – it symbolizes stepping into God’s presence. Doing this grants you a special blessing called a plenary indulgence. It’s a powerful moment for any pilgrim of the Catholic faith.
When is the next Jubilee Year?
Did you know that in 2025, the Vatican will welcome tourists from all over the world to celebrate the Jubilee Year? Pope Francis announced that he will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s on Christmas Eve, 2024. Later, on the 29th of December 2024, the Holy Father will open the Holy Door of other papal basilicas in Rome.
10. Burial place of Saint Peter
Did you know that beneath St. Peter’s Basilica’s marble floor lies a fascinating secret? Scholars believe this sacred site is close to where Saint Peter met his fate. Emperor Constantine recognized its significance, leading to the construction of the original basilica on this very spot.
Saint Peter’s tomb
Beneath the basilica’s main altar lies Saint Peter’s tomb, one of Christianity’s most significant pilgrimage sites. In June 1968, Pope Paul VI made a historic announcement: the discovery of the relics believed to belong to Saint Peter himself. Evidence supporting this claim includes the unearthing of the remains of a 60-to-70-year-old man, showing signs of a crucifixion. The tomb was adorned with ancient graffiti and Christian symbols, including the name ‘Peter’ carved numerous times. However, no pontiff has ever confirmed these bones belong, without doubt, to Saint Peter.
11. Mosaic wonderland
St Peter’s Basilica boasts some of the most breathtaking artwork you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Here’s a secret: Did you know that this world-famous church has only one painting? You can find a depiction of the Holy Trinity by Pietro da Cortona in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Many visitors mistake the detailed decorations on the walls and dome for paintings. In reality, they are mosaics – crafted from tiny pieces of glass, ceramics, and other materials. This choice wasn’t just about aesthetics; mosaics withstand the test of time far better than paintings. Paintings are vulnerable to mould due to varying humidity levels inside the church.
St. Peter’s Basilica facts – Replicas of famous Renaissance and Baroque paintings. In the 19th century, numerous paintings started to deteriorate because of high humidity. Only up close do you realize these are detailed mosaics.
DID YOU KNOW?
Paolo Di Buono, head of the Vatican’s Mosaic Studio, estimates there are approximately 33,000 square feet (3,065 square meters) of mosaics in St. Peter’s.
12. Pieta – Michelangelo’s masterpiece
When you step inside, don’t overlook the Chapel of the Pieta near the Holy Door. This isn’t just any sculpture; it’s arguably the world’s most famous depiction of a religious scene.
A French cardinal named Jean Bilhères de Lagraulas commissioned Michelangelo to create the Pieta for the basilica’s side chapel in 1497. Did you know Michelangelo carved it when he was only 24 years old? He showed an undeniable talent and crafted this incredibly detailed masterpiece in just under a year.
Michelangelo carved the Virgin Mary holding Jesus when he was taken down from the cross, from a massive block of Carrara marble. The Pieta measures 174 cm by 195 cm (68.5 in by 76.8 in) and is a marvel of Renaissance artistry.
Fun facts about Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica
Here’s the kicker: The Pieta is the only sculpture Michelangelo ever signed. Why, you ask? According to Giorgio Vasari, shortly after its installation, Michelangelo overheard someone attributing the work to another sculptor, Cristoforo Solari. In response, he carved his name across the sash on Mary’s chest.
Why is the Pieta behind the glass?
First of all, four of Mary’s fingers broke off sometime in the 1700s as the statue was moved around this church. They were repaired in 1736. The real drama happened in 1972 when a geologist named Laszlo Toth attacked the nearly 500-year-old statue with a hammer. The result? He managed to crack off Mary’s nose, chipped one of her eyelids and broke her arm at the elbow. After restoration, this priceless sculpture now stands protected behind bullet-proof glass.
13. Dome’s many designs
Popes wanted something grand, and for that, they couldn’t just get any architect to draw a few sketches and hope for the best. Many architects participated in the dome’s design, including Bramante and Michelangelo. Brunelleschi’s Dome in Florence Cathedral and the Pantheon’s Dome were major sources of inspiration.
One of the interesting facts about the dome in St Peter’s Basilica relates to Michelangelo’s design intentions. According to historical accounts and expert guides, Michelangelo initially planned a dome slightly shorter than the Pantheon’s. Why? To show respect for ancient architects – an unexpected gesture from a man known for his ambitious spirit. Unfortunately, Michelangelo died in 1564 before completing the project. After his death, other architects, including Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana, continued his work. They made the dome taller than the Pantheon’s, ensuring it stood as one of the greatest architectural masterpieces.
14. One-of-a-kind dome
Fun Fact: Did you know the dome was Michelangelo’s final project? He undertook it under two conditions: no payment, and a Greek cross plan for visibility from afar. Unfortunately, he passed away before its completion, and the architects who took over altered his original plan.
The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is celebrated for its exceptional features. Standing at a height of 136.56 meters (448.1 feet) from the floor to the top of the external cross, and boasting an internal diameter of 41.47 meters (136.1 feet), it could comfortably house the Christ the Redeemer statue with its pedestal. The mosaics within are equally breathtaking; for example, the pen of St. Mark’s measures an impressive 1.5 meters in height. The Latin inscription encircling the dome’s interior is equally monumental, with letters standing at 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) tall.
15. Bernini’s baldachin
The altar with Bernini Baldachin sits above the tomb of Saint Peter.
Another striking feature is a massive bronze baldachin, located at the centre of the crossing, directly under the basilica’s dome. This free-standing sculptural masterpiece was Bernini’s first work at this church, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini 401 years ago. Yes, it’s the same Bernini, who designed the famous fountains at Piazza Navona and at the Spanish Steps.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
This world-famous baldachin took an impressive 11 years to complete. Standing nearly at 29 metres (95 feet) tall and weighing 63 tons, it dominated the space with its grandeur. The structure features four 11-meter-high columns, each weighing about 9 tons.
Bernini took his inspiration from the canopy carried above the Pope during processions. He modelled the twisted columns on those of the Temple of Jerusalem, which once stood in the old Saint Peter’s. Bernini also decorated them with laurel leaves and bees – the emblem of Pope Urban. Afterwards, he placed the columns on 2.6-metre-high pedestals. They bear the papal coats of arms with the symbolic ‘‘Barberini bees’’. He also beautifully decorated the frame with angels and papal symbols.
GOOD TO KNOW:
As of February 2024, the 400-year-old Baldacchino is undergoing restoration in preparation for the 2025 Holy Year.
16. the Vatican’s very own lucky charm
Statue of St Peter
Ever heard of a statue that people just can’t resist touching? Find the bronze statue of St. Peter – it’s not just art; it’s legendary. Over centuries, millions of pilgrims have polished his foot to a brilliant shine. But why the foot?
The Foot-touching tradition
Legend has it that this tradition began in the Middle Ages with pilgrims visiting Rome. Why? They believed touching Saint Peter’s right foot would secure mercy and open heaven’s gates if they died on their pilgrimage. Today, it’s a ritual for good luck, with each touch smoothing the toes to a glossy finish.
Here’s the twist: This bronze statue depicts Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven. Its exact age remains a mystery but scholars credit Italian sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio, who was active from the late 13th to early 14th century. Others date it back even further, possibly to the 5th century.
DID YOU KNOW?
Every year on 29 June, locals celebrate the Feast of St. Peter and Paul. On this day, they decorate the statue with a traditional red robe, ring, and crown. The day begins with a special morning mass in honour of these two saints.
17. The sacred underworld
Fun facts: Did you know that directly beneath St. Peter’s Basilica lies the Vatican Necropolis?
Between 5 to 12 metres (16.40 to 39 feet) below the surface, you’ll find a silent city – a burial ground dating back to the Roman Empire. It served as the final resting place for early Christians on the southern slope of Vatican Hill. It’s a maze of tunnels, ancient graves, tombs, and even the Tomb of the Julii from the third or fourth century. But here’s the real treasure hunt: the main draw is St. Peter’s tomb. It’s the most sacred site within the Vatican, accessible through the exclusive Scavi Tour.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Scavi Tour is in high demand with very limited availability. You must book this 1.5-hour guided excursion months in advance. With only 250 spots per day, it’s essential to secure your place in advance via fax, email, or in person at the Excavation Office. As of June 2024, the tour costs EUR 13 and strictly prohibits photography.
18. Vatican Grottoes
Now, let’s talk a little about the basilica’s basement. It’s like the basement of the cathedral but way cooler. Imagine an expansive network of underground chambers and chapels located 3 metres (9.84 feet) under part of the nave. These chambers date back to the 16th century and support the floor of the current church.
They have a fascinating secret: Did you know that the Vatican Grottoes are like a papal hall of fame? Popes from centuries past are resting in style beneath the marble floors of this famous church. You’ll find the final resting place of nearly 90 popes, including Pius VI Braschi and Adrian IV, the only English pope. Apart from the tombs and sarcophagi, pay attention to the stunning artworks and massive columns from the original 4th-century church. And the best part? You can explore them free of charge – the entrance is below the St. Andrew statue near the papal altar.
19. Fun facts about the Old St Peter’s Basilica
Something most people don’t realize is that the bronze statue of St. Peter is one of the artefacts from the old Saint Peter’s. Another fascinating detail is the twisty columns from the Temple of Jerusalem on either side of the relief sculpture. You can spot them on the right side next to the bronze baldachin. Did you know these columns inspired Bernini’s design for the Baldacchino? They were once part of the old church – the Emperor Constantine brought them to Rome and gave them to the original church. Also, a round slab of porphyry from the Old Saint Peter’s marks the spot where one Holy Emperor was crowned.
20. Lavish floor and funky circle
TIP: Next time you visit this famous church, don’t just marvel at its stunning ceiling and pretty statues. Take a peek at the breathtaking marble floor – it has a story to tell.
Here’s a fascinating secret: An odd red marble circle not far from Pietta, but in the middle, opposite the Baldacchino, marks the spot where, on Christmas day 800 AD, Charlemagne was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. Although this church didn’t exist at that time, the old church stood here. This piece was taken from the old Saint Peter’s and brought here because of its historic significance.
But there are more fun facts about the floor in St. Peter’s Basilica. Did you know that as you walk up the central nave, you can find inscriptions indicating the sizes of different basilicas and cathedrals around the world compared to this one? You can spot how big Saint Paul’s in London is, the Duomo in Florence, Brussels’s Cathedral, and many more.
21. Climbing the dome – Stairway to heaven (almost)
Views from the top of the dome are worth every step. You’ll get a 360-degree panorama of the Vatican and Rome.
Heavenly workout
Climbing the dome is an unforgettable adventure. To reach the top, you’ll need to conquer 551 steps. If you’re not up for the challenge, you can take an elevator partway up, but there are still 320 steps to climb. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Designed by Michelangelo, this Renaissance marvel stands as one of the world’s largest domes, showcasing unparalleled engineering brilliance.
TIP:
The interior balcony at the dome’s base offers stunning views. Take a moment here to admire the breathtaking mosaics up close.
Mind the tilt
As you ascend, you’ll notice the walls gently start to lean. This architectural feature isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps to distribute the dome’s weight, adding an intriguing twist to your ascent.
Hidden café and toilets
Before tackling the spiral staircase to the dome’s upper part, explore the basilica’s roof terrace. From here, you can spot the towering statues and the famous piazza below. Here’s a little secret tip: St. Peter’s houses a café with a souvenir shop on its roof. It’s one of the little-known facts many tourists don’t know about St. Peter’s Basilica!
22. Where the Papal Playground Meets Pilgrim’s Paradise
Piazza San Pietro – Holy hotspot for papal speeches
Before you leave, be sure to explore St. Peter’s Square. This expansive plaza is more than just an entrance to the gorgeous church. It’s where the Pope gives blessings and addresses the faithful from his Library window.
Arms of Bernini
Bernini designed this elliptical masterpiece in the 17th century, stretching 340 metres (1,115 feet) long and 240 metres (787 feet) wide. The Piazza San Pietro features two semicircular colonnades adorned with 284 Doric columns, 88 other pillars, and 140 statues. These welcoming arms are like the Vatican’s version of a warm hug, reaching everyone who visits.
Optical illusion
Want another fascinating Bernini fact? Beyond the first row of the columns, there are three more rows. The oval-shaped Piazza San Pietro is like two interlocking circles, each with a focal point at its centre. Stand on one of the white circles, and something magical happens. From one vantage, you see only the first row of columns; from the opposite circle, all columns are revealed. It’s a delightful trick of perspective, inviting visitors to explore the square’s secrets.
23. 327-ton Obelisk
Did you know there are only 28 obelisks in the world, with 15 in Rome? The one in front of the church is unique – it lacks hieroglyphics.
At the centre stands an Egyptian obelisk, towering 25 metres (82 feet) tall. Including its base and cross, it stands 40 metres (131 feet) tall, making it the second-largest standing obelisk.
Legend has it this obelisk witnessed the crucifixion of Saint Peter at the Circus of Nero before Pope Sixtus V moved it to its current central position in the 16th century. This monumental relocation (300-metre move), involving 900 men, 75 horses, and 5 months of effort, nearly ended in disaster. A century later, Bernini added an iconic colonnade, harmonizing the obelisk with its majestic surroundings.
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