St. Peter’s Basilica Rome | Vatican City Facade of the Basilica of St Peter | Official Private guided tours Vatican Museum. Tours in Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica Rome is a testament to history and faith. The facade, designed by Carlo Maderno in 1612 under the patronage of Pope Paul V, stands solemn and imposing. Its frieze inscription bears witness to its creation. The attic, adorned with colossal statues of the Redeemer, St. John the Baptist, and apostles, is a sight to behold. Above the central entrance, the Pope blesses Rome and the Catholic world from the balcony after his election.
Lower down is a bas-relief in marble by Bernini representing Christ entrusting his church to Peter. The vestibule, 468 feet long (Mt 143), 66 feet high (Mt 20), and 50 feet wide (Mt 15), was designed by Maderno and is considered his best work. Five entrances give access to the church; the central one, which is only open on extraordinary occasions, is decorated by a bronze door, the work of Ant Filarete, a pupil of Donatello: it was cast in 1455, by order of Pope Eugenius IV, for the old church of St Peter and used for the present Basilica after its reconstruction.
High above the bronze door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a unique feature awaits- the famous “Navicella” mosaic by Giotto. This masterpiece depicts a ship, symbolizing the Church and Christ walking on the sea to raise Peter from the waves. The ceiling, a rich tapestry of hard marble stucco designed by Buonvicini, tells the Apostles’ story. And don’t miss the last door on the right, the ‘Porta Santa’ or Holy Door, opened only every twenty-five years during the Jubilee year.
Apostles. The last door on the right, leading into the church, is the Porta Santa—or Holy Door, which opens every twenty-five years during the Jubilee year. (St. Peter’s Basilica Rome)
The pilgrims passing through this door receive the plenary indulgence or complete remission of their sins.
At the two ends of the Vestibule, you’ll find the equestrian statues of the church’s most notable political defenders: Charlemagne, sculpted by Cornacchini, and Constantine, a masterpiece by Bernini. These statues are a testament to their monumental contributions, reminding us of St. Peter’s Basilica Rome’s rich history and political significance.
St. Peter’s Basilica Rome highlights the Vatican City and Vatican Museums—special offers to organize official private guided tours for individuals, large or small groups. A selection of the best tours of Rome and the Vatican includes skip-the-line tickets, a convenient way to avoid queues, and exclusive entrances to Rome’s most important museums and art galleries. Please do not hesitate to contact us to book your tour or holiday in Rome.
