St Peter's Basilica stands as the focal point of the Square, with its pink and white marble facade and individual figures lining the rooftop, each 5.7 metres tall, representing Jesus Christ, John the Baptist and the eleven Apostles.
We were overwhelmed by the beauty of the place, as well as the emotions it provoked, especially when I first saw Peter's Tomb.
"Charity" - created in 1728 by Bernardino Ludovisi - located in the Portico or Atrium, just before you enter the Basilica
Steve wandering down The Portico or Atrium of St Peter's Basilica
Looking from the stairs to St Peter's Basilica across to the Sistine Chapel - located in the two storey ocre building above the statues in this picture
The Filaret Doors - one of the many entrances to St Peter's Basilica - are the oldest doors in the Basilica dating from 1445
We stood absolutely speechless as we walked inside this building.
"The first burst of the interior, in all its expansive majesty and glory: and, most of all, the looking up into the Dome; is a sensation never to be forgotten." - Charles Dickens, 1846
To say the interior of St. Peter's is impressive would be an understatement, as it is perhaps the largest church in the world. Covering an area of 5.7 acres it has the capacity to house over 60,000 people inside it.
One of many domes with exquisite detail - it was truly spectacular and no photo could ever capture the magnificence of this church - neither the colours, size or opulence
Wherever we looked there were more works of art, sculptures, gold and marble. We were astounded at how big it was and every inch contained a priceless treasure. We truly had never seen anything like it.
"The Pieta" c.1499 - Michelangelo masterpiece
"This is probably the world's most famous sculpture of a religious subject. Michelangelo carved it when he was 24 years old, and it is the only one he ever signed. The beauty of its lines and expression leaves a lasting impression on everyone. After Peter's Tomb, the Pieta Chapel is the most frequently visited and silent place in the entire basilica." (S.Peter's Basilica website)
"This is probably the world's most famous sculpture of a religious subject. Michelangelo carved it when he was 24 years old, and it is the only one he ever signed. The beauty of its lines and expression leaves a lasting impression on everyone. After Peter's Tomb, the Pieta Chapel is the most frequently visited and silent place in the entire basilica." (S.Peter's Basilica website)
One of the many painted domes in this amazing church
Altar and worshippers at the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament - a quiet place to reflect and pray
One of the lesser domes with a spectacular shaft of light piercing the shadows. Steve noticed it and we were really blessed to see it as the effect only lasted a few seconds. I didn't even have time to take a second photo.
Our first glimpse of Michelangelo's amazing dome - it truly was spectacular, especially with the light emanating through the windows creating an ethereal atmosphere
Bronze Statue of St Peter c.1300 - on this ancient statue his right foot has been worn smooth from pilgrims who traditionally stroke and kiss it.
(S.Peter's Basilica Website)
Sign for St Peter's Tomb
The Papal Altar and Tomb of St Peter was carved from a gigantic block of Greek marble which lay in Nerva's Forum until it was brought here. When I first saw this it brought tears to my eyes knowing that Peter, who had walked and talked with Jesus, was buried within metres of me.
Bernini's Baldacchino - sheltering the Papal Altar and the holy relics of St Peter and made of 927 tons of dark bronze which was removed from the Pantheon's roof in 1633 it is accented with gold vine leaves and stands 28.5 metres tall. Cherubs are repeated throughout the monument, giving the effect of the Arc of the Covenant.
The Great Dome - Michelangelo's Masterpiece - embellished with mosaic and stucco ornaments and with a circumference of 130 metres and 120 metres high it is adorned with two Latin inscriptions "From here a single faith shines throughout the world" and "From here is born the unity of the priesthood". The inscription around the base of the crown in Latin says "You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my church. To you I will give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven". Each letter is 2 metres high.
A gallery for people to walk around the dome is situated just above the base
and below the windows - they are dwarfed by the letters in the inscription
A gallery for people to walk around the dome is situated just above the base
and below the windows - they are dwarfed by the letters in the inscription
(S. Peter's Basilica Website)
The Confessio - lit by the eternal flames of 100 lamps - preserves the tomb of St Peter and is located immediately under Michelangelo's beautiful dome - the centre of St Peter's Basilica. Peter's sepulchral chamber is located at the bottom of the exedra.
Gold inlaid ceiling in The Tribune Apse above The Chair of St Peter
The Tribune Apse containing the Altar of the Chair of St Peter. The stunning window in the centre is made of Alabastar and Bohemian glass divided into 12 sections as a tribute to the 12 Apostles. A brilliant dove is central to the window - the symbol of the Holy Spirit. It was fashioned to always shine as the brightest section of St Peter's, and always draws your eyes to its brilliance.
The 28.5 metre high Baldacchino Canopy under the Main Dome of St Peter's - this is directly above the Papal Altar and the ancient tomb of St Peter
Monument to Alexander VII - one of the most famous monuments in St Peter's
Intricate ceiling artwork and gilt decoration on two of the domes in St Peter's
Monument to Pius VIII - depicting Jesus Christ, Peter and Paul with a kneeling Pius VIII
The Alter of the Falsehood, depicting Ananias & Saphira from the Bible
Detail of one of the arches and showing statues and detail on the incredibly high ceiling
Intricate detail on the foot and gown of a statue in St Peter's
One of many smaller decorated domes inside St Peter's
The Majestic St Peter's Basilica - over 5.7 acres inside - with gold and marble everywhere you looked
Stunning artwork of Jesus' baptism by John in the River Jordan, and the gilt bapistry font which is still used each Sunday in St Peter's Basilica
The Door of Death - used as the exit for funeral processions.
It depicts the Death of Jesus in the top panel as well as scenes from the Bible and Popes at the time of their death. The doors are approximately 4 metres high.
The Door of Death - used as the exit for funeral processions.
It depicts the Death of Jesus in the top panel as well as scenes from the Bible and Popes at the time of their death. The doors are approximately 4 metres high.
A Swiss Guard - the official security of the Vatican City. We spoke to him for quite a while and he and his wife actually live in the Vatican City and he has been in the Swiss Guard for two years. Apparently they don't normally speak to anyone but he was very chatty, so we were very blessed!
The two of us outside St Peter's Basilica - very surreal!
Eye-catching curved corridor of 284 Doric columns and 88 pilasters of travertine marble - each 13 metres tall and arranged in four circular rows - surround St Peter's Square
St Peter's Square looking down towards the city - a very busy place for pedestrian use only. The Square is 240 metres across and laid out in cobblestones
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