St. Peter's Basilica Reviews (Rome, Italy)

Even the a doubting Thomas can't help but be impressed

Barrow in Furness, United Kingdom

August 20, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo We visited the Vatican, or more specifically St Peter's Basilica, because it's expected, I mean who goes to Rome and doesn't see the Vatican? I'm not the religious type at all, so it wasn't Catholicism which took me there. When we eventually found ...Read more We visited the Vatican, or more specifically St Peter's Basilica, because it's expected, I mean who goes to Rome and doesn't see the Vatican? I'm not the religious type at all, so it wasn't Catholicism which took me there.

When we eventually found it (you might think that's easy, but that's a tale for a story review) and walked though into St. Peter's Square, I almost turned back. The queue looked horrendous, and I thought we'd be there for hours. But after a minute or two I noticed that people were continually walking in the queue, so we decided to join the end. And sure enough, the queue which looked to be a least an hour long moved up quickly, and within 10 minutes we were at the scanners.

Here you have to walk through an airport style scanner, and your bag has to be scanned by an x-ray machine. While were were walking through this queue system, the big screens came on and the pope was displayed, presumably giving a sermon. I thought it must have been recorded, but since then other people have mentioned that the pope is at the Vatican on a Wednesday, which was the day we went, and there were an awful lot of people in the square who stopped to watch.

After security you can then move onto the basilica, but first there is another stop with guards refusing entry to people dressed in shorts, or women with shoulders on display. Luckily we knew about this and my daughter had a long dress in her bag, and we both took chiffon shawls which had been used for a wedding. Other people weren't so lucky and had to go back out and buy shawls/wraps from vendors near the Vatican.

Next comes the wow factor. I defy anyone to be unimpressed by the interior of the basilica, lavish paintings and carvings cover just about every inch of the inside, and that is a vast area. There are tombs of several popes on display. Not being religious I cannot say why these particular popes were chosen for this honour, however I know at least one was a saint, Pius X, because there is a school named after him close to me.

For some the extravagance with all the gold, marble and expensive woods will be somewhat of a travesty, I am one of those people, however I cannot help but be amazed at the detailed work of the artists.

For those with faith, there was an area for prayer, and there was a mass being held during the time we were there. Close

From journal Roma in August

A familiar sight on television but great to see.

by alanmack37

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

October 25, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo I have been to St Peter's square three times now. Once with friends when backpacking, once on a tour bus and once by myself. Every time i have went, even though i have seen it before I come back and spend hours walking gazing in amazement at the ...Read more I have been to St Peter's square three times now. Once with friends when backpacking, once on a tour bus and once by myself. Every time i have went, even though i have seen it before I come back and spend hours walking gazing in amazement at the beauty of the spectacular buildings, the baroque statues and the area.

If youre travelling within the city, St Peter's square is a good walk away from the other sights so the best way to travel is using Rome's underground. I travelled from Termini station to Piazza San Pietro subway station, and having also travelled on a tour bus it is the quickest way to get here. If you prefer the views you can get an all day ticket on the city sightseeing bus which departs regularly from Termini station, however i prefer for a direct and quick route to travel by underground.

On departure from the exit of the underground station for St Peter;s square i found myself in maddening crowds approaching the square there are a number of souveneir stalls and street vendors selling all kinds of expensive wares. You find yourself in Vatican City and you are actually in a new country, one that is historic and the only country where latin is the main language.

St Peter's square is amazing a large open aired terrace where the buildings of the Vatican and the Basilica are sandwiched in the background. This area takes awesome photographs and you will recognise it from the many television broadcasts that the Pope makes throughout the year. There is a massive queue to get into the visitors area of the Vatican and also is quite expensive to get in so i didnt go to that part. I just found it amazing to tour the area and read the many tourist definitions that are listed throughout the various parts. The St Peter and Paul statues are amazing and so beautiful to see up close.

There are beautiful 8 metre length fountains to the right of the square and also several amenities such as a post office and reservations office. If you want to tour the Vatican you have to book in advance and then again spend a long time waiting in line just to get in. There is also a need to book in advance to the Scavi office to see St Peter's tomb. However for myself just to be in the area and walk around was quite magical. It is beautiful on a sunny day and also at night where it is all illuminated and picturesque.

A word of warning, if you intend to eat in the Vatican area be prepared for a very large bill as like all tourist areas it is very expensive.

I would view this as one of the most spectacular sights of Rome, well worth a visit. Close

From journal la dolce vita in roma

Breath-taking

by Meggysmum

Oxford, United Kingdom

September 16, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo Vatican City is a small sovereign state within Rome that contains the residence of the Pope. In the centre of Vatican City stands the amazing St Peters Basilica.St Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic Church in the world. It took over 120 ...Read more Vatican City is a small sovereign state within Rome that contains the residence of the Pope. In the centre of Vatican City stands the amazing St Peters Basilica.

St Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic Church in the world. It took over 120 years to build as was eventually consecrated in 1626. The statistics for this building are amazing and it is said that it can hold 60000 people for a mass. Entry is free but there are masses on Wednesday and Sunday when the area is very crowded.

You approach St Peters across the enormous St Peter’s Piazza. The stunning columns dominate the front and the intricate dome looks like it is actually a little too small for such an impressive structure. Visitors to the Basilica have to have a bag search similar to an airport and are then subjected to a clothing check. Respectful attire must be worn at all times and entry will be refused (we saw several people turned away) if your shoulders are uncovered, your knees are not covered or your clothes are generally too revealing. Men must remove their hats. If you arrive and realise that you have shorts or a strappy top there are plenty of people wondering around just outside the Vatican City gates who sell colourful scarves which will allow you to cover up. The queue moves extremely quickly. Don’t be tempted to use your mobile phone inside or take your scarf off or you will be rapidly escorted outside.

Nothing can prepare you for the sight that greets you as you enter the Basilica. I have seen hundreds of churches and cathedrals but this magnificence of the decoration and the pure scale of this one is breath-taking. The marble sculpture, the mosaic pictures, the excessive gilding and the gorgeous floor tiles are everywhere you turn. One of the best sculptures is that of Michelangelo’s Pita which is found in a niche on the right as you enter. The dominating feature as you walk down the central nave is the baldachin canopy over the papal alter that was designed by Bernini. This consists of four twisted brass columns supporting the flamboyant canopy and it stands over 26ft high. The tomb of St Peter is here and this is also the burial site for many of the Popes.

The light flooding through the dome is a beautiful spectacle and because there are no paintings in here you are welcome to take photographs.

It is very difficult to comprehend any idea of scale once you are inside, there is a frieze down the centre and the lettering is well over 6ft high but it doesn’t look anywhere near that big. Down the centre there is a list of the largest churches in the world and their distance and size in relation to St Peters.

There is not a square inch of this Basilica that is not ornately decorated and a visit to its wonderfully cool interior is a welcome break from the heat and the hustle and bustle that is Rome. Whether you are religious or not this is definitely a place worth visiting.
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From journals Historical Italy, Italian Delights

So impressed!!!

by Zhebiton

Moscow, Moskva, Russia

July 20, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo The Cathedral is beginning to hit, if I may say so, even in the street Via della Concilliazone, laid in the days of Mussolini. Even until you see the famous grand square with a colonnade of Bernini, the huge cathedral impresses by its size and ...Read more

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Mother of All Churches

by MagdaDH_AlexH

Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom

December 2, 2009

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Best of IgoUgo St Peter's is, arguably, the mother of all Christian churches. The Protestants or Orthodox might disagree, but St Peter's, albeit in a different physical guise, was standing at its site over a thousand years before Luther nailed his theses to the ...Read more

From journal Rome the Eternal

St Peter's - Pope's General Audience - Free Tickets

by JEFF NUNES

Cambridge, Massachusetts

October 17, 2009

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For anyone who is planning a first time visit to Rome and Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest daily free event offered just about anywhere. Visits are open to the general public of any or no religious denomination. All you have to do ...Read more

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by smezatu2009

Near Edinburgh Scotland, United Kingdom

June 14, 2009

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visiting St Peters Basilica, getting the lift to the height of the Saints , then climbing 322 steps , the view is mind blowing, the Pietta, you can only marvel at the intricate work, it renders a fEeling of sadness, a tour of the catacombs finishing ...Read more

St. Peter's

by Lindy27

Manhattan, Kansas

December 12, 2008

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On our second day in Rome we visited St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Even though I am not Catholic I recommend these to anybody visiting Rome. The Basilica is absolutely gorgeous and huge. We got there around 6am and had the whole ...Read more

From journal Roman Holiday

St. Peters Basilica

by fionademp

London, United Kingdom

June 6, 2008

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St. Peters Basilica You must visit St. Peters. I would advise that you visit it after having been to the Vatican museums but do pay it a trip. It is beautiful. We didn’t spend long here but it is worth seeing. The Piazza San Pietro is a perfect ...Read more

From journal Rome in September

St. Peters Basilica

by mlmeredith

St. Louis, Missouri

August 16, 2007

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For Catholics it's a pilgrimage. But the beauty of St. Peter's transcends Catholicism, with art and sculpture by the likes of Michelangelo, Bernini, and countless others.As a "non-affiliated" Protestant, I'll sidestep the theological aspect and just ...Read more

From journal First Time to Italy

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St. Peter's Basilica

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