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 dwell on the beauty of this building, which is beyond belief. The cynical or disrespectful among us might deride the opulence of this facility, but compare it to almost any other building or work dedicated to a major faith could suffer from unfair assertions such as "why the expense? Why couldn't they...?"

The art work is spectacular! Michelangelo's Pieta is almost worth the trip to Rome all by itself. But the space itself has a certain communion about it. People of faith, curiosity seekers, art lovers and gawking tourists mingle (sometimes shoulder to shoulder) within the confines of one of the most significant pieces of architecture on the planet.

Don't miss it!

For more information, The Vatican has an excellent website: www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

The Vatican and St Peter's is the centre of Roman Catholicism, and St Peter's architectural matches its re-position. Its dome is one of the key features of the Rome skyline and it can be seen from many places across the city. Its grandeur is enhanced by the large Piazza that is in front on the Basilica, and is edged with a covered colonnade. At the centre of the piazza is a obelisk that is 13th century BCE and was moved to Rome in Nero's reign as emperor and later placed here.

The emperor Constantine had a church built here in around 330, but this was replaced as work began on the new basilica in 1506 and completed in 1623 with several architects, including Michelangelo being involved in its design. The result is a magnificent building that is considered the largest Church building in the world and has a capacity of over 60,000.

The interior of the building is elaborate and there is a sense of immense space. There are a great many statues and monuments, including Michelangelo's marble carved Pieta which is close to the entrance, but this has a protective glass shield.

There is free entrance into the basilica, however there are strictly enforced regulations about dress in that shoulders and knees must be cover. It is also possible to visit the tombs of the previous popes under the church, but I would probably skip it unless you are especially interested. Note if you do visit the grottoes the exit from this takes you outside the basilica, so make sure you explore the interior of St Peter's before you go. It is also possible to climb the dome for 5 euros, but there is often a long queue to do so, and so we skipped it.

The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, is open but it is as the sign states "Only those who wish to pray may enter" and thus it is a place of peace and stillness for many visiting Catholics. There are also regular masses said in St Peters several times a day - details can be found on the website www.vatican.va. And just for fun why not send a postcard from the Vatican City which is a separate country governed by the Pope. It has its own post office and you'll postcard will get a Vatican City postmark.

I'm not a Roman Catholic but I can appreciate St Peter's importance for millions of Catholics. But Saint Peter's is still an inspiring place that is well worth a visit no matter what your religious views are.

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is the largest church in the world and it is within the walls of Vatican City. It is a good idea to combine both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s in one day because both places are within walking distance of each other. When you reach St. Peter’s by Via della Conciliazione, you will enter the great square which is surrounded by majestic tall columns.

Walking across the square leads you to the entrance of St. Peter’s Basicila in which you’re required to wait in line for a good deal of time. I spent about an hour in line under the hot blazing sun and it wasn’t pleasant at all. The line was more of like a funnel – there’s no order whatsoever and people constantly try to walk in front of you to reach security which is a bit of an ordeal. After passing through security, you walk on your left to go inside the church. There are many monuments and sculptures inside the church including the great Michelangelo’s "Pieta," which is undoubtedly one of the greatest works of art. I learned in an art history class that Michelangelo was quite clever in terms of planning out that particular piece. In order for Mary to hold Jesus across her lap, he created massive folds under Jesus in order for Him to be supported without being overweight. Look closely at the details and you’ll be surprised! Admission inside the Basilica is free.

You can climb the massive dome of St. Peter’s (The Cupola) which requires you to climb many stairs, and it’s not a task for everyone. I didn’t get a chance to perform this feat due to time but it would have been awesome to experience one of Michelangelo’s last great works. It costs €4-€6 for the stairs/elevator to get to the dome. The Basilica is open from 9am to 7pm (6pm from October to March) and closed on Wednesdays for the papal audience.
If you’re not planning to visit the dome, the one thing you must do is visit the Papal Tombs which is near the line for the Cupola. It’s free of charge and you have the opportunity to walk among the tombs of many great popes including John Paul II. This is what we did instead and I am so glad that we didn’t miss it for the world. Whether you’re religious or not, you will have a feeling of awe and sadness at the same time. No photography is allowed down in the tombs out of respect for the deceased. I would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Rome, especially after a visit to the Vatican Museums.

Tip: The square is open-concept and it is often very hot, especially in the afternoons. Bring water and a hat with you to beat the heat while waiting in line!

St. Peter's Basilica was easily my favorite cathedral that we visited on our Italy tour. Walking down the center nave underneath the incredible dome is unbelievable. Then as you explore the art and niches along the side of the basilica you forget about the crowds and the heat, and are transported into the early days of the church. The highlight is definitely Michelangelo's Pieta, a stunning piece of sculpture.

Like everything else in Rome, it seems as though the designers were outdoing the last guy when it comes to size and beauty, and you get to go inside San Pietro to discover the winner.