About St. Peter’s Basilica

In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine commissioned the construction of a basilica on the site where St. Peter was buried. The basilica was completed in 329. Over time, it fell into disrepair. What Pope Julius II decided was to demolish this structure and replace it with a brand new basilica. Construction on the new church began in 1506. 

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is an example of Renaissance architecture. It is known to be built over the burial site of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome. Considered one of the holiest sites in the Christian world, the basilica was constructed between 1506 and 1626. It was designed by some of the greatest architects of the time, including Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

Today, the basilica serves as a symbol of Renaissance architecture and an important site of pilgrimage. It is not a cathedral, as it is not the seat of a bishop. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral church of Rome. Make no mistake as St. Peter’s Basilica is far more than just a significant landmark of the Christian world. 

It is a treasure within Vatican City, where Popes have preached the word of God to the world. A focal point for millions of visitors each year, the basilica is also a cultural, historical, and architectural landmark, containing treasures from centuries of history, including artwork, sculptures, and relics, among other things.