Saint Peter’s Basilica
The magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica is without equal. One of the largest Catholic churches in the world, it’s considered both an iconic symbol of the city and the heart of Christianity. The work of Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno and Bernini among others, the cathedral overflows with Renaissance beauty. Guaranteed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, just don’t be caught wearing shorts (the dress code is strict).It was Pope Julius II who commissioned Bramante to build a new basilica. Built on the tomb of Saint Peter and the remains of a 4th-century church, it took more than a century for the cathedral to be completed. After Bramante died in 1514, construction stalled until Michelangelo took over at the age of 72; he didn’t live to see its completion. It fell to Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana to oversee the dome’s construction and Carlo Maderno to finish the project.Beyond its imposing architecture, it’s also well worth a visit for its interior features. Don’t miss Bernini’s enormous balachin, which hangs over the the papal and is one of the heaviest bronze objects in the world. The cathedral is also home to Michelangelo’s famed Pieta, sculpted when the artist was just twenty-four.
