Rome Basilica of San Pietro

With an area covering 22.067 square meters on 186 meters length, the Basilica of San Pietro is the most imposing work of art in the Vatican City and the undisputed symbol of Rome. The Basilica of San Pietro was enlarged over the centuries with the contribution of artists such as Michelangelo, Baldassare Peruzzi, Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Raffaello, Antonio Sangallo. It was completed in 1614 and opened in 1626.

The dome, 136 meters high with a diameter of 42, was the work of Michelangelo while the elliptic external piazza with flights of steps on three levels, and the quadruple colonnade connected to the basilica by two arms, is the work of Gianlorenzo Bernini.

The interior is divided in three principle naves with a series of chapels, including the Chapel of the Relics, the Gregorian Chapel and the Chapel of the Column where the famous "Pietà" by Michelangelo can be found. The apse houses the spectacular bronze pulpit created by Bernini.