St. Peter's Basilica Vatican City

Facade
Night view of the grand east facade of St Peter's Basilica, 116 m wide and 53 m high. Built from 1608 to 1614, it was designed by Carlo Modeno. The central balcony is called the Loggia of the Blessings and is used for the announcement of the new pope with "Habemus Papum" and his Urbi et Orbi blessing. The relief under the balcony, by Buonvicino, shows Christ giving the keys to St. Peter. The facade is topped by 13 statues of apostles in travertine... David Joyal all photos →

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the world headquarters of Roman Catholicism and one of the largest churches in the world. Founded by Constantine the Great in 324, it stands over the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle.

Location map of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Click to enlarge.
Aerial view of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Click to enlarge.

Quick Facts

Address
Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City 00120
Coordinates
41.9022220° N, 12.4533330° E map · aerial

Article Info

Page Title
St. Peter's Basilica
Added By
Holly Hayes
Date Published
October 8, 2013
Last Updated
September 29, 2023