Rome, Italy
Sights
Coliseum
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
Piazza Navona
Piazza Venezia
Roman Forum
Ancient Rome
Pantheon
St. Ignazio

Hints and Tips
Accomodation
Restaurants
Travel in Rome

St. Peter's Basilica is allegedly built on the site of St. Peter's Tomb. The modern church was started in 1506 by Pope Julius II. it took more than a century to build. Many great architects of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque helped including Bernini (the Baldacchino - the canopy above the main altar), and Michelangelo (designed the 132.5m high Dome).

On the right as you enter is the Pieta by Michelangelo. This was created in 1499 when Michelangelo was 25. It represents a young Mary with the crucified Jesus. At the far end of the Basilica on the left is the Monument to Pope Alexander VII. It was made by Bernini and represents the Chigi pope with Truth, Justice, Charity and Prudence. Along the main axis of the Basilica are markings to show the lengths of other great religious buildings in the world.