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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 1.39mi , Attraction : Famous Square (Selfie spot)
Map Pin
WF24+VWR, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
POI 1 Tour Image
St. Peter's Square
Hey,
You found me.

Welcome to St. Peter’s Square, or, Piazza San Pietro, the heart of Catholicism and the perfect place to begin our Jubilee pilgrimage.

This vast square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century to embrace visitors in what he called “the maternal arms of Mother Church.”
Notice how the grand colonnades curve outward, symbolizing that all are welcome here – a powerful message for pilgrims arriving for the Holy Year.

This iconic square serves as the grand entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and is a central gathering place for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Even more so during the Jubilee.
Pilgrims from across the world flock here to pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, seeking spiritual renewal, indulgence, and a deepened connection with God.

Admire the impressive colonnades surrounding us, formed by 284 Doric columns and 88 pilasters, which create a sense of enclosure and embrace.

Look up and around us, atop the tall colonnades. The the statues?
These are saints, adding to the square's majestic atmosphere.

Can you guess how many of these statues surround us?


No less than 140 statues!


In the center of the square stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in the 1st century AD, and brought here in 1586 under Pope Sixtus V.
It has stood witness to countless historic moments and reminds us that the Church stands firm and unchanging through the ages.

Two fountains, designed by Bernini and Carlo Maderno, flank the obelisk, providing a refreshing visual and auditory element.
And, as you'll learn along the tour, almost every major landmark in Rome includes a fountain.
Yes, Romans love water.


Now look towards the Basilica.

That magnificent façade and Michelangelo’s great dome beyond, mark the burial site of Saint Peter himself, the first Pope and one of Jesus’ closest apostles. Another reason why this site holds such unmatched spiritual importance for Catholics worldwide.

As you stand here among the faithful, take a moment to reflect on your journey.
Why have you come? What are you hoping to leave behind, and what blessings do you wish to receive?

When you are ready, we will continue our pilgrimage towards the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

We'll meet at footsteps of the St. Peter's Basilica.

Read More

  https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/index_it.htm
Place #2
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Church (Selfie spot)
Map Pin
WF24+VG Vatican City
POI 2 Tour Image
St. Peter's Basilica
Step inside St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the holiest sites in Christendom.

This magnificent basilica stands on the site where St. Peter, one of Jesus's apostles and the first Pope, is believed to be buried.

Tradition tells us that this grand basilica is built directly above the burial site of Saint Peter, the same apostle whom Jesus called the Rock upon which His Church would be built.
After his martyrdom in Nero’s Circus nearby, Peter was buried here, and early Christians honored his grave.
Over time, his simple tomb became a place of pilgrimage.


Over centuries, the original basilica was replaced by the current structure, which involved the contributions of renowned artists and architects such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini.

The first basilica was constructed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.
However, by the Renaissance, it was in ruins, and so began the construction of the basilica you see today, spanning over a century from 1506 to 1626.

Look up at the magnificent dome, designed by Michelangelo when he was in his seventies.
It remains one of the largest domes in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, visible across Rome as a symbol of faith reaching towards heaven.

Did you know that the letters running along the base of the dome are each over 2 meters tall? They reed: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”


As pilgrims, this place holds special meaning, especially during the Jubilee.
One of the most sacred rituals is to pass through the Holy Door, which is opened only during a Jubilee year and stays open throughout that year.
Doing so symbolizes leaving behind sin and walking into the grace and mercy of God.
Pilgrims crossing the threshold with true repentance receive the Jubilee indulgence.

Inside, take note of Bernini’s Baldachin, the bronze canopy that marks Peter’s tomb below.
It stands nearly 30 meters tall, resembling an eternal altar over his remains.

Just beneath lies the Confession, where you can descend to pray closer to his resting place.

To your right upon entering is Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was only 24, depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus.
Notice Mary’s serene acceptance as she cradles Jesus’ lifeless body – a powerful image of sorrow and faith.

If possible, ascend to the dome, designed by Michelangelo, for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

Interesting fact: The basilica can hold approximately 60,000 people!
That's more than most football stadiums.


During Jubilee years, millions gather here to confess, pray, and celebrate Masses led by the Pope. It is an experience of unity and forgiveness that many describe as, life-changing.

As you explore this breathtaking basilica, take time to reflect upon your own spiritual journey.

When you are ready, we will continue onward through the holy streets of Rome, enriched by the prayers and faith of countless pilgrims who walked this path before us.

With our backs to the Basilica, let's exit St. Peter's square on the far right side. You can follow the route on our map.

Read More

  https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/index_it.htm
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 St. Peter's Square
Map Pin Place 2 St. Peter's Basilica
Map Pin Place 3 Santo Spirito in Sassia
Map Pin Place 4 Passetto di Borgo View Point
Map Pin Place 5 Castel Sant'Angelo
Map Pin Place 6 Chiesa Nuova di Santa Maria in Vallicella
Map Pin Place 7 Sant'Agnese in Agone
Map Pin Place 8 Piazza Navona
Map Pin Place 9 Pantheon
Map Pin Place 10 Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Map Pin Place 11 Chiesa del Gesù
Map Pin Place 12 Santa Maria Maggiore



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