Know all about Saint Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica, which is called “Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano” in Italian, is a large church in the Vatican City, in Rome, Italy. It is often called “the greatest church in Christendom”.

In Catholic tradition, St. Peter’s Basilica is believed to be the burial place of Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It is believed that Saint Peter was the first Bishop of Rome.

St. Peter’s is famous for many reasons:

• The pope, who lives at the Vatican, often says mass at St. Peter’s.
• Many people go there on pilgrimage.
• It is said to be the greatest work of architecture of its age.
• It has works by many famous artists including Michelangelo and Bernini.
• St. Peter’s is probably the largest Christian church in the world. It covers an area of 2.3 ha (5.7 acres) and can hold over 60,000 people.