St Peter's Square - Vatican (UNESCO WHS)

© Giancarlo Gasponi

Sent by Rita during the Sede Vacante period

"The Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its centre is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. The basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world, the fruit of the combined genius of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderno." In: UNESCO

Basilica of St. Peter - Vatican

On my Erasmus period in Italy, I was able to visit the Vatican and the St. Peter's Basilica. Unfortunately, I just had time to see the church and the crypt, no time for the Museum and the view from the top of the Basilica... Maybe next time...

"The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter officially known in Italian as Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is a Late Renaissance church located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world. It is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom" In: Wikipedia