Rome69
Rome69

St Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano)

It is the most prominent building inside the Vatican City. Its dome is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Possibly the largest church building in Christianity and has a capacity of over 60,000 people. One of the holiest sites of Christendom in the Catholic tradition, it is traditionally the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, first Bishop of Antioch, and later first Bishop of Rome. Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, ancient tradition holds that his tomb is below the baldachin and altar; for this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have been buried there.

Construction on the current basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed in 1626.