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ST PETER BASILICA IN ROME

St. Peter's Basilica stands on the traditional site where the first pope, Apostle Peter was crucified and buried. St. Peter's tomb is under the main altar and since then many other popes have been buried in the basilica as well. St. Peter’s Basilica was originally founded by Constantine in 324, and was rebuilt in the 16th century by Renaissance masters including Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini.

In the 1st century AD, the site of St. Peter's Basilica held the Circus of Nero and a cemetery. According to ancient tradition, St. Peter was martyred in the Circus and buried nearby. Throughout the years his simple grave was remembered and visited by the faithful, and in 324, Emperor Constantine began construction on a great basilica over the tomb. The shrine of St. Peter is still the main focus of the church today. In the mid-15th century Pope Nicholas V decided that the old basilica should be rebuilt. Architect Bernardo Rossellino was asked to start adding to the old church. After a short while it was abandoned, but in the late 15th century Pope Sixtus IV had the Sistine Chapel started nearby.

- Where is St. Peter's Basilica: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
- How to get to St. Peter's Basilica: By Subway/Metro to Ottaviano Station on line A