This ancient statue of St. Peter, portrayed as he gives a blessing and preaches, while holding the keys to the kingdom of heaven is famous throughout the world. Some scholars have attributed it to Arnolfo di Cambio (1245-1302), but others believe that it is a V century casting.

The colossal statue of Saint Peter, like that of Saint Paul, was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846) for the new Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, rebuilt after the disastrous fire of 1823.

Feb 16, 2025 · In St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, pilgrims come to pay their respects to the bronze statue of St Peter. St Peter was the first Pope and rock of the early church, over whose tomb the basilica was built. But many wonder why do you touch St Peter’s foot?

Explore the Vatican Necropolis under the central nave of Saint Peter's Basilica, rich in ancient Roman and early Christian tombs. Here, you can retrace the ancient path leading to Saint Peter's tomb, deep within the foundations of the original basilica commissioned by Constantine.

St. Peter's is a church built in the Renaissance style located in the Vatican City west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian's Mausoleum. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome. The basilica is approached via St. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades.

The statue of St. Peter is iconographically faithful to the noteworthy pictures and sculptures of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; however, it especially expresses inspiration and sentiment, thereby showing the artist's reaction to the academic rigor of the era.

The grand facade of St Peter's Basilica is crowned with thirteen colossal stone statues. In the centre stands Christ the Redeemer (6 metres high), and you may be forgiven for assuming that he is flanked by his 12 apostles.

Explore the stunning statues within St. Peter’s Basilica. Learn the stories behind these Vatican masterpieces & immerse yourself in the heart of religious art.

At St Peter’s Basilica stands a statue of St Bruno, completed by sculptor Michelangelo Slodtz in 1744. It depicts St Bruno rejecting the position of bishop. St Bruno founded the Carthusian Order in the 11th Century, and is actually quite famous, with his image on display across Europe.

On the occasions of the feasts of the Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) and the Chair of Saint Peter (February 22), the statue is solemnly dressed in pontifical garments, ring, and triregnum.