6 overwhelming and surprising facts about St Peter’s Basilica

Fact 4 is difficult to believe until you see it with your own eyes!

Visitors to St. Peter's Basilica often remark that they felt overwhelmed and utterly amazed by their first experience of the massive church in the Vatican. This is understandable for first-time visitors, but when you hear the opinion from a specialised tour guide that he is able to learn something new each and every time he gives a tour, you then can appreciate how infinitely complex and layered is the basilica. It is no ordinary church, nor a mere tourist attraction. 

Nabil Chamoun, one of the most knowledgeable tour guides of St Peter’s Basilica, and now with Viva Roma Tours  says he “never gets tired of giving tours or talking about it to pilgrims and visitors.” In fact, he believes that the daily tours he gives help deepen his faith.

This sentiment is echoed in the comments about the tours of the basilica left by both Catholic pilgrims as well as visitors of all religions and Christian denominations.

What is it about St Peter’s Basilica that makes it so extraordinary?

1-    Did you know that this is not the original Basilica of St Peter?

2-    Did you know that St Peter’s Basilica is the biggest church in the world?

3-    Did you know that St Peter’s Basilica has the highest church dome in the world?

4-    Did you know that all the paintings that you see inside St Peter’s Basilica are not actually paintings? They are mosaics, created by the mosaic studio inside Vatican City State.  A special private tour of that mosaic studio which includes a closed area to the public in St Peter's Basilica, can be arranged for you by Viva Roma Tours!

5-    Did you know that Bernini’s Baldachino above the Papal altar in St Peter’s Basilica is as high as a 10-story building?

6-    Do you know why Michelangelo chose to sculpt the Pieta in that particular, unusual style? And what inspired his design for the face of Mary?

Come explore the answers to these questions, and so much more, with Roots in Rome and Viva Roma Tours.

Join us for a once in a lifetime tour of a place that is not just beautiful, but in a way or another,  a life-changing experience!