St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica is located in Vatican City, which is in Italy.

It is one of the largest, if not the largest church in Christianity. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral, and is often used by the Pope for his Papal ceremonies due to it's size and location.

St Peter's covers an area of 23,000 square meters (5.7 acres) and has a capacity of over 60,000 people. The only church that comes close to this size is Yamoussoukro.

The basilica was completed in 1626. Construction began in 1506. It is the burial site of Saint Peter, the namesake of the church. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica was designed by Michelangelo, who became the chief architect in 1546.

St. Peter's Basilica holds many valuable Roman time monuments and artistic works. Michelangelo's Pietà sculpture is located immediately to the right of the entrance.

The public are able to attend papal events at St Peters Square, and must purchase tickets to do so.
According to a St Peters website, to get tickets one must:
"Go to St. Peter's Square, find the Bronze Doors to the Apostolic Palace, and request them from the Swiss Guards"
Sounds like an adventure!

There is a dress code for visitors to the St Peters Basilica. It is strictly no shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts. Those arriving dressed as such are turned away.

Masses at St Peters - all in Italian

Daily
8:30 - Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Eucharistic Adoration until the 16:45 Benediction
9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 17:00 - Altar of St. Joseph (Left Transept)

Thursday
9:00 - For Pilgrims at the Altar of the Chair (Cattedra)

Sunday
9:00 - For the Parish of St. Peters
10:30 - Altar of the Chair (in Latin)
11:30 - Chapel of Blessed Sacrament
12:15 - Altar of the Chair
13:00 - Altar of St. Joseph
16:00 - Altar of the Chair
17:00 - Vespers at the Altar of the Chair followed by Mass
17:45 - Altar of the Chair