It is the heart of Vatican City. Within is the grave of Saint Peter under the central altar. It arose in the begining of the IVth century on the place, where were Neron's circus, on the cemetery, near the circus place. In the IIth century abouve St.Peter's grave was built small chapel, but nowadays Basilica is ascribeing to XVI-XVII century's architects, Michelangolo designed the dome, Carlo Maderno - frontage, Bernini - colonnade.

Through ages Basilica's shape have been shanged at leats several times, but it's portret from Middle Ages endured on medals and cuttings. Acording the project of Bramante the Church had been greek's cross form, but finaly gain latin's cross form by Carlo Maderno, who designed it. He is one of the main author of nowadays Basilica. He gave the shape of latin cross, established church's approach(finished by Bernini). Basilica was consecrated in 1626 18th of November. From 1629 Bernini became the main architect of Basilica and had to attend about the architecture of the squere. The center od the squere was arranged in the XVI century, but Bernini the fountain, which was already redid by Carlo Moderno, modifyed shapes, designed one more fontain, built the obelisk among them, but the colonnade is ascribed as a masterpiece of Bernini.

Despite great number of architects this huge church looks like very harmonic, because every detail serves for the same reason - to express the importance of christianity. There are keeping four big relics - pieces of the St.Cross, Liongin's javelin, Veronica's wrap, St.Peter's brother's Andrew's head.

Central's nava's length - 186m, diameter - 84m, central altar looks like several floors house. When looking around see a lot of sculptures, pictures and other decorations... Basilica's architektual decor's meaning reveals during Mass, when is possible to see what for is need so huge church. Into the Basilica gathers coloful crowd, great number of bishops and cardinals. Altar always is decorated with wonderful composition of flovers, the greatest talents of thatdays play the music.

Every visitor should come up the dome and see the view of Vatican City and Rome from so hight. Also there is possibility to go down to the vaults of Basilica.