St. Peter's Basilica

Let’s take a look inside the city's tallest structure, St. Peter's Basilica. The majestic St. Peter's Basilica, the centerpiece of the Vatican and one of the best sites to visit, was erected between the 16th and 18th centuries, replacing earlier structures that began in 326 on what is supposed to be the site of St. Peter's burial. The work of notable painters begins even before you enter the church: over the main doorway is a Bernini equestrian figure of Constantine and pieces of a mosaic by Giotto. It, like the double bronze doors, is from an antique church.

This intricately built church, one of Catholicism's holiest locations, is capped by a regal dome and features interiors so grand they'll certainly leave you speechless. Wind your way through massive paintings and up to St. Peter's Baldachin, an extravagant pavilion-style canopy that looms over the high altar and was totally sculpted in bronze by the Baroque sculptor Bernini.

Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica: From 7:00 am to 9:00 am is the best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica when the security wait is still manageable. Between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the security queue is extremely long.