Few institutions conjure up such images of grandeur, mystic, and religiosity as the Vatican. The independent city-state of Vatican City is not only a power house of modern religion, it’s also a hotspot for unmatched art and architecture, boasting works from some of Italy’s most famed artists.
Today, we’ll take a closer look inside the Vatican and dissect its stunning interiors. We’ll also make our way inside St. Peter’s basilica and gaze upon this holy church’s wealth of artistic talent and history.
What does the Vatican church look like inside?
When wandering inside the Vatican, you will eventually stumble upon St. Peter’s Basilica: one of the 4 major basilicas in Rome. As such, it boasts an incredible interior design that reflects the work and talent of Italy’s creative geniuses.
Today, we’ll go on a journey through time to dissect the Vatican church’s interiors, artwork, and historical and cultural significance. The architecture of this place remains in near perfect condition and attracts millions of visitors a year, and for good reason. Stoic yet serene, the Vatican church has earned its place among the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Entering St. Peter’s Basilica
No amount of research can prepare you for the feeling of entering the St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time. The vast ceilings rain streams of light onto the colorful, marble flooring. The St. Peter’s Basilica interior tickles your senses as you are almost taking out your body.
The Renaissance and Baroque architecture is anything but understated, its rich colors and bold features making a lasting impression on everyone who walks through the Holy See’s gates.
Art and Architecture
The Vatican’s spirited architecture is only half of its aesthetic charm. Many tourists also flock to the inside of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica to see their extensive art collections. While you may have seen their exquisite works of art in postcards and art books, nothing compares to the real thing.
A few notable art pieces that can be found inside the Vatican are:
- Michelangelo’s “Pietà”: This 15th century sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus’ dead body on her lap. Meant to show the tenderness of a mother’s love and sadness of Christ’s story, this marble depiction has become world famous for its emotional intensity and expert craftsmanship.
- Bernini’s Baldachin: Crafted from bronze and exquisitely detailed, the St. Peter’s Baldachin is one of the most stunning canopies you’ll ever come across. While baldachins are usually carried above popes’ heads on holy occasions, this one marks the tomb of St. Peter, who Catholics believe was the first pope.
- The Dome: Featuring several notable biblical figures like St. John the Baptist, Saint Paul, and Christ’s apostles, this 133 meter (436 foot) tall dome is the focal point of St. Peter’s Basilica. The dome’s entire surface is covered in delicately crafted mosaics that give the church a golden sheen and lasting impression.
While these three magnus opuses are grand enough to see on their own, they’re not the only breathtaking art pieces and architectural features the Vatican boasts.
“The monument to Pope Alexander VII” is widely considered to be Bernini’s last great work. Made from various types of marble, it’s a hauntingly beautiful depiction of the head of the Catholic church surrounded by personifications of different papal values.
You’ll also come across a mixed media statue of St. Peter, his bronze body sitting effortlessly on a marble throne. You will notice that his right hand has been built to be raised in a way that makes it seem as if he is giving blessings, and his protruding right foot is worn thin by the touch of all the people who performed pilgrimages just to do so!
Chapels and Tombs
The serene atmosphere, potent as a space for reflection and prayer is also created through the existence of almost 100 tombs located within St. Peter’s Basilica.
One of the many examples is Tomb of the Julii. It is located underneath the basilica and belongs to the Vatican Necropolis. It is well marked through a stunning gold mosaic that depicts the sun god Apollo, rising his chariot and framed by green wine leaves.
The Vatican also holds various chapels with their own personal, intricate altars, serving as spaces for prayers. Although not a part of the basilica but rather, attached as an extension to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is known more for its illustrious artistic expression through Michelangelo’s painted frescoes.
Pictures of inside the Vatican church
The Madonna della Pieta statue by Michelangelo.
The Baldacchin canopy designed by Bernini.
The interior of the basilica’s dome, which is considered to be the largest in the world.
The bronze statue of St. Peter with its flattened right foot.
The nave (central aisle) of the church which makes the basilica the longest church in the world. ì
Can you take pictures inside the Vatican?
We assure you that cameras are allowed inside the church, so you can take personal pictures to commemorate your special visit!
How to go inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
St. Peter’s Basilica makes up the central core for Catholocism, which as you can imagine, pins tremendous significance onto the church. With every artistic and architectural detail being very carefully decided upon, and having taken years to complete, the spiritual importance of the holy space increases when layered with its aesthetic visuals.
This unique combination of art, architecture and religion makes St. Peter’s Basilica a must-see for any visitor!
Although you can enter the church for free, the long lines can be quite discouraging. Consider taking a guided tour to skip the line and fully enjoy everything the basilica has to offer.
Inside Vatican City
Oftentimes, the ‘Vatican’ is used as an umbrella term for all the components that make it up. Therefore, it is easy to get confused about what really is inside Vatican City. It doesn’t just comprise of St. Peter’s Basilica; instead, visitors can choose to see:
- The Vatican Museums: The extensive collection of art and artifacts put together by the Catholic Church.
- The Vatican Gardens, which create a surreally beautiful atmosphere to delve into, with its tree-lined paths, beautiful fountains and historical buildings.
- The Apostolic Palace, which happens to be the residence of the Pope.
- St. Peter’s Square, which serves as a massive entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica and has a spectacular design by Bernini.
- Offices of the Holy See, such as that of the Secretariat of State and the Congregations.
Your experience at Vatican City can be holistic as well as sacred, by visiting most of what the city-state has to offer. You can contact Walks Inside Rome at [email protected] to learn about different tour options that group and highlight various spaces of the Vatican.
