St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, in the Vatican, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church built in the Renaissance style, located in Vatican City, the papal enclave, that is within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned by Pope Nicholas V, and then Pope Julius II, to replace the aging Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century, by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica, began on 18 April 1506, and was completed on 18 November 1626.

Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Saint Peter's is the most renowned work, of Renaissance architecture, and the largest church in the world, by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church, of the Catholic Church, nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, Saint Peter's, is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as, "holding a unique position, in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom. "

Saint Peter's, is famous as a place of pilgrimage, and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides, at a number of liturgies, throughout the year, both within the basilica, or the adjoining Saint Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences, numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. Saint Peter's, has many historical associations, with the Early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation, and Catholic Counter-reformation, and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building, of its age. Saint Peter's, is one of the four churches in the world, that hold the rank of Major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven, Pilgrim Churches of Rome.