The World’s Largest Church: A St Peter’s Basilica Audio Tour with Context

Every step in St Peter’s Basilica reveals new layers in the Vatican City’s history. It was here, in the open countryside, that Emperor Caligula built a lavish villa for his mother Agrippina in the first century. And it was here that Emperor Nero held a circus in a large elliptical stadium where the Basilica now stands.

On this walking tour with art historian, author, and Context Travel expert Valentina Ansuini, you’ll hear little-known tales and fascinating facts about the world’s grandest church.

Starting in St Peter’s Square, you’ll find out about the church’s creation, and how it became the symbol of religious devotion and architectural splendor that it is today. You’ll see the chapel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture, and the atrium of St Peter’s Basilica. With Valentina’s help, you’ll gain new insights into the statue of St Peter, and the tombs of Pope John Paul II and Pope Alexander VII.

You’ll then have the choice to ascend the dome of St Peter’s Basilica where you’ll hear from Frank Dabell, a Context Travel expert, professor and art historian. You’ll find out about the clashes of artistic vision when Michelangelo’s towering dome was embellished with Bernini’s Baroque aesthetic.

You’ll even learn a local Roman secret: The Pope repurposed bronze from the Pantheon so Bernini could finish crafting his masterpiece!

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Admire the architectural marvel that took centuries to complete, and stands as a testament to the brilliance of luminaries including Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini
• Hear the heroic stories behind leaders immortalized in this monument, from the very first pope, Saint Peter, to the 20th century Pope John Paul II
• Discover the meaning behind the four niches housing the big statues of saints
• Climb up the dome, if you choose, to enjoy a panoramic view that brings Rome to life
• Learn how Gianlorenzo Bernini’s mission to decorate the interior of the Basilica involved hiring a team of over 200 artisans for 20 years
• Connect the dots between the huge obelisk in the middle of St Peter’s Square to the terrible persecutions carried out by Nero, and Peter the Apostle’s death
• Unlock the secrets hidden in the bronze door cast by Filarete, where the history of Christianity – including the martyrdom of Saint Paul and Saint Peter – are etched in timeless splendor

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of St. Peter’s Basilica, where every corner tells a story and every step echoes with the footsteps of history’s monumental characters.

Please note that the Pietà will be closed for viewing until the end of September 2024