St. Peter’s is officially known in Italian as “Basilica di San Pietro”. It is one of the most prominent buildings in Vatican City (Rome) and one of the four major basilicas of Rome.  It is possibly the largest church building in Christianity holding over 60 000 people, 5.7 acres.  It is the burial place of many popes including: Pope Clement XI and Pope John Paul II (most recent).  It is also the holy burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.  He was also the first Bishop of Antioch, and the First Bishop of Rome. 


St. Peter’s is not the Popes’ officially ecclesiastical seat, but it is the principal church and many Papal ceremonies are held there (many because of it’s size and location).

The first part of St. Peter’s construction was in 64AD.  The construction continued and finished (in 349AD), but many new parts were built over the old.  The construction of the new Basilica started in 1506.  Pope Nicolas ordered to restore and enlarge the church, and Pope Julius II continued with these plans.  There may have been many changes, but St. Peter’s Basilica still draws in many people from around the world. 

Burials:
Pope Clement XI
Pope John Paul II
St. Igngtius of Antioch
Queen Christina of Sweden
James Francis Edward Stuart
Recently discovered: 4th century tomb of the Julii

(over 100 tombs)