St. Peters Cathedral

This massive church, technically the second largest church in the world*, can accommodate 60,000 worshippers and covers an amazing 5.7 acres. Facing the beautiful St. Peter's Square--which is actually elliptical in shape--the basilica rises 453 feet to the top of its expansive dome.

Leading up to the basilica are two 18-foot statues of the two patron saints of Rome, Peter and Paul. Although the view of the massive dome dominates the sensory impression as you approach the basilica. Designed by Michelangelo, the dome was not completed until 1590, 26 years after his death. The double dome is constructed of brick and has an interior diameter of 138 feet. And in case you have a quiz coming up: The dome's shape is parabolic rather than hemispherical, with interior support from dramatic ribbing that act like buttresses absorbing the structure's weight.

Walking along the lengthy nave there are thirty-nine evenly spaced niches housing statues of saints. In the far corner is the large bronze statue of St. Peter Enthroned, with his foot polished brilliantly by the many thousands of hands that have touched it over the years. Down the right aisle is the famous Pieta by Michelangelo, the depiction of Mary holding the body of Jesus in her lap after the crucifixion. Further along are several monuments to popes and one to Queen Christina of Sweden who abdicated her throne to become Roman Catholic. Just beneath the Altar of St. Jerome lies the glass-encased body of Pope John XXIII. And finally, at the intersection beneath the massive dome is the baldacchino, a monument and altar containing the holy relics of St. Peter.

Circumscribing the baldacchino are four massive piers that structurally support the dome. At the base of each pier is a large niche holding a statue, each representing one of the four major relics housed in the basilica. The actual relics are not displayed, except during Holy Week, and are not authenticated by the church. They are alleged to be the veil of St. Veronica, a piece of the True Cross, the spear that pierced Jesus' side while on the cross, and, of all things, St. Andrew's head.

No tour of the basilica is complete without visiting the lower crypt that contains the tombs of many saints and popes, and including the first pope, St. Peter himself. Be sure to also head to the top of the dome for some spectacular views of St. Peter’s Square and Rome beyond.

*The largest church in the world is actually in, of all places, the middle of nowhere Cote D’ivoire.