St. Peter's Symposium

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This three-hour itinerary, led by either a theologian, art historian, or architect, is designed to give you an in-depth knowledge of Saint Peter's Basilica, principle Church of the popes. As we walk down the via della Conciliazione, a 20th century urban construction that greatly altered the area, your docent will begin exploring the topography of Vatican hill and the historical precendents for the church that now stands there. We then progress through the square, designed by Bernini, to enter the basilica proper. Inside, we make a circuit through the church, guided by key artworks (the Pieta, the Baldacchino, etc.) focusing on the history of the Vatican in general and this basilica in particular.

We will then proceed to the Vatican Grottoes (Tomb of the Popes), which is situated between the floor level of the Constantinian Basilica and the nave of the modern Basilica. Giving us a sense of how the old Basilica was structured, we will also view and discuss the tombs of several Popes,

This three-hour itinerary, led by either a theologian, art historian, or architect, is designed to give you an in-depth knowledge of Saint Peter's Basilica, principle Church of the popes. As we walk down the via della Conciliazione, a 20th century urban construction that greatly altered the area, your docent will begin exploring the topography of Vatican hill and the historical precendents for the church that now stands there. We then progress through the square, designed by Bernini, to enter the basilica proper. Inside, we make a circuit through the church, guided by key artworks (the Pieta, the Baldacchino, etc.) focusing on the history of the Vatican in general and this basilica in particular.

We will then proceed to the Vatican Grottoes (Tomb of the Popes), which is situated between the floor level of the Constantinian Basilica and the nave of the modern Basilica. Giving us a sense of how the old Basilica was structured, we will also view and discuss the tombs of several Popes, including Pope John Paul II. In the remaining time, we will visit the often overlooked Treasury Museum, which displays some of the finest works of Christian art in the world.

To assist you in planning your trip to the Vatican, we have created an informative resources page - How to Tour the Vatican

This tour does not include a visit to the Scavi beneath St. Peter's. Visits to that site can be made through the Vatican Scavi office directly and are led by their own guides. You can email them at the following address: scavi@fsp.va

Keep in mind Context runs two other walks that cover the Vatican. Our Vatican Collections is a three hour walk that covers just the Vatican Museums and our Arte Vaticana is a four hour walk that covers the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.