They display works from the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries: Vatican museums has more than 20,000 artifacts in display, from the glories of ancient Greece and Egypt to Middle ages Renaissance works. Admire pine cone courtyard, Egypt and Etruscan collections, glorious tapestries, Gallery of Maps, painted ceilings and large scale frescoes by Raphael.

The most visited chapel in the world, seat of the conclave and a fascinating place to admire Michelangelo's frescoes.

Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes, cardinals, and bishops have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period. St. 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 St. Peter's Square. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. St. 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.