St. Peter’s Basilica stands as one of the most famous structures in the world, drawing millions of visitors to the heart of the Vatican. This quiz covers the rich history, design, and art of this monumental Renaissance site.
You will see questions about the architects who shaped its famous dome, the masterpieces kept inside, and the historical events that took place here. Some questions focus on key dimensions, while others test your memory of its detailed design.
Once you finish, you can explore other famous landmarks, learn about sacred architecture, or read about the world’s most influential architects.
In which city-state is St. Peter’s Basilica located?
Vatican City
Vatican City
Madrid
Madrid
London
London
Paris
Paris
Whose tomb is traditionally believed to be located directly beneath the high altar of the basilica?
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. James
St. James
St. Peter
St. Peter
St. John
St. John
St. Peter’s Basilica is considered a masterpiece of which architectural style?
Gothic
Gothic
Renaissance
Renaissance
Romanesque
Romanesque
Byzantine
Byzantine
Who is the head of the Catholic Church and traditionally celebrates major liturgies at St. Peter’s Basilica?
The Pope
The Pope
The President of Italy
The President of Italy
The Prime Minister of Italy
The Prime Minister of Italy
The Mayor of Rome
The Mayor of Rome
What material was primarily used by Gian Lorenzo Bernini to create the famous baldachin over the high altar?
Wood
Wood
Marble
Marble
Gold
Gold
Bronze
Bronze
Who designed the soaring dome that defines the exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica?
Donatello
Donatello
Raphael
Raphael
Michelangelo
Michelangelo
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Who designed the monumental square located directly in front of the basilica?
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Francesco Borromini
Francesco Borromini
Donato Bramante
Donato Bramante
Michelangelo
Michelangelo
Approximately how long did it take to complete the construction of the current St. Peter’s Basilica?
140 years
140 years
160 years
160 years
120 years
120 years
100 years
100 years
Which famous sculpture by Michelangelo is housed inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
The Last Supper
The Last Supper
Pieta
Pieta
David
David
Moses
Moses
Approximately how high is the top of the lantern on Michelangelo’s dome from the floor of the basilica?
370 feet
370 feet
400 feet
400 feet
460 feet
460 feet
430 feet
430 feet
Who was the original architect chosen to design the new St. Peter’s Basilica for Pope Julius II?
Alberti
Alberti
Bramante
Bramante
Borromini
Borromini
Palladio
Palladio
The twisted columns of Bernini’s baldachin were inspired by columns traditionally said to have come from the Temple of which biblical figure?
Solomon
Solomon
Moses
Moses
David
David
Noah
Noah
In what year did construction begin on the current St. Peter’s Basilica?
1526 AD
1526 AD
1546 AD
1546 AD
1506 AD
1506 AD
1486 AD
1486 AD
What object is held by the statue of St. Peter in the square, symbolizing his role in the Catholic Church?
Staff
Staff
Sword
Sword
Keys
Keys
Book
Book
What is the primary architectural floor plan shape of the current St. Peter’s Basilica?
Tau Cross
Tau Cross
Celtic Cross
Celtic Cross
Latin Cross
Latin Cross
Greek Cross
Greek Cross
Which architect was responsible for extending the nave and designing the final façade of the basilica?
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Carlo Maderno
Carlo Maderno
Domenico Fontana
Domenico Fontana
Giacomo della Porta
Giacomo della Porta
What is the main type of stone used in the construction of the exterior façade of the basilica?
Granite
Granite
Travertine stone
Travertine stone
Limestone
Limestone
Obsidian
Obsidian
Roughly how large is the interior floor area of St. Peter’s Basilica?
243,000 square feet
243,000 square feet
123,000 square feet
123,000 square feet
203,000 square feet
203,000 square feet
163,000 square feet
163,000 square feet
What is the name of the bronze chair of St. Peter located in the apse of the basilica?
Cathedra Petri
Cathedra Petri
Bernini’s Baldachin
Bernini’s Baldachin
The Holy Doors
The Holy Doors
The Vatican Grottoes
The Vatican Grottoes
Where are visitors allowed to climb to get a panoramic view of Rome and the interior of the basilica?
The colonnade roof
The colonnade roof
The floor mosaics near the altar
The floor mosaics near the altar
The Papal balcony
The Papal balcony
The dome’s lantern balcony
The dome’s lantern balcony
Which Roman Emperor commissioned the original basilica built on the site of St. Peter’s martyrdom?
Charlemagne
Charlemagne
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius
Augustus Caesar
Augustus Caesar
Constantine the Great
Constantine the Great
What color stone disk is set into the floor where Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD?
Blue Lapis Lazuli
Blue Lapis Lazuli
Green malachite
Green malachite
Red porphyry
Red porphyry
Yellow jasper
Yellow jasper
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