Michelangelo’s Pietà, Protected by glass since an attack in 1972, the Pieta was created in 1499 when Michelangelo was only 25.

Inside chapel of St. Sebastain

Tomb of Matilda of Canossa, also by Bernini

Altar of St. Jerome shows a replica of Domenichino's Last communion of St. Jerome. Next to the 93-year old saint, St. Paul can be seen bending to kiss his hand

Altar of the Transfiguration shows a replica of the last work of Raphael. Jesus, bathed in light, is borne aloft between Moses and Elijah

Altar of the Falsehood shows the punishment of the couple who lied to St. Peter; Saphira who fell on the ground and two young men carry the dead body of her husband, Ananias (near top right)

In the centre of the basilica is the giant dome & the high altar. The statues on both sides are Saint Veronica (left) and Saint Helen (right)

Bernini's 29m high Baldacchino is supported with 4 spiral columns made with bronze taken from the Pantheon. It stands above St. Peter’s tomb

Underneath Baldacchino is the crypt where St. Peter is reputedly buried.

Michelangelo's dome soared 119m above the high altar, was not completed in his lifetime. You can take a lift up there.

Saint Helena holding the True Cross and the Holy Nails, by Andrea Bolgi

Saint Longinus holding the spear that pierced the side of Jesus, by Bernini