St. Peter's Basilica fromponte Umberto I, on theTiber. The iconic dome dominates the skyline of Rome.

St. Peter's Basilica at night fromVia della conciliazionein Rome.St. Peter's is a church in the Renaissance style located in the Vatican City west of the RiverTiberand near theJaniculum HillandHadrian's Mausoleum. Its centraldomedominates the skyline of Rome. The basilica is approached viaSt. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tallcolonnades. The first space is oval and the second trapezoid. The faade of the basilica, with agiant orderof columns, stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps on which stand two 5.55 metres (18.2ft) statues of the 1st-century apostles to Rome, SaintsPeterandPaul.[9][10]