The High Altar is placed at the center of the basilica exactly on the place designated by tradition to be the location of St. Peter’s tomb. Recent archeological finds have confirmed that. On top of the altar is the grandiose bronze canopy of Bernini with its four twisted columns. High above both is the immense dome by Michaelangelo. The dome rests on four colossal pillars. There are many relics inside the pillars – the lance of St. Longinus which pierced the side of Jesus, relic of St. Helena, mother of Constantine, and the head of St. Andrew. Under the papal high altar a circular flight of steps goes down toward the level of the old Constantine Basilica.

       Behind the altar is the chapel of the “Chair of St. Peter” work by Bernini in gilded bronze into which is incorporated a round golden stained glass window. This is the chapel where we most often attended daily mass.