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Which is the largest church in the world?

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Quick Answer

St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is usually named the largest church by interior size, though a basilica in Ivory Coast claims a larger total area.

The Full Story

St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is widely regarded as the largest church in the world, with an interior of about 15,000 square metres. It was built between 1506 and 1626, with contributions from great artists and architects including Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini. Its famous dome, largely designed by Michelangelo, rises about 136 metres to the top of the cross. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, completed in 1989, was modelled on St Peter’s and is sometimes listed as larger when its surrounding grounds are included. Around 20,000 people can gather inside St Peter’s at once.

Key Facts

1.St Peter’s is traditionally believed to stand over the burial place of Saint Peter.
2.Vatican City, where the basilica stands, is the smallest country in the world.
3.The dome of St Peter’s inspired domes such as St Paul’s in London and the US Capitol.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"120 years to build — inside the world’s largest church"