how old is st peter's basilica
St Peter’s Basilica, in its current form, is about 400–420 years old, depending on whether you count from completion or from its dedication.
Quick Scoop
- Construction of the present St Peter’s Basilica began in 1506 under Pope Julius II.
- Major building work was essentially completed between 1615 and 1626.
- The basilica was solemnly dedicated on 18 November 1626 by Pope Urban VIII.
So, as of 2026:
- From the start of construction (1506): it is about 520 years old as a project.
- From completion (around 1615): it is about 410 years old.
- From dedication (1626): it is exactly 400 years old in 2026.
You can think of it this way: the “current” St Peter’s is an early 17th‑century church built on a 4th‑century site, so the site has been sacred for more than 1,600 years, but the present basilica itself is about 400 years old.
SEO-style meta description:
St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was built between 1506 and 1626, making
the present church about 400 years old in 2026, on a Christian worship site
dating back to the 4th century.
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