St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is one of the world’s top ten landmarks, as voted by Trip Advisor’s Travelers' Choice Attractions Awards.
According to Trip Advisor, “Winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for landmark and park attractions worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.” They were based on millions of reviews and opinions travelers left on the site.
One such review described the experience inside St. Peter’s Basilica, which ranked fifth in the list, as follows: “When you walk into the dome and the light shines through the windows and catches all of the gold, the building begins to glow.”
Designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world. Construction of the present basilica began in 1506 and was completed in 1626. It is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites.
The list of awards includes 25 landmarks. There are two others from Italy: Siena’s Cathedral at number 18 and Milan’s Cathedral at number 19.
“We defined landmark as a historically, architecturally or culturally significant attraction, and they are typically owned or run by a governmental or non-profit organization. Registered national historic landmarks and UNESCO sites are also included,” Trip Advisor has explained.
Earlier this year, Trip Advisor released a list of the Top Ten Hotels, as part of its annual Travelers Choice Awards, and of the Top Ten Islands.
