It was built on the site of an older early Christian basilica, founded by Emperor Constantine the Great. According to tradition, it stands on the burial site of St. Peter, whom Catholics recognize as the first pope. St. Peter’s tomb is located under the main altar, known as the Altar of Confession.
The Vatican Basilica is the second largest church in the world, with an area of 23.000 square meters. Larger than it is only the Basilica of Our Lady Queen Peace in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of Ivory Coast. This basilica is the largest church in the world, the tallest church in Africa, and the tallest Catholic church in the world - its total area is 30.000 square meters.
