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La Pieta, Vatican City

4.8
#6 of 49 in Things to do in Vatican City
Monument · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
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A masterpiece of Renaissance art and arguably one of the most moving sculptures ever created, Michelangelo’s La Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ. This statue is the most notable work inside Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo was only 24 when he carved this complex work of art from a single slab of marble. He chose to show the Virgin as a youthful woman in repose, rather than the older, grieving Mary of most other works on the same subject. Unique among Michelangelo’s sculptures, this is signed as his own, allegedly to prevent viewers from confusing his work with that of a competing sculptor. Legend has it that Michelangelo broke into the church after finishing his work and hurriedly chiseled his name into the sculpture before anyone noticed he was there. Make La Pieta a centerpiece of your Vatican City vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Vatican City trip planner.
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La Pieta reviews

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4,602 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • Well worth the wait in line to see the sculpture. As soon as you enter the basilica, it's on your right. The church is stunning. 
    Well worth the wait in line to see the sculpture. As soon as you enter the basilica, it's on your right. The church is stunning.  more »
  • The statue was made by Michaelangelo and is to the right of the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica once you enter. It was very tough to get a close look due to the crowds and the crowds never... 
    The statue was made by Michaelangelo and is to the right of the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica once you enter. It was very tough to get a close look due to the crowds and the crowds never...  more »
Google
  • One of the most beautiful sculpture you will ever come across in your life. The details are so intricate that not a 3D printer can make a copy of it. Really, a marvel in history.
  • Michelangelo's first sculpture and the only one he signed, located inside Saint Peter's Basilica. The sculpture is behind glass thanks to the efforts of a whacko with a hammer back in 1972. There are multiple guides that point out interesting details of the sculpture and I would suggest that you read those and perhaps have notes ready so that you can fully appreciate the momentous work of art. You can't miss it and it is well worth a visit when you're here at the Basilica.

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