Overview:

The Altar of the Chair of St. Peter in Vatican-City is the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. It is located beneath the Dome of St. Peter's, which is directly over the high altar. The altar is considered to be among the most sacred and important Catholic symbols, as it reminds the faithful of St. Peter's Papacy and his leadership of the Catholic Church. The Altar of the Chair of St. Peter is made of bronze and it contains the bone fragments of St. Peter that were found under the Papal Altar during excavations in the 16th century. The altar also contains two relics: a piece of wood believed to be from the chair of St. Peter and a gold cross that Pope Paul VI placed on the altar in 1964. The altar is the site where the Holy Father presides over the celebration of the Mass on Holy Thursday and on other special occasions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Altar of the Chair of Saint Peter, also known as the Kathedra Petri, is found in St. Peter's Basilica, within Vatican City. This altar is believed to contain the wooden seat, traditionally believed to have belonged to Saint Peter. Every year during the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29th), the Barberini Candelabrum is placed atop the altar, completing the scene. The altar has a prominent, semicircular shape, made up of mosaic pieces in yellow, gold and silver tones with the Chair placed centrally. The apse pieces feature an effigy of the Apostle standing between figures representing the Latin Church and the Greek Church, and there are also two images of the patron saints Peter and Paul. Directly beneath and around the Chair are richly carved ornaments fashioned in marble. Together, these components form a harmonious composition that clearly establishes the importance of the figures and the seat. The Cathedra Petri is one of the most prominent features of the basilica, and is considered a symbol of the papacy. As such, it is highly venerated by pilgrims and visitors, who often visit it as part of their tour of the Vatican City. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Altar of the Chair of St. Peter or Cathedra Petri is a finely carved white marble chair located in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It is believed to be the actual chair which was used by St. Peter when he served as Bishop of Rome. While the exact origin and age of the chair is not known, it was likely brought to St. Peter's Basilica in the late 4th century by Pope Sylvester I. The chair is believed to evoke great spiritual significance to many Catholics and it is the focal point of so-called "chair masses" which are held on the feast days of St. Peter and St. Paul. The altar is also visited by many faithful on the first day of the Catholic new year as it is a symbol of the unity of the Church. Throughout its history, the chair has been blessed and venerated by several Popes including Pope Leo X who was said to have kissed the chair after mass. Other notable venerations have been made by Pope Pius IX and Pope Paul VI. In 2013, during his inaugural Mass, Pope Francis also stopped to sit in the chair, praying in front of its altar. Today, the altar is a symbol of the unity of the Catholic Church as it serves as a reminder of the faith and teachings of St. Peter. Its grand display in the centre of St. Peter's Basilica serves as a reminder of the strength and continuity of the Catholic church. The altar is a place of solemn prayer and reflection to pilgrims and tourists who visit this significant complex. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Altar of the Chair of St. Peter was originally built by Pope Sixtus III in 440 AD. 2. It is now part of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and it is the oldest surviving major church altar in the world. 3. The altar is said to protect the seat of St. Peter, and is believed to have magical powers. 4. The design of the altar is believed to be inspired by Solomon's Temple, the temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem. 5. It measures five metres high and seven metres wide, and is decorated with statues, reliefs, and 36 large marble tablets inscribed with prayers and scriptures. 6. The altar is made out of precious and semi-precious stones such as marble, porphyry, and alabaster, and was repainted in the Baroque style by the artist Romano Mussolini in 1675. 7. It is believed that the gold-plated bronze chair located near the altar is the one that was used by St. Peter. 8. The altar is also home to a relic of the True Cross, which was placed at the altar in the 17th century by Pope Innocent XI. 9. In the year 2000, the altar was the site of the historic meeting between then pope John Paul II and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.