St Peter’s Basilica at twilight in the Eternal City of Rome by Silva Wischeropp

This fascinating night-time photograph of St Peter’s Basilica was taken on 24 August 2007 using a long exposure during the blue hour (photography) with a NIKON D70 (lens: SIGMA 18.0–50.0 mm f/2.8).

This night-time photograph of St Peter’s Basilica is so special because it showcases the monumental Renaissance architecture through striking light-and-shadow contrasts and state-of-the-art lighting in a way that daylight never could. Whilst during the day Rome’s glaring sunlight often makes the contours appear flat, the darkness transforms the basilica into a majestic work of art made of pure light and deep shadows.
As the photo was taken shortly after sunset, the warm, golden tones of the illuminated façade and dome contrast perfectly with the deep, cool blue of the evening sky. This colour contrast magically draws the human eye.
St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican (Italian: San Pietro in Vaticano) in Rome, commonly known in German-speaking countries as St Peter’s Cathedral due to its size and significance (also Basilica Sancti Petri in Vaticano, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Basilica or Templum Vaticanum), is the memorial church of the Apostle Simon Peter. It is situated within the territory of the independent State of Vatican City and is one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome.

St Peter’s Basilica is the largest of the papal basilicas and one of the largest and most significant churches in the world.

Since Pope Benedict XVI relinquished the title of Patriarch of the Occident (or of the West) in 2006, St Peter’s has been referred to as the Papal Basilica.

Since the end of the 14th century, the popes have resided near St Peter’s Basilica. However, it is neither the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome nor the highest-ranking Roman Catholic church building – both functions have been held by the Lateran Basilica since time immemorial.