2025 Vatican St Peter's - 7 Altars

While St. Peter's Basilica contains dozens of altars, including those in its side chapels, the specific practice of venerating "seven altars" within the basilica is a special Jubilee pilgrimage tradition. It is a way for pilgrims to accomplish the traditional pilgrimage of the Seven Churches of Rome without leaving the basilica. 

The seven altars are identified by a Latin inscription above them that begins with the phrase "Unum ex septem altare" ("One of the seven altars"). As you move through the basilica, you can follow them in sequence. 

Here is a list of seven altars that are venerated in the tradition:

• Altar of St. Jerome: This altar is decorated with a large mosaic depicting the Last Communion of St. Jerome, copied from a painting by Domenichino. It holds the relics of Pope St. John XXIII, who was canonized in 2014.
• Altar of St. Basil: Dedicated to St. Basil the Great, this altar features a mosaic altarpiece illustrating the saint celebrating Mass.
• Altar of St. Erasmus: Located in the right transept, this altar is dedicated to St. Erasmus, an early Christian martyr.
• Altar of St. Wenceslas: This altar is dedicated to the 10th-century duke of Bohemia, St. Wenceslas, and is also found in the right transept.
• Altar of St. Michael the Archangel: Featuring a mosaic of St. Michael slaying Satan, this altar is found in the ambulatory behind the main apse.
• Altar of St. Petronilla: Dedicated to St. Petronilla, a Roman virgin martyr, this altar has an altarpiece showing her martyrdom.
• Altar of the Lie (or Altar of the Punishment of Ananias): The mosaic here depicts the story from the Acts of the Apostles where Ananias and Sapphira are punished for lying to St. Peter. It serves as a reminder to clergy of their commitment to the truth. 

Other notable altars in the basilica

These should not be confused with the seven Jubilee altars:

• Papal Altar: This is the basilica's main altar, located under Bernini's massive bronze Baldacchino and directly above the tomb of St. Peter. Only the pope is permitted to celebrate Mass here.
• Altar of the Chair (Cathedra Petri): Located in the apse of the basilica, this ornate bronze and gold sculpture by Bernini encases the relic of St. Peter's chair.
• Altar of the Transfiguration: This altar features a mosaic copy of Raphael's famous painting of the Transfiguration. It is located in the Clementine Chapel and holds the body of Pope Innocent XI.
• Altar of the Presentation of the Virgin: This altar holds the body of Pope St. Pius X.
• Altar of St. Sebastian: Featuring a mosaic of St. Sebastian's martyrdom, this altar contains the body of Pope St. John Paul II.