Left Transept


The light-filled left transept of the basilica, with its gilded stucco ceiling, is a large chapel that is not open to tourists or the curious. Here there is silence, prayer and devotion. The center altar was dedicated to St. Joseph, Mary's husband, and blessed by Pope John XXIII on 19 March 1963. An ancient sarcophagus on the altar contains the relics of the apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus.

All the Masses in the Basilica are celebrated here except for Sundays and holy days; Holy Communion is given if requested. The faithful come here to pray, or wait their turn for Confession, the sacrament of reconciliation and peace.

On Good Friday, Pope John Paul II joins the other fathers and hears confessions.

An ancient tradition maintains that this part of the Basilica which rises over what was once Nero's Circus is the exact site of Peter's martyrdom. On the basis of this tradition a fine marble altar was built here, with a mosaic reproduction of Guido Reni's painting of the Crucifixion of St. Peter, head down. The famous composer, Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594) is buried nearby in a lead coffin.

Opposite the altar is a mosaic made to a drawing by Comeccini (1771-1844) portraying St. Thomas, who confused and repentant about having been skeptical, touched Jesus' wounds.