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St Peters Dome - How to climb Michelangelo's masterpiece

By Elyssa Bernard  and Alessandro Bisceglie

March 17, 2024

If I can climb St Peters dome, you can, too! I love this climb and think it's one of the most special things you can do in Rome.

(Almost) anyone can do it!

Here's how:

Climbing the Dome of St Peters Basilica Everything You Need to Know

If you visit St Peters Basilica , one option once inside is to climb Michelangelo's dome ( cupola .)

On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about St Peter's dome including:

• What's it like to climb the dome of St Peters basilica, and what will you see?
• When is the best time to climb the cupola at St Peters?
• How to skip the line to St Peters dome
• Michelangelo and the dome - fun facts
• Practical info - location, cost, opening hours, etc.

No time to read the whole page?

You can climb the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica by purchasing a ticket for it from inside the basilica itself.

There is NO WAY to skip the line to climb the cupola of St. Peter's, as everyone must go through security to get into the basilica (although I have some tips for skipping that line on my YouTube channel .)

However, once inside the church, the line to purchase tickets and climb the dome is not that long. You'll find it just to the left of the entrance near the equestrian statue of Charlemagne.

Tickets cost 8€ if you go on foot or 10€ if you take the elevator / lift to the first level.

The lantern at the tippy top that affords the view in the photo at the top of this page is only accessible on foot.

Tour rating:

(4.6/5 stars)

What's it like to climb St Peters dome?

Going up inside St Peter's dome is an extraordinary experience.

You get to see St Peter's basilica in a whole new way.

Not to mention the stunning view you get of Saint Peter's square below.

Most people simply don't get to it, perhaps for lack of time, not knowing it's there, or fear it will be too strenuous.

I advise you to make time, and to at least visit the dome to the first level, which almost anyone can do.

First time in Rome?

This is the perfect Rome walking tour to get acquainted with the Eternal City!

climbing st peters dome to the first level

Fun fact 

Did you know nearly everything inside St Peters basilica that looks like a painting is actually a mosaic?

Look closely at the above photo!

Don't let the word "climbing" throw you off!

There are two parts to climbing St Peters dome: You can take the (231)  stairs or the lift/elevator to the first level, and wind up on the inside of  Michelangelo's dome .

This is so special, because you will be looking down on the inside of St Peters basilica from above, and, if you are lucky, you may hear some singing floating up to reach you.

When that happens, it's just magical!

From here, you can see right up close the mosaics that make up the dome's design. 

At this level, you can also walk out onto the roof of the basilica.

Here, you can go to the front and check out Jesus and the apostles . 

These are the statues you see on the roof of the basilica when you look at it from the square.

There is also a bathroom , a very small refreshment stand , and a gift shop .

Visiting St Peters dome in a Wheelchair

There is an elevator to the roof so if you are in a wheelchair , you can reach the first level.

There is a restriction however.

The elevator opens out onto the roof.

From here you can see the dome up close, but from the outside; move towards the front of the basilica and see this side view of the apostles (above); visit the restroom, snack bar and gift-shop.

To reach the inside of the dome, even at this level first level, there is a small staircase.

So depending on your level of immobility, you may not be able to access the inside of the dome. 

climbing all the way to the very top of st peters dome

As I said, there are two parts of a visit to the  cupola , or Saint Peter basilica dome.

The first part, above, can be reached by elevator (and a small staircase.)

So if you take the elevator, you bypass 231 steps, and it's NOT strenuous, exhausting or claustrophobic.

The second part is optional.

It means taking  the next 320 stairs  to the tippy top. 

Not only is there not an elevator , but you will find a narrow single-file staircase that slowly spirals up, with the roof sort of slanting in towards you as you go. 

And at the very end, as it gets narrower and narrower, you will have a corkscrew staircase , with a rope to hang onto ! (In my video, I show a rope but actually there is no longer a rope.)

It is definitely claustrophobic .

But, there are windows along the way so you will not feel totally closed in.

And the stairs to go down are in another part so you will not run into people on your way up.

I'm a bit claustrophobic and, hey, if I can do it, (just about) anyone can do it!

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

When is the best time to climb St Peters basilica dome

The best time of year to climb the dome.

The dome is open daily, year-round.

If you have a choice, you might choose Christmas -time, late afternoon, so you can watch the sunset from there.

And as a bonus, you can get this shot with the shimmering Christmas tree in Saint Peter's Square below:

Other than winter , you usually won't get a chance to see this view at sunset or by night.

The best time of day to climb st peters dome

As for time of day, the basilica was purposefully made to face east, which means the sun rises in front of it.

I like to climb St Peters dome first thing in the morning , especially in high season, because there is no line, and there are no crowds .

But that does mean a washed out photo.

So if you want a prettier photo , you will need to visit St Peters dome later in the day.

But usually that means more people, and longer lines.

But don't worry it's beautiful any time!

Best time during your visit to the Vatican to climb the dome

For most visitors to Rome, a visit to the Vatican means seeing the Vatican Museums (where the Sistine Chapel is), and also St Peters Basilica .

This takes about 3-5 hours, depending on the kind of visit you want.

Climbing the dome takes and additional half hour to an hour (including time spent at the top.) 

As for when to climb the dome during your visit, I suggest the following:

• If you visit the Vatican Museums , and are on a tour that takes the shortcut into St Peters Basilica , just stay inside the basilica when your tour is finished. You can then climb the dome. If the tour guide wants to take you outside the basilica to visit Saint Peter's Square , you can let them know you prefer to stay inside the basilica so you can climb the dome. Do NOT exit or you will have to wait in the huge security line to get back in.
• If you do not plan to visit the Vatican Museums , and will only visit St Peters basilica, I suggest visiting the dome before the basilica. This is because it's the most intense part of your visit energy-wise, and in any case, you come into the basilica when you exit the dome. But this is only a suggestion. You could certainly climb the dome after seeing the inside of the basilica.
• If you are visiting St Peter's basilica at 7am , my favorite time, the dome is not open yet anyway, so you will have to visit the basilica first. 
• If you are visiting the basilica during the morning or middle of the day , with plenty of time for visiting the dome, then I suggest visiting the dome after the basilica, so as not to have the sun directly overhead. It will be more comfortable heat-wise if you climb the dome in late afternoon, and also you will have nicer photos if the sun is behind you .
• If you are visiting the basilica later afternoon , then definitely visit the dome first, or you risk not getting in before it closes.

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Topics covered include:

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How to skip the line to saint peter's dome.

The entrance to St Peter's dome is to the left of the entrance to St Peter's basilica. 

(It used to be to the right of the entrance. In 2023, it moved to the left-hand side.)

There is no way to JUST visit St Peters dome .

You must get to the entrance either via the security lines in front of St Peters Basilica, or by visiting the Vatican Museums  or as part of a tour or by visiting  Saint Peter's tomb (this tour also ends inside the basilica.)

The ticket office for the dome is inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

It is not possible to book this in advance.

Payment is on site, with cash or credit card.

So  you CAN skip the line either to the Vatican Museums, or to St Peters Basilica .

However, in either case,  there is not actually a skip-the-line ticket just for the dome .

The lines/wait time will depend simply on what time of day and what time of year you come .

Obviously, the lines will be longest in high season and in the middle of the day .

Note also there are two lines, one for taking the lift/elevator partway, and the other for taking the stairs.

As you might imagine, the line for taking the lift will be longer and slower.

My number one tip for skipping the lines and avoiding the crowds!

Come to St Peters Basilica at 7am when it opens.

No lines, no waiting, no crowds.

Entry to the dome opens at 7:30 or 8am (this depends on who I ask), and you can go then, with nobody in front of you or behind you.

Quiet time!

Michelangelo and St. Peter's Dome

Fun facts about the dome of St. Peter's Basilica:

• The dome of St Peter's basilica is the  tallest dome in the world  at 136.57 meters (448.1 ft).
• Michelangelo took over as chief architect  of St Peter's basilica in 1547. He was 71.
• The original Saint Peter's Basilica was built in the 4th century under the emperor Constantine , and by the 1400's it was leaning to one side and in danger of collapsing. So Pope Julius II began to think about rebuilding it. Some of the best architects of the day were called to present designs, including Bramante , Raphael , and others. But in the end, it was  Michelangelo who came up with the final design , combining elements of his colleagues' designs, and improving them as only he could.
• One  model for the dome  was the Roman  Pantheon . When Michelangelo first saw the pantheon, he said it seemed more like the work of angels, not humans.
• Michelangelo  made his dome 1.5m (5 feet),  narrower in diameter than the Pantheon . He said “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.”

• Michelangelo died in 1564, and at that point the dome was only completed up to the drum. So he never got to see his design realized .
• In 1585, Pope Sixtus V ordered Giacomo della Porta  (one of Michelangelo's pupils, and himself a prominent architect) and Domenico Fontana  to complete the dome to Michelangelo's exact specifications. They finished it in 1590. Later,  Domenico Fontana added the lantern on the tippy top.
• In the early 1600's, Carlo Maderno (the nephew of Domenico Fontanta), was ordered by Pope Paul V to add a nave and facade . This is what you see when you stand in St Peter's Square looking at the basilica. As a result, Michelangelo's dome is barely visible from St. Peter's Square, and is best seen from a distance.

From St Peter's Square, you can barely see Michelangelo's dome because of the imposing facade.

Even just standing farther back from the basilica, almost outside the square, you start to get a better sense of the beauty of the dome.

Some of the best views of the dome of Saint Peter's basilica are from Rome's bridges. Then you can really see just how beautiful, and enormous, Michelangelo's dome is!

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

One of my favorite books of all time is Irving Stone's classic, The Agony and the Ectasy.

It's a biographical novel all about Michelangelo Buonarotti's life. I was so in love with this book that while I was reading it, I stopped half-way and went back to the beginning to start it again.

I just wanted to stay in Michelangelo's world a bit longer and absorb all I could of his passion and his genius.

Practical info about climbing St Peters dome

Costs to climb st peters dome.

Entry to Saint Peter's basilica is free.

But if you want to climb the dome, you must pay.

It costs 8 Euros to climb via the stairs, and 10 Euros to take the lift/elevator. 

There are  NO discounts  or passes for anyone.

You cannot use the  Roma Pass , Omnia Pass, Student ID, or any  other Rome city pass  to get a discount.

Hours of St Peters Dome

• From April 1  - September 30, the dome is open from 7.30 AM - 6 PM.
• From October 1 - March 31, the dome is open from 7.30 AM - 5 PM.

Those times are a bit arbitrary.

This is because it's up to the guards to decide when to start shooing people away and when to get serious about "everyone out!" (And even the opening time sort of depends on when the guards are ready.)

Last entry could be the stated closing time, or it could be around half hour before the stated closing time, depending on how long the lines are.

And to climb via the stairs, it's even earlier than that .

So give yourself a little leeway if you don't want to miss visiting St Peters dome.

Bottom line - try to make sure you get to the ticket counter at least an hour before the stated closing time so you are not rushed.

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What you need/what you should not bring to climb st peters dome

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

To climb St Peters dome make sure you are dressed properly.

And by dressed properly I mean two things:

• Dress appropriately! -  When entering a holy site, this means covered knees and covered shoulders . You will not be allowed into either Saint Peters Basilica or the Vatican Museums if you are not properly covered. (And this means you must be properly dressed to enter the dome too.) Both the basilica and the Sistine Chapel are holy places and they take the modesty dress code seriously. If you are not sure if your shorts or dress are long enough, wear something else. Sometimes they are a little lax but I'd err on the side of caution. Did you come all the way to Rome, and make your way over to the Vatican , only to be turned away?
• Be comfortable!  - I cannot stress enough how important it is to be comfortable when you sight-see in Rome. And by this I mean really comfortable shoes (and socks if applicable).

A few more things to bring/not bring:

• Don't bring large bags or backpacks . You will need to check them and anyway, it would be difficult to climb St Peters dome with something heavy. 
• Bring a camera but not a tripod ( not allowed .) 
• Bring a bottle of water .
• If you're like me, and you easily get low blood sugar, some kind of snack or protein bar .

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Visits to the dome of St. Peter’s

Table of contents

Climbing St Peter’s dome in the Vatican

Tickets for St. Peter’s Dome

Once you pass the security control and access the Basilica , you will finally see its architecture and magnificent works of art. From all the things you can do, we recommend one:  climb up to the dome in St Peter’s , the work of the genius, Michelangelo.

Short historical outline

The dome is the  symbol of the Church of Rome  and the “beacon” that draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the heart of Christianity. It was created by  Michelangelo  starting in 1546, during the papacy of Paul III, but it was interrupted upon Michelangelo’s death, at the height of the work.

15 years later, with Sixtus V, Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana were ordered to continue with the work for which they were given a lot of resources. As a result, after only 22 months, the work was finished, an event which was celebrated with a solemn mass and fireworks. In the following years, the facing and the lead lining were completed, and the golden bronze sphere, culminating in a cross, was placed.

What you will find – How to climb up St Peter’s Basilica’s dome

Once you enter the Basilica, walk forward a little and then look right: you will see the  sign “Cupola”.  Follow the sign until you reach the ticket office, together with a lift which goes up to the dome.

You have 2 options:

1. Climb all the way by foot (551 steps) 2. Take the lift and then climb the rest on foot (320 steps)

The decision is yours. Many consider that the small difference in price is worth it to avoid the initial exhausting section. In addition, there is not much to see.

If you take the lift, you will reach an  interior balcony  which is actually the base of the dome. Here you can stop calmly and look at the great dome, the beautiful mosaics or the beautiful perspectives of the inside of the Basilica from above.

From here, you can start to  climb the spiral staircase  which leads up to the upper area, or go down a few steps to  a terrace  where you will find bathrooms, water fountain, a souvenir shop and a café. From the terrace, you can see the Piazza and the upper statues.

If you climb the spiral staircase, hold your breath and prepare for a climb through a narrow space  only livened up by some small windows which provide views of the outside. The climb takes around 10 minutes.

Once at the top, the icing on the cake: the  spectacular 360º views  of St Peter’s Square , the Vatican Gardens and the city of Rome.

There is another staircase for the way back down. The experience can be done in an hour.

Practical information

From October 1st to March 31st – from 8:00 to 17:00 From April 1st to September 30th – from 8:00 to 18:00

More tours & tickets – The dome of St. Peter’s

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Scritto e letto da Pietro Zander

The dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica was conceived and built up to the drum by Michelangelo Buonarroti and brought to completion, after the death of the Master, by the architect Giacomo della Porta, who worked there alongside Domenico Fontana from 1588 to 1590, raising the dome in just 22 months thanks to the tireless work of 800 labourers. The dome, “double-shelled with a cavity”, then taking on an ogival shape, slenderer than the initial design. On 18 November 1593, the large gilded bronze sphere surmounted by the cross, the work of Sebastiano Torrigiani, was placed on the spire of the lantern. Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605), in terminating the grandiose construction project, wished to commemorate the work carried out by Pope Sixtus V in an inscription on the ring at the end of the lantern: “s. petri gloriae sixtvs pp. v. a. mdxc pontif. v” (“To the glory of Saint Peter, Pope Sixtus V, in the year 1590, the fifth of his pontificate”).

On the mosaic frieze at the base of the dome, the words: “tv es petrvs et svper hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam et tibi dabo claves regni caelorvm” (“You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven”, Mt 16:18-19) are written in large blue letters on a gold background.

Pope Clement VIII had Michelangelo’s superb dome covered with highly refined mosaic decoration by numerous mosaicists under the direction of Marcello Provenzale between 1598 and 1613. The surface of the dome (about 3000 square metres), subdivided by ribs into sixteen wedge-shaped compartments with pre-ordered fields and spaces, was entirely covered with images on a background of a golden sky of stars. Proceeding from top to bottom, we recognize the following figures: 1. The Eternal Father with outstretched hand in a gesture of blessing; 2. Seraphim; 3. Angels; 4. Cherubim; 5. Angels (some with symbols of the Passion); 6. Redeemer, Saint John the Baptist, Our Lady, Saint Paul and the Apostles; 7. Patriarchs and Bishops.

The inner dome of the lantern reaches a height of 117 metres, while the cross at the top of the dome is over 133 metres high.

© Fabric of Saint Peter

See information to visit the Dome

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St Peter’s Dome: How to Climb Vatican Rooftop & What to Expect?

• In Plan your visit Things to do

St Peter’s Dome is – unsurprisingly – found in St Peter’s Basilica. But did you know that you can actually climb it for stunning views of Rome? Well,  fun fact – you can!

In this guide, we will help you navigate this part of Vatican City so that you can maximize your experience!

First, however, we recommend you check out this full guide to visiting the main attraction which is the actual Basilica located in St Peter’s Square.

Once you have worked out the logistics for your trip, read on to find out more about the St Peter’s Basilica Dome!

• 1 St. Peter's Basilica Dome Architecture
• 2 What's Inside St Peter's Basilica Dome? Things to See
• 3 Who Designed St Peter's Dome Rome?
• 4 How To Climb St Peter's Basilica Dome?
• 5 What To Expect From The View From St Peter's Dome
• 6 St Peter's Basilica Dome Facts You Probably Won't Hear From Your Guide
• 7 Tours to Consider
• 8 Tips For The First Time Climb Dome St Peter's Basilica
• 9 St Peter's Basilica Dome Hours – Best & Worst Time To Visit
• 10 Where To Buy St Peter's Basilica Climb Dome Tickets?
• 11 St Peter’s Basilica Location & How To Get There
• 12 Closest Hotels You Can Book Today nearby
• 13 Frequently Asked Questions
• 14 Conclusion

St. Peter's Basilica Dome Architecture

The dome of St Peter’s Basilica is an often overlooked attraction.

Many people visiting the Vatican City make their way through the museums to the Sistine Chapel . Then, they’ll cross St Peter’s Square for a quick look at this amazing church.

However don’t forget to look up when you are in the square – St Peter’s Basilica top of the dome is where you will want to head to gain stunning views over the Vatican rooftops and beyond into Rome.

The architecture of the Basilica is simply stunning – the amazing facade is truly eye-catching, and it is surpassed only by its glorious interior and atrium with columns and statues galore.

But take time to check out the St Peter’s Basilica Dome exterior too. It was designed by Michelangelo and stands at 41.5 meters in diameter. This surpasses even the Pantheon in terms of width! It weighs a whopping 14,000 tons and is supported by four huge piers.

Amazing to think they constructed it without any modern machinery!

What's Inside St Peter's Basilica Dome? Things to See

If you think the dome of St Peter’s Cathedral is eye-catching from the outside, wait until you get in.

From the floor of the main Basilica look up and take in the beautiful patterns. The Dome of St Peter’s has become a symbol of the Vatican City, instantly recognisable across the globe, and gives pilgrims a feeling of “home” whenever they see it.

Below its beautiful width the attractions of the church are on proud display – the huge atrium, its numerous chapels, altars and bronze gilded doors.

Who Designed St Peter's Dome Rome?

The dome is often referred to as the Michelangelo Dome of St Peter’s Basilica.

That’s because – to no surprise – it was designed by Michelangelo himself. Construction was completed in 1590 and it has been standing proud against the Roman skyline ever since.

How To Climb St Peter's Basilica Dome?

Now to the fun part – how do I get up there? How many steps to the top of St Peter’s Dome?

Well, this climb is not for the faint-hearted. There are 551 St Peter’s Basilica stairs to top the structure!

An average person can climb the structure in about 15-20 minutes, although it can take longer if you get stuck behind a tour bus of retirees!

Don’t worry however, there is also an elevator – if you add just 2€ to your ticket of 8€ you can take advantage of a little boost to the top!

What To Expect From The View From St Peter's Dome

Expect everything! The view is simply amazing. You will be rewarded for the struggle to climb the stairs as soon as you reach the top with stunning 360-degree views of the Vatican City and Rome.

St Peter’s Square is laid out before you, as are the often secretive Vatican Gardens. Then the rest of Rome’s amazing landmarks lay before you in tiny glory!

St Peter's Basilica Dome Facts You Probably Won't Hear From Your Guide

• As you head to the first floor of the Saint Peter’s Dome you will be surprised with artwork – but don’t be mistaken that they are pictures. They are actually intricate mosaics!
• You will get striking views of the interior of the Basilica as you make your way up to the top of the Vatican cupola!
• There is a gift shop and a toilet – as well as a little drinks kiosk – at the top.

Tours to Consider

Fancy doing it as part of a tour? It’s not a bad idea – you will hear lots of interesting facts about St Peter's Basilica as you go.

Here are a few of our favorite:

• €49 tour that includes the dome and the Tomb of St Peter. Book here
• €39 tour with an art historian – including the dome and overview of the sculptures and mosaics on display in the basilica. Book now here
• €39 tour which includes the Dome and the Papal tombs! Book here

Tips For The First Time Climb Dome St Peter's Basilica

• Bring water – even if you take the elevator – you never know when you will get stuck in a queue, or when it will become unbearably hot.
• Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes – and flip flops are a great idea for climbing back down.
• Ensure you respect the Vatican Dress code in general – but certainly, for going up the stairs you won't want to be wearing a short skirt or see-through clothing.

St Peter's Basilica Dome Hours – Best & Worst Time To Visit

How about an early morning visit to the Dome in order to catch the spectacular sunrise over Rome?

We find that 7am to 9am is a great time to head to the Basilica – as the majority of the tour groups don’t enter until at least 9am. Head straight up to the dome right then – there will hardly be anyone there!

For the rest of the day it is usually teeming with visitors, but you could hang off until 4pm and sneak in right before the end of the opening hours.

Where To Buy St Peter's Basilica Climb Dome Tickets?

St Peter’s Basilica Dome Skip The Line Tickets are a farce!

Everyone has to queue up for security checks anyway – so don’t buy them. It is also free to enter the church so don’t get duped.

However, you do need to get St Peter’s Dome tickets to climb or use the elevator to the dome. You can’t get these online – make sure you visit the kiosk to purchase your ticket right there.

St Peter’s Basilica Location & How To Get There

Wondering where is the dome of St Peter’s? Well, you will find it in the Vatican City.

Head off on Metro Line A and get off at Ottaviano-S. Pietro – The Vatican City is a short walk from there.

Closest Hotels You Can Book Today nearby

Residenza Paolo VI offers amazing views from its terrace of St Peter’s Square. It is so close it is practically in the Vatican! Expect to pay around €200 a night in the peak season for a double room.

The Best Western Plus Hotel Spring is one for those who want to stick to what they know at a reasonable price. If you need to spend a few hours working remotely or just want the comfort of a chain hotel, this one's for you – and it's located right beside the Vatican.

The Eccelso Hotel offers awesome decor as well as a prime location about 1.5kms from the Vatican. It is also reasonably priced, at around €100 a night!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who painted the dome of St Peter's Basilica?

Michelangelo is credited with the design of this beautiful dome.

How tall is St Peter's Basilica dome?

136.5 Meters - it is the world’s tallest!

Is St Peter's Basilica dome free to visit?

YES - so don’t get duped into buying tickets.

Can you climb St Peter's Basilica dome on Wednesday mornings?

Usually not - the Papal Audience is usually held Wednesday mornings, so the Basilica is closed at this time.

Can you climb St Peter's dome on a Sunday?

Yes you can!

How long did it take to build St Peter's dome?

It took 150 years to build the dome and the basilica!

How hard is it to climb the dome of St Peter's Basilica?

It's pretty hard - but don’t worry - you can skip half of the steps by taking the elevator.

How long does it take to climb St Peter's Dome?

It will take about 20 minutes to climb the dome.

Make sure you do not miss out on this attraction when you are visiting St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City! All you need to do now is secure your skip the line tickets to the Vatican Museums and you are sorted!

Fanny, a devoted art enthusiast and world traveler, has been exploring Vatican City’s treasures since 2012. As the founder and chief editor of the Visit Vatican blog, she’s dedicated to sharing the finest cultural and historical experiences of this iconic destination.

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How To Climb St. Peter’s Dome

Sean Finelli Last Updated: February 28, 2023

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit. It is home to many beautiful and important works of art, including the beautiful La Pietà, Michelangelo’s famous marble sculpture. But did you know that you can also climb St. Peter’s Dome and enjoy some gorgeous views? Here’s how to climb St. Peter’s Dome.

Pro Tip:  Planning your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our  guide to St. Peter’s Basilica  for more planning resources, our  popular St. Peter’s Basilica tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to see in the basilica .

You definitely want to climb St. Peter’s Dome. We have even arranged a special tour dedicated to St. Peter’s Basilica and its jaw-dropping dome! Our new Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb is the perfect tour for anyone who wants the full St. Peter’s experience. You can also add the Vatican to your experience .

If you want to climb St. Peter’s Dome on your own, this article will help you reach your goal! We’ll start with a quick step-by-step guide on how to climb the dome, followed by some additional information you’ll need. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• St. Peter’s Dome hours
• How to get tickets to climb St. Peter’s Dome
• 6-step guide to climbing St. Peter’s Dome
• Guided tour options
• How to get there

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a St. Peter’s Dome climb is worth it .

St. Peter’s Dome Hours

St. Peter’s Dome is open to visitors all day, but closing times do change slightly depending on the seasons.

• 1st April – 30th September: 7:30 am – 5 pm
• 1st October – 31st March: 7:30 am – 5 pm

How To Get Tickets To Climb St. Peter’s Dome

If you’re not interested in a guided tour, you can purchase your tickets to the dome at the ticket kiosk. As mentioned above, the entrance is to the right of St. Peter’s Basilica. Follow the arrows until you reach the little ticket kiosk. You have two choices with different prices:

• On foot for €8: This is the cheaper option, where you climb 551 steps in total to get to the top. If you enjoy some physical activity, go for this option. It is a great walk and it gets exciting as you start nearing the top of the dome and the passages become narrower and narrower. There is also something rewarding about climbing all those stairs, and reaching the top for the ultimate view!
• By elevator (plus a few steps) for €10: This is slightly more expensive, as you get to swoop up the majority of the climb in a modern-day capsule! If you are unable to walk a lot of stairs, or just don’t feel like the climb, this is the best option. You’ll still have to take a few stairs at the end, but it beats 551 of them.

Please note: The ticket office does not take cards, so be sure to bring cash with you. If you go all the way into St. Peter’s and don’t have cash, you will need to leave to withdraw money and re-enter through security all over again.

Popular Vatican Tours

Best Selling Tour

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. It enters the Vatican City & Museums an hour before the public opening and visits the Sistine Chapel as it opens. Admissions are included and our English-speaking guides do a wonderful job bringing the museums to life!

Top Rated Tour

Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tour with Papal Tombs

Get the most out of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica by joining a guided tour up to the top of the tallest dome in the world! Our tour includes all admissions including an elevator to the highest possible point and an English-speaking guide.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Vatican tours to take and why.

6 Steps To Climbing St. Peter’s Dome—Pun Intended!

Step 1: avoid wednesdays.

Don’t plan on climbing the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica on a Wednesday. The Papal Audience takes place on Wednesdays, which could complicate things.

Step 2: Get There Early

Get to St. Peter’s Square early. We recommend arriving around 8 am, so you won’t have to wait in a long security line or the line to climb the dome.

Step 3: Go Through Security

Enter the Basilica by going through security, which is located in the right-hand side colonnades as you enter the square. You’ll see some fencing and metal detectors. Don’t worry, you can’t miss it.

Step 4: Find the Entrance to the Dome

When you walk up the stairs to go inside the Basilica, walk through the largest archway and look straight ahead. You’ll see an area on the right-hand side of the Basilica with some fences. If you arrive at 8 am, there should be no lines. You’ll see visible signage that refers to climbing the Dome.

Step 5: Take the Elevator

Pay for the elevator! It only costs about €4 extra, €10 total, to take an elevator most of the way up. You’ll bypass a few hundred of the 551 steps, which will make your visit less exhausting.

Step 6: Enjoy the View!

Enjoy the view at the top! After you take the elevator and walk up the steps, you’ll find yourself at the top. Take lots of great photos and enjoy your time. There is even a bar to get coffee on top of the Basilica!

St. Peter’s Basilica Tour Options

We can’t stress enough how worth it climbing St. Peter’s Dome is ! We take the guesswork out of the dome climb with our St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb tours. Check out our tour options below. Also, don’t forget to check out our Vatican Museum tours.

Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb And Tour With Papal Crypts (2 Hours)

In this tour, you’ll go from the very top of St. Peter’s Basilica then down to the bottom. Meet your guide at the basilica and then head straight up to the dome before the large crowds arrive. After taking in the incredible view, you’ll go into the church for a guided visit. Then, descend into the Papal Crypts below.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour (5.5 Hours)

This tour begins by climbing up to St. Peter’s dome, followed by a tour of the church. Then, your guide will lead you to the Vatican Museums where you’ll see all its treasures, including the Sistine Chapel.

How To Get To St. Peter’s Dome

Where is St. Peter’s Dome?

The St. Peter’s Dome is easy to find. Just head to the famous St. Peter’s Basilica and you’re there! Once you get to St Peter’s and have gone through the security gates, face the church. There are a few entrances you can walk through. To the right, you will see an entrance with a green sign that says “Dome Entrance”. From there, follow the arrows to the ticket kiosk.

*If you’ve just taken a Vatican Tour and ended at St. Peter’s Basilica, this is the perfect activity to finish off your Vatican experience. Especially because, if you’re on our tour, you’ll have skipped the lines and security gates, and can simply head straight to the dome!

Who Built St. Peter’s Dome?

Short Answer: Michelangelo built the dome and Donato Bramante designed the Basilica supporting the dome. For more info on the dome and its construction, check out St. Peter’s Basilica: Facts and History .

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it .

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Comments (8).

May 31, 2017

Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

June 2, 2017

I live in Rome since a year and i haven’t been to the top of Saint Peter’s Doe yet… What a shame

Fantastic beat ! It looks like there’s an amazing view of Rome from there 🙂 it’s gonna be on my things to do in Rome list

June 3, 2017

Aw, this was a really nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to produce a great article… thanks for sharing i need to see the Vatican!

February 2, 2018

WRT the ending point made that if one is finishing a tour and can skip the lines and “…can simply head straight to the dome” – would another ticket still have to be purchased?

February 6, 2018

Hi Matthew, the ticket to access the Dome isn’t included in our Vatican tour so you would have to purchase the ticket for this separately. However, you will be able to access the Dome directly from St Peters Basilica after your tour and therefore avoiding the long queues in the square. The views are spectacular and definitely worth it 🙂

September 1, 2022

How do I buy advanced ticket to go up to the dome (non guided tour)? All the advanced ticket I can find online are tours only. Their “official” website is absolutely useless.

October 5, 2022

So there is no way to purchase advanced tickets to the dome since there is no timed entry. You have to buy in person at the little ticket office. It’s 10 euros if you want to also use the elevator past the first 231 steps. Totally worth it. Have fun!

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St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Tour: here’s everything you need to know before your visit

• November 29, 2019

In the middle of Vatican City lies the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica and iconic St. Peter’s Square. This is one of the many awesome attractions in the Vatican , arguably its most famous one. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about our St. Peter’s Basilica dome tour.

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Tour: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit

Designed mainly by Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, Bernini and Maderno, the St. Peter’s basilica is a magnificent masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It’s a truly massive church. In fact, this is the largest church on Earth as well as one of the Catholic Church’s holiest places.

The main reason for its fame, besides its sheer size and breathtaking decor, is that it’s said to be the final resting place of St. Peter, the chief apostle of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome.

Big enough to accommodate no fewer than 20,000 people, the marble-and-gold St. Peter’s Basilica is famous for its bronze altar canopy by Bernini and the marble Pieta Sculpture by Michelangelo.

Additionally, visitors can climb to the top on a St. Peter’s Basilica dome tour where they can take in phenomenal panoramic views of Rome .

Our Amazing St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Tour

If you’d like to explore the beauty of St. Peter’s and climb the dome, there’s no better way to do that than joining our St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Tour .

This fun tour offers a great Vatican experience to adventurous minded people. After all, climbing the St. Peter’s dome is not for all visitors, since the many steps can be exhausting and cause claustrophobia.

That being said, however, the superb vista from the top makes the ascent so incredibly worth it. Rome will lie at your feet as you gaze out 360 degrees over the Eternal City.

After the spectacular St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb, the tour continues with a personalized guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica itself. The knowledgeable guide will tell you all about St. Peter’s secrets and features, such as the Burial of Saint Peter, Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.

The tour concludes at majestic St. Peter’s Square, which stretches out in front of the basilica, a popular gathering place for Catholics from around the world. There, you can admire gorgeous statues of the Apostles, Saints and Martires dominating the façade of the Basilica and Bernini’s famous Colonnato.

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Tour Information

• Price: € 210 for up to 2 people (this includes private guide and entrance tickets)
• Meeting point: central obelisk at St. Peter’s Square
• Start time: 8.15 a.m. (by default, but can be changed upon request)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Operating days: every day of the week
• Extras: tour is 100% customizable

Note that the St. Peter’s Basilica is still an active church and, as such, it can be closed to visitors unexpectedly due to ceremonies, masses or other events or circumstances.

Additionally, all visitors must go through a security check and entry is only allowed to people who are dressed appropriately. This means you can’t wear shorts, mini-skirts, low-cut dresses, sleeveless clothes or hats.

More information about this St. Peter’s Basilica dome tour can be found on the tour’s overview page .

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St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb – ticket, what to expect, guidance

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, known as the ‘cupola,’ reaches around 448 feet (137 meters) from the ground to the top of the outer cross. It’s about 136 feet (41 meters) wide, slightly smaller than the Pantheon.

Most tourists visiting the Basilica climb the dome for its amazing views and incredible architecture. 

From the top of the massive dome, you can see Vatican City and much of Rome spread below you. 

Designed by Michelangelo, it’s both a work of art and a marvel of engineering, so tourists also go to see the intricate details.

This article shares everything you must know before climbing the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome.

Visiting the Dome

Buying a St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb ticket is the easiest way to reach the dome.

This ticket includes a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome, entry fees to the Dome by elevator, and sterilized headsets.

You can select either a group, semi-private, or private tour of the Dome.

You can select the guide’s language from Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, or English.

Check out more combo tours # Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museum # St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel # Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica

What to expect from Dome Climb

Climbing the St. Peter’s Basilica dome is a unique and memorable experience.

Before you climb, look up; you will likely notice an inscription around the Dome’s base.

The inscription, which is in Latin, translates to: ‘”You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.’”

Even though most tourists go for the dome climb, it isn’t easy – especially if you choose the stairs. 

The path will undoubtedly get narrow and twisty as you near the top, but the view above is amazing and worth it. 

There are two ways to get to the dome: Climb all 551 steps, take the elevator partway, and climb the remaining 320 steps. 

Before you reach the very top, you can look down into St. Peter’s Basilica, which is nothing short of breathtaking. 

From the top of the dome, you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the Vatican City, the gardens, and the surrounding areas of Rome. 

This is a shutterbug’s paradise, so carry your camera with you. The sights are so beautiful that they’re worth capturing. 

The climb lets you see the inside of the dome up close, allowing you to truly appreciate Michelangelo’s work and the engineering genius behind it.

Is it worth going up to St. Peter’s dome?

If you are undecided about ascending the dome, you need to keep two things in mind: the effort you need to make while climbing and the amazing view awaiting you at the top.

Climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica is like achieving something big. It’s not just about the climb; it’s also about connecting with history and feeling closer to the significance of Vatican City.

If you enjoy taking photos or capturing beautiful city views, the sight from the dome is unmatched.

People interested in Renaissance architecture and the Vatican’s history will enjoy the climb.

Tourists seeking a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience will probably feel the climb is worth it.

St. Peter’s Dome is an enriching experience for those who appreciate breathtaking views, architectural genius, and the challenge of a physical ascent.

Read more: Is St. Peter’s Basilica Worth it?

How to Climb the Dome

We would like you to know that planning and preparation are required before you start your journey to the top of St. Peter’s Dome.

Here is a helpful guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Buy the tickets

Since the Basilica is always crowded, it’s smarter to buy tickets online instead of waiting in long lines for hours.

The guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Dome Climb allows you to explore the Basilica with an expert art historian. 

You can also climb to the top of the dome and enjoy stunning views of Rome. 

Step 2: Start to climb

Once you enter St. Peter’s Square, head to the right side of the basilica’s facade to start the climb.

If you’ve opted for the elevator, it will take you to the roof level, where you can enjoy the views from the terrace before climbing the dome on foot. 

This choice cuts down on the number of steps you have to take.

If you take the stairs, you can immediately begin your journey upward.

The narrow staircase spirals in certain sections, providing a unique experience.

Step 3: Go up to the terrace

You’ll arrive at the terrace level after taking the elevator or climbing the stairs. 

You can take a break, visit the gift shop, and use the restroom here. 

You can also visit the coffee shop, which provides a welcome rest stop for those ascending to or descending from the dome.

It’s a perfect chance to rest, catch your breath, and prepare for the next climb phase.

Step 4: Continue to the Dome

The next phase of the climb, from the terrace to the dome, requires you to navigate more stairs. 

This part can be narrow and steep, so it’s important to take your time and be careful with your steps. 

As you approach the top, you’ll see an interior balcony that provides a breathtaking view of the basilica below—which is also a great chance to capture some memorable photos.

Step 5: Reach the top

Once you’ve reached the terrace, pause to take in the panoramic views of Vatican City and the surrounding areas.

It’s a fulfilling moment and an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photos.

How long does it take to climb the dome?

The duration of the climb up St. Peter’s Dome can fluctuate based on several factors.

These include the method chosen to ascend (stairs or elevator), your physical fitness, crowd levels, and how frequently you pause to rest or admire the scenery.

If you take the elevator and climb the rest of the steps, you will need 15 to 20 minutes to reach the dome of St Peter’s Basilica.  

If you decide to climb all of the 551 steps, you will need at least 40 to 45 minutes. 

Recommended Reading # St. Peter’s Basilica facts # What’s inside St. Peter’s Basilica

Best time to visit the Dome

You can visit the dome early morning when it opens at 8 am to avoid the crowd.

The morning light is really nice for taking pictures.

If you can’t make it in the morning, the next best time to visit the St Peter’s Basilica dome is around 3 pm as the crowds thin out later in the day.

The dome usually closes at 6 pm in the summer and 5 pm in the winter. 

They usually stop letting people in about 45 minutes to an hour before the closing hour.

Tips to climb the Dome

Wear tough, comfy shoes with good grip. Some stairs can be steep and uneven, and good shoes will prevent you from slipping and getting tired.

Drink water before climbing, especially when it’s hot. You can’t buy water when climbing, so bring a small bottle.

The stairs are small, so take breaks now and then to rest and catch your breath. There are also places where you can move aside to let other people pass you.

Hold the handrails, especially in the spiral staircases and narrower parts, to help you keep your balance.

The path gets narrower as you near the top. If you’re afraid of small spaces, prepare mentally for this part of the climb or consider whether it’s the right choice.

Remember to bring a camera or smartphone. The view from the top is amazing, and you’ll probably want to take pictures.

Check out all the things to do in Rome

This article was researched & written by

Shanmathy S

She is an explorer who wants to fulfill her wanderlust. Destinations don't matter as long as she gets to step out of her home and keep going. She prefers to travel with a buddy because it helps her share the experience with a loved one. Favorite Cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Athens

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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How to Visit Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

The Second-Largest Church in the World

As one of the most important churches of the Catholic faith and the second-largest church in the world, Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the top sights to see in Vatican City  and in all of Rome . With its impressive dome, the focal point of Rome's cityscape, and its ornate interior, Saint Peter's is, without a doubt, pleasing to the eye. For many, it is the highlight of a visit to Rome, and with good reason.

Both the exterior and interior of the basilica were designed to overwhelm, and they succeed in doing so. The massive, oval-shaped Piazza San Pietro ( Saint Peter's Square ) serves as a monumental entrance to the vast basilica, with its soaring ceilings and intricately detailed marble, stone, mosaic and gilded ornamentation at every turn.

The church draws millions of visitors each year, including those who are drawn for religious reasons as well as those interested in its historical, artistic and architectural significance. It is also the resting place of many former popes including John Paul II and Saint Peter, Christendom's first pope and the founder of the Catholic Church. 

Pilgrims also flock to Saint Peter's during religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, as the pope performs special masses at the basilica during these times. He gives blessings at Christmas and Easter, as well as his first blessing when he is elected, from the balcony of the central window above the entrances to the atrium.

Saint Peter in Rome

Christian theology holds that Peter was a fisherman from Galilee who became one of the 12 Apostles of Christ and continued to promote the teachings of Jesus after his death by crucifixion. Peter, along with the Apostle Paul, journeyed to Rome and built up a congregation of followers of Christ. Fearing persecution for his teachings, Peter allegedly fled Rome, only to encounter a vision of Jesus as he was on his way out of the city.

This convinced him to turn back to Rome and face his inevitable martyrdom.  Both Peter and Paul were executed by order of Roman Emperor Nero, sometime after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD but before Nero's own death by suicide in 68 AD. Saint Peter was crucified upside down, allegedly at his own request.

Peter was martyred at the Circus of Nero, a site for tournaments and games on the western side of the Tiber River. He was buried nearby, in a cemetery used for Christian martyrs. His tomb soon became a site of veneration, with other Christian tombs built around it, as the faithful sought to be interred near Saint Peter. For Catholics, Peter's role as an Apostle, and his teachings and martyrdom in Rome earned him the title of the first Bishop of Rome or the first Catholic Pope.

Saint Peter's Basilica History

In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine, Rome's first Christian emperor, oversaw the construction of a basilica on the burial site of Saint Peter. Now referred to as Old Saint Peter's Basilica, this church stood for more than 1,000 years and was the burial place of almost every pope, from Peter himself through to the popes of the 1400s.

In a dire state of disrepair by the 15th century, the basilica underwent a series of modifications under several different popes. When Pope Julius II, who reigned from 1503 to 1513, took oversight of renovation, he aimed to create the greatest church in all of Christendom. He had the original 4th-century church destroyed and ordered the construction of an ambitious, magnificent new basilica in its place.

Bramante made the first plans for the main dome of Saint Peter's. Inspired by the dome of the Pantheon, his plan called for a Greek cross (with 4 arms of equal length) supporting a central dome. After Julius II died in 1513, artist Raphael was put in charge of the design. Using the form of the Latin cross, his plans extended the nave (the part where worshipers gather) and added small chapels on either side of it.

Raphael died in 1520, and various conflicts in Rome and the Italian peninsula stalled progress on the basilica. Finally, in 1547, Pope Paul III installed Michelangelo, already considered a master architect and artist, to complete the project. His design used Bramante's original Greek cross plan and includes the massive dome, which remains the largest in the world and one of the greatest achievements of Renaissance architecture. 

Michelangelo died in 1564, his project only partially complete. Subsequent architects honored his designs to complete the dome. The elongated nave, the facade and the portico (the vaulted entrance) were the contributions of Carlo Maderno, under the direction of Pope Paul V. Construction of "New Saint Peter's"—the basilica we see today—was completed in 1626, more than 120 years after its outset.

Is Saint Peter's the Most Important Church in Rome? 

While many think of Saint Peter's as the mother church of Catholicism, that distinction actually belongs to Saint John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano), the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and therefore the most hallowed church for Roman Catholics. Yet because of its history, relics, proximity to the Papal residence in Vatican City and its sheer size, Saint Peter's is the church that attracts droves of tourists and faithful. In addition to Saint Peter's and Saint John Lateran, the other 2 Papal Churches in Rome are the  Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore  and  Saint Paul Outside the Walls .

Highlights of a Visit to Saint Peter's

To examine every tomb and monument, read every inscription (assuming you can read Latin), and admire every priceless reliquary in Saint Peter's would take days, if not weeks. If you have just a couple of hours to devote to a visit, look for these highlights:

• The Nave.  Upon entering the basilica, you'll be astounded by the dimensions of the nave, the long, main part of the cathedral where worshipers are seated during mass. It's more than 600 feet long (nearly the length of 2 soccer fields) and almost 90 feet wide, and richly embellished on every surface.
• The Pieta.  Rivaling David as Michelangelo's best-known sculpture, this poignant portrayal of Mary holding the body of the dead Christ is in the first chapel on the right, as you enter the basilica. The artist carved the work when he was just 24 years old.
• Bronze Statue of Saint Peter.  Near the right pier or massive support for the transept, stands a bronze statue of Saint Peter, thought to date to the 1200s. His right foot has been worn shiny and smooth by centuries of worshipers who rub or even kiss it as they pass. 
• The Baldacchino.  The massive canopy, the work of sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, was crafted from bronze taken from the Pantheon. It covers the basilica's main altar, where only the pope is permitted to say mass. The altar is built over the tomb of Saint Peter and is the symbolic and spiritual heart of the basilica.
• The Dome.  Ringed by 16 windows and inscribed with letters more than 6 feet tall, Michelangelo's dome, which he never saw completed, is nearly 400 feet tall from its floor to its lantern, or cupola.
• Monument to Alexander VII.  Of the many magnificent papal tombs in Saint Peter's, Bernini's monument to Pope Alexander VII is perhaps the most haunting. A pious pope prays while a skeletal figure of Death emerges from beneath a blanket carved from jasper stone. He holds an hourglass, as a reminder to the pope (and to onlookers) that his time has passed.
• Sacristy and Treasury Museum.  To view some of the many treasures of the Vatican, including crosses, papal vestments (clothing), jewels and reliquaries, visit the Sacristy and Treasury Museum. It costs 5 euro for adults and 3 euro for children 12 and under.
• Vatican Grottoes.  As you exit the basilica, follow signs for the Vatican Grottoes and Cupola (dome). The underground grottoes contain the tombs of dozens of popes, including John Paul II. An elaborate gilded altar is built over what is considered to be the tomb of Saint Peter. The main altar and Baldacchino are directly above this spot. Entrance to the grottoes is free.
• Climbing to the Cupola.  If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 551 steps (or just 320 if you take the elevator part way) to the cupola, or the top of Saint Peter's dome, to be rewarded with stunning views of Rome. It costs 10 euro if you take the elevator or 8 euro if you climb the entire way.

Saint Peter's Basilica Visiting Information

Even when there aren't papal audiences or other special events happening, the basilica is almost always crowded. The best time to visit without crowds is usually in the early morning, from 7 to 9 am. 

• Information: The basilica opens at 7 am and closes at 7 pm in the summer and 6:30 pm in the winter. Before you go, it's a good idea to check the  Saint Peter's Basilica website  for current hours and other information.
• Location:  Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter's Square). To arrive by public transportation, take the Metropolitana Line A to the Ottaviano “San Pietro” stop.
• Admission:  It's free to enter the basilica and the grottoes, with fees (see above) for the sacristy and treasury museum, and the climb to the cupola. The cupola is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm April to September, and to 5:00 pm October to March. The sacristy and treasury museum are open from 9 am to 6:15 pm April to September and to 5:15 pm October to March.
• Dress code:  Visitors who are not dressed in the appropriate attire will not be allowed entry into the basilica. Refrain from wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts when you're visiting Saint Peter's and/or bring a shawl or other cover-up. Those rules go for all visitors, male or female.

What to See Near Saint Peter's Basilica

Visitors often visit Saint Peter's Basilica and the  Vatican Museums , including the Sistine Chapel , on the same day. Castel Sant'Angelo , at various times in history a mausoleum, a fortress, a prison and now, a museum, is also close to Vatican City.

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Climbing up St Peter’s Basilica’s dome: best way to do it

Climbing to the top of St Peter’s dome is one of the highlights of a trip to Rome. Here is how to climb the dome and how to skip the queue.

Not that many visitors know that it is possible to climb up to the top of St Peter’s dome (the “cupola”). Actually getting on top of St Peter’s dome is one of Rome must do, and a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic and dizzying city panorama all around Rome and to admire a top down view of St Peter’s basilica nave.

When to visit St Peter’s dome

Best thing for you would be to visit the dome first thing in the morning, when it opens, at 8:00 AM. Not much queue  at that time, you may have the dome almost for yourself.

In that case, you may first climb up the dome and then visit St Peter’s basilica (when you get down from the dome you will end up in the nave).

A good alternative is to climb on top of St Peter’s dome before it closes: you will then admire Rome in its unique sunset golden light. In Wintertime, you will see Rome’s lights and, at Christmas, the huge Christmas tree in St Peter’s square.

Similarly, first go up to the dome, then visit the Basilica, which closes later than the dome.

In summertime, better to avoid climbing on top of St Peters dome in the hottest hours of the day: the stairs and the viewpoint can get very hot and uncomfortable at that time.

How to climb up St Peter’s dome

In order to climb up St Peter’s dome, you need to go throw St Peter cathedral security check.

At the entrance to the basilica, after the security check, look right. There is a sign that directs you to the far right of the portico (past the Holy Door) and to the kiosk for the elevator.

This is where you purchase the tickets to St Peter’s dome. Note that the Basilica entrance is on the right side of the colonnade.

In high season, queues could be very long and spoil part of your day.

I would recommend to purchase a St Peter Basilica skip the line ticket and save your valuable time (follow this link to check availabilty and prices) .

You can take the elevator to the roof level (saving 320 steps). However, if you want to get to the top of the dome you must take the stairs for the last portion. This makes 551 steps in total.

The entrance cost is Cost 10 Euros for elevator, 8 Euros for stairs.

After the brief elevator ride (or the first 320 steps) stop before your climb to the dome. Here you can enjoy a great view from the gallery inside the dome looking down into the basilica .

Take a few moments to absorb the astonishing beauty of the cupola from within – and looking down – the main altar.

Inside St Peter’s dome

Michelangelo himself designed this dome, which measurs  135m (450 ft.) above the ground at its top and stretches 42m (139 ft.) in diameter.

Legend has it that in deference to the Pantheon, Michelangelo made his dome 1.5m (5 ft.) shorter across. He then said: “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.” Carlo Maderno later added the dome-top lantern.

The climb to the top of the dome proceeds through progressively narrower and sloping stairs. The narrow passageway can be uncomfortable if you are claustrophobic. Note that it could also get crowded and hot in summertime.

Luckily, there are “slits” here and there to let fresh air in. Since you’re going up during the daylight hours you’ll have the interior lights plus sunlight now and then.

The view from the top

Once at the top of the dome, you will be rewarded by the views so often seen in pictures: St Peter’s square…

… the Sistine chapel and the Vatican museums…

… the Vatican gardens

Back on the roof, you have access to restrooms, water fountains, a gift shop and a new coffee bar. Take a walk to the front of the basilica to look into the Square. Observe the huge statues on the facade and the imposing Cupola just above you.

When you’re ready to leave, there is again the option of elevator or stairs. Consider taking the stairs down, as this area contains marble plaques of all the famous who have visited the dome over the years. Going down takes much less time than going up!

Astonishingly, the exit is directly in St Peter’s nave, that you can now visit.

Climbing on top of St Peter’s dome: tips & Infos

Opening hours 8:00 – 18:00 (Apr – Sep) 8:00 – 17:00 (Oct – Mar) Cost 10 Euros for elevator, 8 Euros for stairs (updated March 2018)

Web site (Italian) : http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/it/cupola/orari.htm

Dress code: St. Peter’s has a strict dress code: no shorts, no skirts above the knee, and no bare shoulders. I am not kidding. They will not let you in if you do not come dressed appropriately. However, guys and gals alike can buy a big, cheap scarf from a nearby souvenir stand. Wrap it around legs as a long skirt or throw over shoulders as a shawl and they will let you in.

Drop your bags:  they no longer allow you to take large bags or purses into the basilica. Luckily, there is a drop-off point for all bags in a room to the right of the steps leading into the church. This service is free.

Free Tours: There are free guided visits to St. Peter’s run by volunteer professors and scholars from North American College in Rome. They’re offered Mon–Fri at 2:15pm and 3pm, Sat at 10:15am and 2:15pm, and Sun at 2:30pm. They meet in front of the Vatican tourist info office, which is to the building along Piazza S. Pietro just left (south) of the main steps into the basilica.

Otherwise, follow this link to skip the queues and get a complete St Peter’s basilica tour.

Enjoy your ascent to St Peter’s dome!

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62 Replies to “Climbing up St Peter’s Basilica’s dome: best way to do it”

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This is a perfect description on what I wanted. Thank You !!

I’m happy you liked it. Have a nice climb!

Thanks for this description! The kids will be really impressed with me now that I know all this 🙂 Is it possible to book the dome tickets online beforehand? Kind regards, Gitte

Thanks for your appreciation! Your kids will love the climb (as did my son!) As far as I know, you can’t reserve your visit with the Vatican ( http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/it/cupola/orari.htm ). I think taht some tour operators have tours including the dome, wth the “skip the line” option, but of course it’s going to cost more. Try to get there very early in the morning or at lunch time, you shouldn’t wait too much. Enjoy your climb!

I just got back from Rome and climbed all the steps. I have not found any accurate descriptions of what you are actually climbing. There are not 320 steps to the roof level. There are actually less than 200. After the roof level, the real climb starts and it is definitely over 320 steps. I counted them and everybody has to climb them as there are no elevators past this point. This is a formidable climb. There are a LOT of steps. It is very steep and extremely narrow much of the way. I believe I counted close to 340 from the very top down to the roof level but I am not 100% sure as it was hard to concentrate. I’m glad I did it but I’m very surprised they don’t tell you this when you get there. The 7 euro you pay for the elevator implies you are skipping the steps but if you want to go to the very top, you are definitely going to have to climb well over 300 steps.

Hi Andy, thank you for your useful note. You are right, there is no signage to tell visitor what they should expect when climbing the dome.

It says “551 steps” after the elevator. It seemed like more! I did it two years ago at the age of 79. It was early in the morning so it wasn’t as hot as it might have been, and it wasn’t crowded.

Are there places to sit and pause on your way up or do you have to keep going ?

You can rest on the terrace just before the dome: plenty of space and even a cafeteria. Once you start climbing inside the dome, then you have to continue to the top, no place to rest unfortunately, the path is rather narrow

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Did this climb today…it was worth every step!

I’m so happy you liked it! Enjoy your stay in Rome

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“a piedi” says it all! 🙂

Beautiful post!

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where can we buy ticket to climb the Dome? and what is the best time to climb the Dome? Thank you.

The entrance to the Dome stairs and lift is on the riht side of the basilica, after the security check. There you will find the ticket office. Last time I went, it was Sunday, lunch time, and the queue was not longer than 10′. As usual, the sooner, the better(the dome opens at 8:00). Consider that on the way down you can access directly St Peter basilica, so you won’t need to go over the queue again. Here are the opening time and the ticket cost (no possibility to book it in advance): http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/it/cupola/orari.htm

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Hi! How long is the free tour? I plan on booking a 3pm ticket into the Vatican Museum, but still want to catch part of the 2:15pm tour. Thank you!!

Hi Elizabeth, the free guided tour (in English) are conducted by seminarians from the Pontifical North American Collegeand last approximately two hours.

Hello, How long does it takes to climb the dome? Up and Down!

From the moment you get to the stairs, one hour is more than enough. However, you will probably want to indulge on the dome and on st peter’s terrace, so schedule your day accordingly. Have a nice climb!

We went on the first trip up and it was incredibly gorgeous!

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Hi, what a nice and helpful info! For the free tour guided by scholars from North American College, what language do they use? Thanks in advance.

Unforunately I never went wth this tour, so I don’t know. I wouldsuggets you contact them: http://www.pnac.org/visitorsoffice/contact-us/

This is a wonderful description. However this tour is not to be taken lightly by couch potatoes or those who rarely do any stair climbing. I nearly passed out!

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If we don’t want to go into the basilica just the cupola is this possible? Do we still need to get in the queue for the basilica or is there a separate queue/entrance?

Unfortunately you will need to queue anyways for the security check (be patient, it can take rather long at peak hours. Alternatively get a tour ticket and skip the line – I recommend it if you are on a tight schedule. Here is the link: http://delightfullyitaly.rgi.ticketbar.eu/en/ticketbar-rome/st-peters-basilica/

Thank you very much Jean-Pierre

Hi iam enjoying your blog so much. We are heading to Italy in September. We will be doing a few of the places that you have written about so pleased I found your site thank you

Thanks Jenny, you made my day!

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What an interesting and descriptive article. I’m having a cruise holiday in October and have just 1 day in Rome so am trying to make a plan in advance so that I see as much as possible. I was planning to start my day at St Peter’s but now am torn between beating the queue to the roof and the free afternoon tours. Do you know if there any sort of audio tour available?

Hi Lynn, I suggest ticket bar tours ( http://delightfullyitaly.rgi.ticketbar.eu/en/ticketbar-rome/st-peters-basilica/ ), they are reasonably priced and with convenient time slots

Thanks for the tip Jean-Pierre, this is just what I was looking for.

are me allowed to wear shorts?

are men allowed to wear shorts?

Hi Ron, the rules are that men and women must have knees and shoulders covered.

I went today and the prices were 6 for the stairs and 8 for the elevator.

I was under the impression that you could take the elevator to the roof level only of St. Peter’s, if you so choose, than return by elevator without having to climb to the top. Is that correct or are you committed to climb the remaining stairs once you are at roof level? I have a partner with an ankle injury who would like to have this view of the church but cannot climb at this point. Thank you for generously sharing your infomation.

The elevator will bring you up and down the terrace, from there the ascent to the dome is only by stairs (320 steps)

Is the entrance in the St. Peter’s Basilica free of charge if you do not need audio guide tour?? Is it possible to buy tickets JUST to climb the Dome online, so we can skip the line??

St peter is a church, so you don’t need a ticket. However, the security controls may take a lot of time, especially at rush hour. The ticket office for the dome is located after the security checks, so you won’t be able to skip the queue. Try to come early in the morning or at lunch time, there’s usually less crowd

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Thank you so much for the tip! We are scheduled for the Scavi tour at 3:30p… what time do you suggest we visit the top of the dome?

Go at lunch time (1:00-1:30 PM), there’s going to be less persons, than you can visit St Peter and have your tour

One question. Does the $15 include the skip-the-line entrance PLUS the trip to the top? Or do we have to pay an additional $8 to go up the dome too?

No, the climbing to the top is not included, you will need to purchase a separate ticcket. However, you won’t need to queue again for the security checks.

What ticket do I have to buy in order to see the Sistine Chapel ? Is it St Peter’s Bsilica or St Peter’s Cupola ? Thanks

Hi Alina, neither of th etwo, Vativan museums have a totally different entrance and ticket. The skip the line ticket for the Sixtine chapel is this one: http://delightfullyitaly.rgi.ticketbar.eu/en/ticketbar-rome/vatican-museum-sistine-chapel/

Thank you so much Jean-Pierre!

Thank You so much for sharing your experience to us. I’m going to visit Rome for the very first time this week.

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Wonderful ! Very interesting !

The famous German poet Goethe did the same trip 1786 an wrote: “Lastly we ascended the roof of the church, where one finds, in little, the plan of a well-built city,—houses and magazines, springs (in appearance, at least), churches, and a great temple, all in the air, and beautiful walks between. We mounted the dome, and saw glistening before us the regions of the Apennines, Soracte, and toward Tivoli, the volcanic hills,—Frascati, Castel-gandolfo, and the plains, and, beyond all, the sea. Close at our feet lay the whole city of Rome in its length and breadth, with its mountain palaces, domes, etc. Not a breath of air was moving, and in the upper dome it was (as they say) like being in a hothouse. When we had looked enough at these things, we went down, and they opened for us the doors in the cornices of the dome, the tympanum, and the nave. There is a passage all round, and from above you can take a view of the whole church and of its several parts. As we stood on the cornices of the tympanum, we saw beneath us the Pope, passing to his midday devotions. Nothing, therefore, was wanting to make our view of St. Peter’s perfect. We at last descended to the area, and took, in a neighbouring hotel, a cheerful but frugal meal, and then set off for St. Cecilia’s…”

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St. Peter’s Basilica

Tickets sell out fast in Rome: check availability now »

Visit the Pope’s church in the Vatican City .

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the biggest churches in the world and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope or examine the breathtaking art and architecture, this holy site is unmissable.

• Admire the realism of Michelangelo’s sculpture ‘ La Pietà ’.
• Be stunned by Bernini ’s Baldacchino – a bronze canopy over the High Altar, built over the tomb of St. Peter.
• Marvel at the Cupola designed by Michelangelo – one of the largest domes in the world.

Tickets & Prices

St. Peter’s Basilica is not just any old church, it’s the most important one in the world for the Catholic church. Its impressive history, priceless works of art, and jaw-dropping architecture are all best discovered with a guided tour.

Discover which St. Peter’s Basilica ticket best suits your needs.

• Guided Tour – Tour the famous building with a guide.
• St. Peter’s Guided Tour: Basilica, St. Peter’s Square & Papal Grottoes – Guided tour of the Basilica, St. Peter’s Square & Papal Grottoes.
• Dome Climb with Guide – Climb the dome of the Basilica and get optional time in the crypts.
• Rome Tourist Card (bestseller) – See the best of Rome with this popular combi-ticket. Includes access to The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica (official guided tour), and more…
• The Vatican City Pass – Explore the best of the Vatican City. Includes access to St. Peter’s Basilica (official guided tour), Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (last-minute tickets), and more…

A few things to keep in mind:

• Live guides are available in English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish.
• Children between the ages of 7-17 (with a valid photo ID) get a discounted ticket.
• You have free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.
• Select your date and time slot online and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. ​​
• Tickets are sent via email which you can then show either printed out or in digital form.
• You will meet your guide at the welcome desk in the atrium of the basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour Tickets

Learn about the wonders of the world’s largest church on this 1-hour guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official Vatican guide, and enjoy unlimited free time after the tour to explore the Basilica at your own pace.

Rome Tourist Card

Get this nifty card and enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official live guide.

With the same pass, you can also enjoy visiting other famous Roman attractions, such as skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel ; an audio guide to the Pantheon ; and priority entrance to the Colosseum , Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill .

Important Ticket Information:

• Includes a headset so you can always hear your guide.
• Select your visit dates online and receive tickets by email. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated time.
• Free time afterward to explore the basilica at your own pace.

The Vatican City Pass

Discover the holiest country in the world with this handy pass . Book your visit dates online and receive tickets by email. Valid for three days from the starting date.

What’s included:

• Skip-the-line access to the collections of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official Vatican guide.
• Rome: City Audio Guide App with over 130 hotspots to discover.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting St. Peter’s.

• There is no such thing as skipping the line. Only the Pope himself has that privilege. 
• Security lines are long. Everyone has to go through metal detectors before going in. There’s no way to speed it up.
• It gets hot in summer in St Peter’s Square. Go for a morning tour if you can. Bring a hat and an umbrella. It can get pretty brutal waiting in the square to go through the metal detectors. 
• There is a dress code. Despite the heat, rules stipulate no bare shoulders and no overly exposed legs. Staff will check before you enter. Your guide will let you know if you’re OK.
• St Peter’s Tomb is behind a glass screen. There’s conflicting information on the internet about this. Basically, you will see it, but you can’t get up close to it, that’s all. 

Getting There

This guide assumes you have pre-booked a guided tour. I used the Tiquets App, which comes with very helpful instructions and a map showing you the precise location of your meeting point.

That said – I get it. You have a lot on. There’s a lot to see. You’re still tired from your trip, so allow me to break it down. Rome is amazing, but we’re not exactly working with a grid system here. The GPS on your phone will definitely have a meltdown or two, so best to sharpen up those orienteering skills. 

Let’s Get Started

My tour was arranged by a local tour operator called Touriks (partnered with Tiqets). I booked a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, which included the Dome Climb. 

The meeting point (on Largo del Colonnato, just outside St Peter’s Square) is used by many other tour operators too, so it’s quite likely that if you book a guided tour, you’ll be meeting there too. 

Public Transport

• Bus: 40 – Traspontina/Conciliazione

64 – Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro

32, 81, 982 – Piazza del Risorgimento

492, 990 – Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni

• Tram: 19 – Piazza del Risorgimento
• Train: San Pietro
• Metro – closest station, Ottaviano. 10-minute walk.

From Ottaviano Metro, take the Via Ottaviano exit and walk all the way down Via Ottaviano until you arrive at Piazza del Risorgimento (a big oval-shaped piazza in the middle of a thoroughfare). 

On the way, you’ll pass the gourmet food store Castroni on your right (which is how you’ll also know you’re going in the right direction). 

Cross over to Piazza del Risorgimento and continue straight on to Via di Porta Angelica. 

Keep going until the end of the street. On your left, you will see a fountain, this is where the short street Largo del Colonnato begins (veering to your right). Follow it all the way down until you see a gift shop called Galleria San Pietro. You will have the colonnades of St Peter’s Square on your right-hand side. 

The exact address of the meeting point is Largo del Colonnato 5. You can see the tiny number 5 on the wall. (Or 5 Largo del Colonnato if that makes more sense in your head). It’s the address of a popular and well-stocked gift shop called Galleria San Pietro. 

Largo, in this context, means plaza/street . Kind of something in between. (It also means ‘wide’ in more everyday contexts). 

Street numbers are placed at the end of the street names in Italian. 

Finally, Colonnato means colonnade. So Largo del Colonnato 5 in English would be 5, Colonnade Street (and not column no. 5). 

If your tour happens to be with local tour operator Touriks, you will find friendly multilingual ground staff holding yellow labels like these opposite the gift shop Galleria San Pietro. 

Go over, introduce yourself, and you will be assigned to a group. You will then be instructed to wait at a designated spot for your guide, who will hand out your radio sets and earpieces. 

• Top Tip: I used my own earphones – if you choose to as well, you’ll need the old-fashioned kind with a jack. Bluetooth earphones won’t work. Otherwise, earphones will be provided. 

Our guide was a giant Roman called Marco, with charming English and thoughtful touches like pausing for bathroom breaks and water whenever possible in and around the basilica.

He kept us entertained in the midday heat with non-stop history and trivia. 

When I went (in late May,) all in all, it took around forty minutes from the time I started queuing up to when I physically entered the church. In peak season, you can expect to wait at least an hour.

St Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican City, which is a different country. Therefore you have to go through security just like at the airport. You won’t, however, need to show your passport. 

Security is manned by Italian Police under the colonnades in the shade. Once you’ve gone through this, you’re in a different country, and you will be in the hands of the Swiss Guard (Vatican City Police). 

A Swiss Guard. If there’s any trouble, he’s your man.

The imposing entrance to St Peter’s Basilica. It gets pretty busy. 

What Not To Miss At The Basilica

There are countless things to see and take in, but here are the standout moments from my tour. Our guide Marco was fantastic, but the great thing about guided tours is that no two are ever the same. Even with the same guide. 

The first thing that will strike you as you enter the basilica is the immense scale of the place. 

The central hall leading up to Bernini’s bronze canopy and the Altar of the Chair of St Peter behind.

La Pieta – Michelangelo

The first stop on any tour is always La Pieta , completed by Michelangelo in 1499. 

In 1972 an extremely mentally unwell person, under delusions of being Jesus Christ, brutally attacked this beautiful sculpture with a hammer. It was painstakingly restored and has been housed behind a bulletproof acrylic screen ever since.

An anachronistic portrayal of Mary (who looks far too young to have a 33-year-old son, the age that Jesus died); some art historians argue that her face is actually a rendering of Michelangelo’s own mother, who died when he was just a boy. 

Take a moment to appreciate the heartbreaking realism of her facial expression. 

Ancient Bronze Statue of Saint Peter (Thirteenth Century)

Catholic tradition has pilgrims kiss and touch the right foot of Saint Peter when they visit the church. This has been going on since the 1300s, so you’ll understand why his right foot is now visibly worn down. 

He’s had a break from all the foot kissing since the pandemic for obvious reasons. When I visited in May 2023, he was still cordoned off. But take a second to notice the worn-down foot.

Baldacchino di San Pietro – 1634

This enormous bronze canopy, standing at 20 meters (66 feet), was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1634. Its precise location marks Saint Peter’s tomb.

Michelangelo, referred to as ‘The Divine’ even in his own lifetime, does, in fairness, live up to the hype. But do some groundwork on Bernini. You’ll be hearing his name a lot too. 

Tomb of Pope Alexander II by Bernini – 1678.

Bernini. See. There he is again. There’s a lot of hype about St Peter’s Tomb – but honestly, I don’t know why the Tomb of Pope Alexander doesn’t get more press. It is absolutely wild. 

Pope Alexander sits atop a doorway in prayer above the figure of death seen here as a gilded bronze skeleton holding an hourglass draped in fabric (actually painstakingly carved jasper). 

There are also four statues representing the Virtues. But look out for the Virtue of Truth on your right. She’s got her foot on a globe, with a thorn coming out of England stuck in her big toe. 

This represented the Pope’s ongoing battle with the Church of England (the thorn in Pope Alexander’s side) 

Seriously, there’s a lot going on. It’s a wild, wild ride. 

Papal Grottoes

No pictures were allowed down there, so I obeyed the rules. 

You’ll see St Peter’s Tomb from behind a screen. 

Unless you have a passion for this kind of thing, I think it’s the most overrated part of the tour. Maybe if it wasn’t for all the Bernini and the Michelangelo, I’d have been more impressed. But as it stands, papal tombs and old crypts don’t really do it for me. 

The elevator rides up to the interior of the dome to see the mosaics.

If you’ve opted for the Tour of Basilica + Dome Climb, it will be included in your guided tour. 

However, it’s only possible to buy the elevator tickets on the day. So you’ll have to line up with your guide and wait for them to get all your tickets and then go back inside again and line up for the elevator (there’s only one). This is going to be the most tedious part of the tour….but it will be worth it. 

You’ve waited in longer lines at theme parks. You’re going to see something amazing, I promise. Keep the faith. 

The elevator takes you to the roof of the Basilica. It’s pretty exciting already up here though you won’t be able to see much yet. 

There’s a gift shop and bathrooms up here in case you need a mini pit-stop before seeing the inside of the dome up close and bracing yourself for the demanding Dome Climb.

Prepare to be wowed. 

The interior of the main dome (cupola) depicts the saints and is awesome in the literal sense of the word. 

Details of the mosaics you can literally reach out and touch. Above, detail from floral decoration. Below is one of the keys of Saint Peter. 

I give you keys. Translation of Latin inscription all in mosaics.

From the viewing balcony, which loops around the interior of the dome, you really get a sense of the scale of this place. Visitors down below, antlike and indistinguishable. 

• Next: Time to climb.

It’s not just the amount of steps. It’s that the stairwell gets extremely narrow at various points, and then as you ascend the dome, there’s a point when the walls start to cave in slightly, and you find yourself having to bend over to the side as you climb to accommodate the curve of the dome. 

However, if you’re not claustrophobic, then you will be rewarded when you get to the top.

Breathtaking view. Literally. The Dome Climb is a rewarding workout. 

Fittingly, by the time we made it to the top of the Dome, the heavens were about to open. That said, even though the sky was grey, it was still mesmeric and beautiful. Somehow I found it more pleasing with grey skies. Perhaps after all that visual stimuli from the dome mosaics. 

The sky matched the general colour palette of the city from up high; the buildings’ pastels and creams and the charcoal cobblestones of St Peter’s Square and the Via della Conciliazione straight ahead.

Recommended Souvenirs And Gift Shops 

There is a gift shop on the roof by the cupola after you take the lift and before you go in again to see the mosaics. 

• Vatican City stamps – once a unique selling point because technically, Vatican City is a separate country. Despite being quite a Boomer thing to flaunt, a lot of tour guides still have it as part of their repartee. I actually think it makes for a nice souvenir for the right person.

If interested, head to the Vatican Museums Information Point, located at the exit of St Peter’s on the right of the square (if you have the Basilica behind you). 

Best for Bibles, pope biographies, postcards, and stamps. You can also send your postcards from here. 

If it’s figurines to add to your (or your nana’s) Nativity Set, try Galleria San Pietro (the meeting point for the tour). Also good if you’re looking for a generic Rome sweatshirt or T-shirt. 

You’ll find a more traditional scene here. I love this store at number 129 for religious icon art on papyrus. It just feels very much stuck in time. Opposite is another store (Turella Adriana) selling religious artifacts if rosary beads or icons of the Virgin Mary are what you’re looking for.

If you have a penchant for Catholic religious artifacts verging on the kitsch (I totally do), it’s worth having a little wander around Borgo Pio, Galleria San Pietro, and countless other souvenir stores along the Via della Conciliazione. 

Beware of inflated prices – the holiness of the location won’t necessarily mean honesty in prices. But if you shop around, you might just walk away with something memorable. 

And finally ….

We need to talk about the ‘hot priests’.

Now in its 20th year of publication, the ‘ hot priest calendar ‘  (not its official name) is officially a classic Roman souvenir.

Since 2023 saw the release of its 20th-anniversary edition, they have been selling like hotcakes (priests).  Photographed by Piero Pazzi, It’s not ironic, and it’s not even affiliated with the Vatican. 

It’s just a guy who likes taking very good black-and-white pictures of priests who are, objectively speaking, not bad to look at.

Make of that what you will, and if it appeals, good luck finding one. (You’ll find them dotted around most kiosks and souvenir shops in the historical centre and near St Peter’s). 

Nearby Attractions 

Castel sant’angelo – 10 minute walk.

Formerly the site of Emperor Hadrian’s tomb and erected around AD 134, subsequent emperors and popes converted it into a fortress and then a castle. It’s now a museum, housing two millennia of history, and has pretty nice views from the top. 

The bridge adorned with angels leading up to it is dreamy, especially at dusk. 

If going in feels like too much, the surroundings are still worth spending time in. There’s a library / outdoor bar on the right as you walk along the river called Bibliobar, which has a subtle Parisian vibe to it.

Food and Drink

8 minute walk away:

• Il Sorpasso – Via Properzio, 31/33, 00193 

Stylish yet relaxed wine bar with a great wine selection (without being pretentious about it). All are available at reasonable prices. Enjoy their Italian ham and cheese boards (and advice on the correct order in which to eat the cheese.). Good mix of ex-pat and local clientele. A nice place to observe the Prati people. 

15 minute walk away:

• Argot (Prati) – Via Alessandro Farnese 2, 00192 (Closest Metro Lepanto on the A line).

After taking a leisurely stroll down the shopping street Via Cola di Rienzo from Piazza del Risorgimento, try Argot, where you’ll find above average cocktails and food. It’s trendy but friendly. Cocktails are a bit on the pricey side but not your run of the mill. All made by people who know their stuff. 

7 minute walk away:

• Morrison’s – Piazza del Risorgimento, 16, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

If you fancy a pint (and maybe a burger to go with it), look no further than Morrison’s. You can expect slightly better than ‘pub grub’ ; and their lunch specials, in particular, are surprisingly decent, with traditional Italian on offer in addition to your pub food classics.  

And for an ‘Irish’ pub, not too gimmicky at all. 

Did You Know That: 4 Interesting Facts 

• The basilica was named for St. Peter, the leader of Jesus’ 12 disciples. He was sentenced to death by Emperor Nero and crucified upside down.
• The location for the basilica was not chosen at random. It was built on the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion.
• In 1950 human remains were found, underneath the altar, dating back to the 1st century CE. It’s widely believed that they belong to St. Peter himself.
• The Holy Door (Porta Sancta) is only opened every 25 years by the pope. The last time was in the year 2000.
• The original basilica was built in the 4th century under the command of the emperor Constantine, known for making Christianity the main religion of the Roman Empire.
• It stood for 1200 years before being demolished and replaced by Pope Julius II in 1506.
• It took around 120 years to complete the construction, and many prominent artists and architects worked on it. Donato Bramante created the original design but died in 1514.
• Raphael and Antonio da Sangallo continued to work on the project, but little progress was made.
• It wasn’t until Michelangelo took over in 1547 that real progress was made. He simplified Bramante’s original plans and designed the impressive dome, the greatest architectural achievement of his life. Sadly, he didn’t live to see it built.
• Carlo Maderno took over the project in 1605. He’s responsible for lengthening the nave and designing the magnificent facade.
• The last major artist to leave his mark on the basilica was Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who added the final additions, such as the Baldacchino and St. Peter’s Chair.
• Today, the basilica remains the most important building in Christendom and receives millions of visitors a year from both pilgrims and tourists alike.

St. Peter’s Basilica is famous for being one of the biggest and most important churches in the world for the Catholic church.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, however, you can expect cues of up to 2 hours. We recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets to avoid the wait.

The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are different buildings and are not connected to one another, though they are both located in the Vatican City.

Address: St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro , 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City · view larger map

St. Peter’s Basilica from Top to Bottom with Dome Climb & Crypt

• Discover St. Peter's Basilica in its full glory with our comprehensive tour, covering the dome, crypts, and everything in between.
• Climb (or walk!) to the top of the dome and see one of the best views of Rome.
• Experience the beauty of the basilica without the crowds thanks to a strategically planned early start time.
• Get insight from your guide that will help you appreciate each magnificent detail of the basilica and the masterpieces held within its walls.

Preview the experience

Tour description, get to grips with christianity's most important church on this complete st. peter's basilica tour..

Explore St. Peter's Basilica from top to bottom with an expert guide and small group of 20 people or fewer. This is the most intimate and extensive St. Peter’s Basilica tour on the market, designed for lovers of great architecture and jaw-dropping churches. We’ll help you to understand the history of the building and point out the details that make the Basilica such a masterpiece. You'll go from the dome to the crypts, from the Pietà to the Baldachin—and everywhere in between.

Climb St. Peter's Basilica Dome for incredible views over all of Rome.

Your St. Peter's Basilica tour starts early in the morning with a stroll around St. Peter’s Square and an introduction to the Swiss Guard. Then it's up to the dome. You’ll arrive before the crowds gather and use your pre-reserved St. Peter’s Basilica dome tickets, which include an elevator ride to the first level. Here you’ll get an up-close look at the stunning mosaics and stucco embellishments inside the dome. These mosaics are beautiful even when seen from below at ground level, but up close, you’ll understand just how impressive they really are.

From there, it’s 281 steps up to the top of the dome. Before you head up at your own pace, your guide will give you some tips on what to look out for so you can better appreciate the view. From the top of the dome, you’ll see the most incredible panorama over St. Peter’s Square, along the straight avenue bulldozed by Mussolini and across the Tiber to the ancient heart of the city. There’s no competition—this is the #1 view in Rome.

Enjoy a 60-minute tour inside St. Peter's Basilica and venture down to the papal crypts.

Back on solid ground, your guide will take you on a full St. Peter’s Basilica tour. Explore the side chapels and the hidden crypts, see Michelangelo’s "Pietà" and hear why this is the only work he ever signed, understand the mastery in Bernini’s Baldachin, and learn how Michelangelo triumphed as the only person who could crown St. Peter’s Basilica with the perfect dome.

Your final stop is the Papal Crypt. This is where many of the Popes have been interred and is an important pilgrimage point for Catholics. Although your guide can’t lead the group here due to site rules, they’ll give you full details on the most important Popes to look out for.

For anyone who loves art, architecture, and amazing churches, this St. Peter's Basilica tour is a unique experience that will give you a different perspective on one of the most sacred sites in the world.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, may 09, 2024.

Sev was great. We have booked with Walks before and will be doing it again when the need arises. Walks has yet to disappoint. Thank you Sev.

With the fees you are charging, you can really keep the number of people in a tour much smaller

Apr 07, 2024

Great focused tour and just the right amount of time for the tour

Dec 20, 2023

Loved going to the top of the dome. Our guide was excellent also. Good length, not too long.

Nov 26, 2023

Tour was really interesting. The steps to the top weren’t as bad as expected but it is quite narrow, the views were worth the climb though! Would definitely recommend!

Know before you book

Similar tours, pristine sistine at closing time: late entry vatican tour, pristine sistine™ early entrance small group vatican tour, the complete vatican tour with vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter’s basilica.

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How to Climb Up the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica

Written by: Kate Zusmann

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Climbing to the top of the cupola (dome) of Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the main attractions during your Roman holiday since it is the highest point of Rome, located on the territory of the Vatican. However, it is essential to mention that you should better visit the smallest government in the world in the morning to enjoy views of Rome without crowds of tourists and skip the lines to the Basilica.

The dome opens at 8 am, and you need to throw out St Peter’s cathedral security check before climbing. After the security check, look right, and you will find a sign that directs you to the kiosk with tickets for the dome.

On the way to the ticket desk, you will pass the entrance to the Basilica on the right side of the colonnade, then the Holy Door. After turn left and you will see the place where to purchase tickets.

Michelangelo Buonarotti designed the dome of St Peter’s church. The artist was inspired by the dome of the Duomo of Florence and the Pantheon, designed by Brunelleschi. Unfortunately, when  he died, the new Basilica missed the corner chapels, the façade, and the dome, of which only the columns and drum had been finished.

In 1587, Giacomo della Porta became responsible for completing the dome with his assistant Domenico Fontana. After two years of work, the dome was finally completed. According to the legend, Michelangelo planned his dome 1.5 m (5 ft) shorter across than the Pantheon. He then said: “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.”

The maximum height of the cupola is 133.3 m from the ground level, the height inside the basilica is 117.57 m, while the inner diameter is 41.5 m. Also, the total weight is 14 thousand tons

Inside the Cupola

The great cupola is located above the altar, and the Baldacchino is decorated with mosaic and stucco ornaments. Four structural piers support it with a perimeter of 71 m and a height of 120 m from the ground to the roof. Moreover, there are large letters in the background, from St. Veronica to St. Helen, saying “Hinc una fides mundo refulgent” (From here a single faith shines throughout the world) ; and from St. Longinus to St. Andrew: “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here is born the unity of the priesthood).

Above the windows, the dome is divided into sixteen ribs and segments, decorated by impressive figures. Among them are:

• The busts of the 16 popes buried in the basilica
• Figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St John the Baptist, and different Apostles
• Faces of angels
• The custodians of the tomb of St Peter
• The faces of cherubim and seraphim
• Angels bearing the instruments of Jesus’ Passion

Also, there are 96 figures and a blue sky with stars. Above them, you can see the lantern with a Latin inscription at its base: “To the glory of St. Peter, Pope Sixtus V in the year 1590, the fifth of his pontificate.”  Many artists worked on the decorations inside the dome since Michelangelo died when only the base was completed. Pope Clement VIII commissioned Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d’Arpino) to finish the upper part of the decoration.

Fix price transfer from the Fiumicino Airport to Rome

Useful Information

There are two ticket options:

• You can take an elevator to the roof level and save 320 steps. However, there are 551 steps in total, and you will still climb up to reach the highest point of the dome. This kind of ticket costs 10 euros per person.
• You can climb up to the dome without an elevator. The price for the option of 551 steps by foot is 8 euros.

Payment is accepted only in cash

After 30 seconds ride on the elevator, you can stop by to take a coffee in a bar on the dome or visit a restroom . Climbing up to the top of the dome goes through progressively narrower and sloping stairs. The narrow passageway can be inconvenient if you are claustrophobic. Also, it could be crowded and hot on summer days. However, there are small windows with fresh air, and you can take a break while climbing up.

It is worth to ascent to the top of the dome not only for amazing views of Rome and Vatican, but also, you can send the postcard to your friends or relatives from the highest point of the Vatican

Undoubtedly, this is one of the main attractions you can do in the Vatican. Sending a postcard from the highest point of the smallest government in the world is a cheap, original, and unique present for the people you love. The price for the postcard starts from 50 cents, while the stamp price is 2.30 euros if you are going to send it to the US or 1 euro if you want to send it to any European country. Furthermore, postcards  sold in the Vatican are connected to the thematic of the smallest government in the world: images of masterpieces of the Vatican Museums,   Sistine Chapel, Popes, Swiss Guard , etc. Also, there is a souvenir shop at the same place where postcards are sold.

You can climb up to the dome with us during our individual tour to the Vatican at sunrise

• How to get: Go through a security pass in St Peter’s Square and follow the way to the Basilica
• Opening hours:  8 am – 6pm (Apr – Sep) 8 am – 5 pm (Oct – Mar)
• Website (Italian): www.vatican.va/cupola
• Drop your bags:  large bags or purses are not allowed into the basilica, but there is a drop-off point for all bags in a room to the right of the steps leading into the church

Author: Kate Zusmann

For the last 10 years, I live in the Eternal City. Traveling, exploring new things, writing blogs, and shooting vlogs are my main hobbies, but the thing that I like even more is sharing my experience and thoughts with you! Explore Rome with Us :)

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• Saint Peter’s Basilica

The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica with its 136 meters in height and its 42 meters in diameter has for centuries been the symbol of the basilica, of Rome and The Vatican City.

It was designed by Michelangelo, who from 1547 dealt continuously with the Basilica. At the end of his long life (he died at 89 years of age in 1564) the construction had reached the drum, characterized by strongly protruding paired columns alternating with gabled windows.

Then the management of the factory passed to Giacomo Della Porta, a pupil of Michelangelo, who raised the vault of the dome by about 7 meters and completed the works in just 22 months, in 1590, during the pontificate of Pope Sixtus V.

With a double cap, the dome has an internal diameter of 42.56 meters and a height at the top of the cross of 136.57 meters; the lantern is 17 meters high.

It served as a model in the western world for subsequent realizations: among the many, even if built in a technically different way, the dome of San Paolo in London (1675), that of Les Invalides in Paris (1680-1691) and the neoclassical roof of the Washington Capitol (1794-1817).

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Did you know that the ancient St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican is also known as Constantine Basilica?

The ancient Basilica of San Pietro in Vatican, also known as Constantine’s Basilica, was located in the same area occupied by the existing building currently. It was founded by Constantine, immediately after that of San Giovanni in Laterano, during the pontificate of Pope Silvestro I (314-335).     The location, which gave considerable problems to the construction, was chosen to …

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (Vatican)

Visit the 'basilica di san pietro' church in vatican city - tickets & tours.

Useful info, tours and tickets for visiting Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Discover 'Basilica di San Pietro', the most holiest church of Vatican City. Read how you can visit the Basilica, dome and papal tombs.

Since 1929, Vatican City has formed the spiritual centre of the Catholic church and it is also where the pope resides. Vatican City is an independent state measuring just 44 hectares and has its own security service, the ‘Swiss Guard’. This article is about visiting St. Peter's Basilica . If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel, read this useful article about the Sistine Chapel visit.

History St. Peter’s Basilica

The ‘Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano’ was built between 1506 and 1626 on the site of a church dating from the time of emperor Constantine the Great (324). According to tradition, this church contained the grave of Peter. Because building St. Peters Basilica took so long, several designers worked on it, including Bramante, Raphael, Antonio del Sangallo, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. Many of the detailed decorations in the Vatican Church are the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. One of the most impressive aspects of the Basilica are its dimensions – 136 metres high and 186x123 metres wide.

Sightseeing in St Peters Basilica

• A main attraction in Saint Peter's Basilica is ‘ La Pieta ’. This detailed 1499 artwork is the only work signed by Michelangelo and can be found in the first side chapel to the right. It is a statue of Mary holding the body of Jesus.
• The gigantic bronze baldachin by Bernini from 1633, placed over where Peter is believed to be buried. One story says that the cladding was made with bronze that came from the ceiling of the Pantheon .
• Another attraction is the bronze statue of Peter. The foot has worn away as a result of pilgrims kissing it. This statue stands at the base of one of four large columns that support the dome.
• The ’Cathedra di San Pietro’ from 1655 in the choir. This bronze-clad wooden chair has to be carried by four people. Tradition has it that Peter once sat on it.
• The tomb of Alexander VII Chigi (left nave) was also designed by Bernini. A gilded figure with an hourglass represents the passing of time and death that comes for us all.
• Using a separate entrance you can also visit the crypts with the 148 tombs (catacombs) of the popes.

Spectacular Dome of St. Peter

In addition, you can choose to climb the spectacular dome. 550 steps lead to a wonderful view of Rome and the Vatican. After passing security, you will find a ticket window on the right side of the Basilica. Here you can buy tickets for the dome. You can choose to walk all the steps, or go part of the way with a lift for some additional euros. The dome climb is also included in many guided tours , so you don't have to worry about your tickets and huge queues.

Necropolis of the Vatican

There are excavations of the old necropolis located under the Vatican. Every day, only a select group of 250 people are allowed to visit these excavations (‘scavi’) of the Roman burial site with the grave of the apostle Peter – Saint Peter. Not suitable for people who get claustrophobic ( More information about this tour can be found here ).

Saint Peter's Square & Papal Audience

The large square in the Vatican is known primarily from the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speeches by the Pope at Easter and Christmas. Weather permitting, and if he is in Rome, a service is held here every Wednesday by the Pope. If you would like to attend this audience of the Pope on Wednesday (you will find tickets for the Papal audience on this website ). The enormous square was designed in the 17th century by Bernini after being commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. The buildings around the elliptical shape symbolise the church's arms, welcoming the faithful into the Kingdom of Heaven. Tip: Are you visiting the square on a Sunday? At noon, the pope will give his blessing from the window of his study.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets & Tours

Other sights in vatican city.

• The Vatican museums with the Sistine Chapel: Read more about the Vatican Museums where you'll find all information about the museums of the Vatican and the Cappella Sistina.
• The Vatican gardens : Behind the Vatican museums, there are 23 hectares of Vatican Gardens , making up over 50 percent of the area of Vatican City. It is now possible to visit these gardens in a small, open bus. To visit the Vatican gardens you will need to book this Vatican tour .

Video: History of Vatican City

Where is st. peter's basilica in rome.

The Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City , the independent state located within the city of Rome Italy. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is home to the Pope and the administration of the Catholic Church. The Vatican Museums are located within the boundaries of Vatican City, just north of Saint Peter's Basilica . The main entrance to the Vatican Museums is located on Viale Vaticano , near St. Peter's Square.

FAQ Saint Peters Vatican Church Rome

Do i have to buy tickets for st. peter's basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica is free to visit. The queues in front of the basilica are huge, so you will be queued for more than an hour. You can avoid this by buying special skip the line tickets for St. Peter's Basilica. You will also need to purchase an entrance ticket to visit the dome.

Can I also visit the Sistine Chapel?

The Sistine Chapel is not located in St. Peter's Basilica, but in the adjacent Vatican Museums. Visiting this museum with the Sistine Chapel requires the purchase of tickets . The museum often has huge queues and can certainly be full in high season.

Can I book a guided tour?

On this website can your read more about booking guided tours.

Is there a dress code in St. Peter's Basilica?

Please wear appropriate clothing in the Vatican church that covers the shoulders and knees.

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St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica, located in the Vatican City, is considered one of the Catholic Church’s holiest temples and an important pilgrimage site .

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom and one of the largest churches in the world. Besides, it's where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round.

The construction of the new basilica began in 1506 when the old basilica had been torn down and was finished in 1626. It was consecrated on 18 November 1626 . Several renowned architects designed the temple, highlighting the works of Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno.

The basilica was called St Peter’s after one of Jesus’s twelve disciples known as Saint Peter , who became one of the founders of the Catholic Church and was executed in Rome and buried where the Basilica now stands.

Inside the Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica can accommodate 20,000 people . It measures 190 m (624 ft) long and the central nave is 46 m (150 ft) tall. The dome stands 136 m (447ft) tall.

Inside, visitors will find extremely impressive pieces of art, including St. Peter’s Baldachin, a large bronze baldachin designed by Bernini, The Pietà, a sculpture by Michelangelo, and the statue of St Peter on his throne. St Peter has his right foot worn down due to the touches of the devoted.

One of the most impressive parts of the Basilica is its incredible dome. Its design was started by Michelangelo and continued by Giacomo Della Porta. Carlo Maderno finished the dome in 1614.

This dome has served as inspiration for many other cathedrals and buildings, for example, the Capitol in Washington and St Paul’s Cathedral in London .

Visiting St Peter’s Basilica

Visiting St Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience when staying in Rome. Visitors mustn’t miss out on climbing to the top of the dome , where a stunning view of St Peter’s Square , and if the day is clear of most of the city, awaits them.

Climbing to the top might prove to be a little oppressive for some, as the last part of the ascent is a narrow and steep spiral staircase.

Taking a Tour

If you want to visit the Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, with a local guide and skip lines that can sometimes last 4 hours - we recommend reserving a guided tour of the Vatican . You'll see all the essential sights , and save time which you can use to enjoy the city.

Piazza San Pietro . Vatican City.

October – March: 7 am - 6:30 pm April – September: 7 am – 7 pm The dome opens at 8 am and closes one hour before the Basilica.

The entrance to the Basilica is free . Climbing to the top of the Dome : Lift to the terrace plus 320 steps: € 8 ( US$ 8.60) Climbing 551 steps by foot: € 6 ( US$ 6.50)

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb € 41 ( US$ 44.10)

Metro station: Ottaviano , line A (red)

Nearby places

Sistine Chapel (95 m) Vatican City (201 m) St. Peter's Square (205 m) Vatican Museums (521 m) Castel Sant'Angelo (970 m)

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St. Peter's Square

St Peter’s Square or Piazza San Pietro is one of the world’s most famous squares and one of the most breath-taking. Designed by Bernini during the seventeenth century, it houses over 300,000 people.

Sistine Chapel

Regarded as Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is a jaw-dropping attraction you must see at least once in your lifetime.   

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Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica: Entrance fee, hours, steps and admission

Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The St. Peter’s Dome is a must for many visitors to Rome because it offers a great view of the city. That’s why I dedicate a detailed article with useful tips and information on opening hours, admission fees, tickets without waiting and the ascent to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Have fun reading and visiting!

Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica Rome: Useful tips and information on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

What you should know about the ascent to the dome.

I have visited the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome many times and I know exactly what visitors to Rome think about the experience and what the most frequent questions are about. I will specifically answer these FAQ’s in this post and hopefully contribute to a smooth and well-prepared visit to the dome!

Where is the entrance to the dome of St. Peter’s?

Where the entrance to the dome of St. Peter’s is located, is a very good starting point, because if you do not find the access, you can not enjoy the impressive view of Rome ! And that would be a pity! The entrance to the dome is located – if you are in St. Peter’s Square and looking at the St. Peter’s Basilica, on the right side, above the visitor center within the portico. First you have to check through the security controls similar to the airport. You are allowed to bring drinks and umbrellas, but no knives, penknives and other dangerous items.

Mostly the access to St. Peter’s Square is not checked and then the control points are on the right side of the square. The queues are usually very impressive and long and the waiting time can also be one hour and more. Only in the early morning, until 9am, there is hardly any waiting time. On some days, access to St. Peter’s Square is also controlled, for example at the Pope’s Audience on Wednesday or at the Angelus prayer on Sunday. Then more checkpoints are opened and the waiting times are automatically shorter.

You can skip the queue if you book the preferred access to the security checkpoint. Then you pass the waiting line on the right and find the preferred access behind the post office. The preferred access  can also be booked on the Internet, if you are already in St. Peter’s Square. The ticket is then immediately on your mobile phone. Often privileged access to St. Peter’s Basilica and its dome is also offered by hawkers, but that is risky and you should not accept this offer!

You have several options to get into the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. First you can do as described on the right side of St. Peter’s Basilica. If you visit the Vatican Museums beforehand, as I did on my last visit to the Vatican , you can go directly to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica after the Sistine Chapel. This passage is only allowed to guided tours and groups.

If you are in St. Peter’s Basilica, you can go down to the crypt and the grottos inside. If you leave these again, you come out opposite the entrance to the St. Peter’s dome (see passage on the left in the picture). Here you only have to do a bit to get past the barriers and put you in the queue or go directly to the cash points, if the rush is low.

St. Peter’s Dome View: What can be seen from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

The visit of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is absolutely recommendable and an absolute highlight in the context of many Rome visits. Especially when the weather is good, it is worth to visit the St. Peter’s Dome.

If the weather does not play along and the sun is scarce, it is still recommended to enjoy the great 360 degree view of the rooftops of Rome. What impressed me personally is that from the dome you can look at the Vatican and you will become aware of its extent.

You can see the gardens of the Vatican, the Vatican Museums and other building complexes such as the new Audience Hall, where the Papal Audience takes place with little crowds. Your gaze reaches the mountains of the Apennines on the horizon and the volcanic cone with the summer residence of the popes in Castel Gandolfo.

Also on the German cemetery in the Vatican, founded by Charlemagne, the Campo Santo Teutonico, you have a nice view. German-speaking visitors can visit the cemetery of the Germans and the Flemings in the Vatican for free in the morning from 9am-noon.

This is not possible on all days, it is best to ask the friendly Swiss guard. Incidentally, you must also contact them if you would like to visit the cemetery. You must request access in German.

How many steps are there in the dome of St. Peter’s?

Entrance to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome depends on several factors. There are two ways to get to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica: You can either cover part of the ascent with the lift or walk all the way to the upper platform of St. Peter’s Dome .

If you climb completely on foot to the St. Peter’s dome, you must bring 551 steps behind you. If you choose the elevator and stairs option, you only have to complete the second part of the ascent and 320 steps on foot.

Entrance fees and tickets without queuing

Dome of st. peter’s cathedral entrance fees.

The ticket for the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is slightly more expensive if you opt for the lift variant to the first platform and from there the ascent on foot. This is no different, because the elevator on the first viewing platform, that is on the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica – where the statues are – ends and then no elevator exists. So you have to do the second part of the ascent on foot.

With fear of heights on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

On the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the lift ends, you can already enjoy a beautiful view. Directly to the end of the viewing platform you can not approach, as it is closed off just before the statues.

From this level below the Basilica’s dome you have access to a tour of the dome, but you can only do half of it. Here you have an impressive view into the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica .

The corridor is perhaps two meters wide in memory and separated by a narrow grid, perhaps two and a half meters high. You can go in there, look down into St. Peter’s Basilica and then go out the same way again. People who are afraid of heights, should not necessarily look into the interior of St. Peter’s, because you are very high here. I saw people walking trembling with their backs on the wall!

Access to the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral for wheelchair users

Even wheelchair users can take the elevator to the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica, but unfortunately they can not visit the passage in the dome because there are several steps. A ticket without queuing for the dome is currently not available.

Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica Height: How high is the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome?

There is no exact information about the h eight of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome . I’ve calculated something around: the height of the basilica to the roof is about 46 meters, and that fits in with the 231 steps, if each step is about 20cm high. As there are 320 steps to the viewing platform, the height of the viewing platform above the roof would have to be around 64 meters. Above the observation deck, the lantern rises with the cross. The total height of the basilica is given as 133 meters. This means that it goes up another 20 meters from the viewing platform.

The dome rises above the Pope altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope altar is 28.5 meters high. On the inside of the dome, you are about 18 meters above the Pope altar and 46 meters above the basilica floor.

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome has an inside diameter of about 42 meters and an outside diameter of about 59 meters. The inner shell of the dome is the supporting shell and has a thickness of 2 meters, the outer shell serves as protection (thickness 1 meter). Between the two bowls there are staircase and descent to the viewing platform. The weight of the dome is estimated at around 14,000 tons.

The dome was designed by Michelangelo . He had taken the dome of the Pantheon in Rome as a model, which has a slightly larger inside diameter of 43 meters.

St. Peter’s Dome Staircase: Information about Staircase in St. Peter’s Dome

You should not take the ascent to the dome of St. Peter’s Dome lightly. All those who struggle with claustrophobia or are not physically fit should consider in advance whether they want to climb further up the inside of the St. Peter’s dome after the lift. I’m trying to explain why.

With claustrophobia on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

The staircase to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is located in the wall of the dome and thus follows its semicircular shape, means that the higher you go, the higher the gears become. On one side the stairs leads up and on the other side down again. The staircase, which is located inside the dome, is very narrow, in the beginning you could go next to each other for two, but it becomes so narrow at the spiral staircase that you can only go ahead and not back. Within the dome there are small openings from which you can look out.

At the very narrow spiral staircase , it is possible that it goes slowly due to large crowds, for people with claustrophobia an extra horror! So if you decide to take the path, you have no choice, you have to go until the end, because you can not turn around. Only one person has space here, the crowds of people and the lack of space make reversing impossible! I do not want to dramatize this, but for those who are claustrophobic I do not think it’s advisable to climb up in the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome . Take the elevator to the first observation deck and look at Rome from this height!

Information about the elevator in the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

The elevator to the dome of St. Peter’s brings you quickly to the first viewing platform, the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica. To the lift I can say that he is relatively tall and a lift guide is always on board.

On the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica it is very pleasant and there is plenty of space. There are also toilets and a souvenir shop with a snack bar run by sisters. For the ride down there is another elevator on the other side of the roof of the basilica. There are also the stairs, which leads down again. The exit of the lift and the stairs are located inside the basilica.

When is the best time to visit the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica?

The best time to visit the dome is in the morning, when there are hardly any waiting times. In the summer it is also cooler in the morning than during the day. BUT: If you want to photograph the city of Rome, you have backlight in the morning.

Opening Hours: When does the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica open?

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome opens at 8am. It closes at 5pm from October to March and at 6pm from April to September. St. Peter’s Dome is closed when St. Peter’s Basilica is closed. This is always the case when the papal audience takes place on Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square, as well as during the Pope’s Mass and other high celebrations in the Vatican.

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St Peter's Basilica: Dome

--> st peter's basilica: dome, get climbing saint peter’s dome.

If you want to explore every last bit of Saint Peter’s Basilica, you won’t want to miss out on the dome. Steps will take you all the way to the top, where a spectacular view across the rooftops of Rome awaits! Keep reading for everything you need to know ahead of your visit and our top tips for skipping the queues…

Guided tour of the cathedral + crypt + dome ticket from EUR 42 (duration: 3 hours).

Only tickets for October left! Accompanied admission with audio guide (EN/ES/IT/FR/DE) for EUR 29!

The positives:

The view of Rome is simply stunning – even on a cloudy day. You’ll also be able to look down on the people inside Saint Peter’s Basilica from the dome.

The negatives:

It’s super busy! You’ll have to wait to get inside the basilica and then join a separate queue later for a ticket for the dome. And you’ll probably have to fight for one of the spots with a view of Saint Peter’s Square once you get to the top!

Don’t attempt to visit the dome if you can’t physically climb steps or if you’re claustrophobic. A lift takes you some of the way, but then you still have to tackle 320 steps (and space is a bit tight in places).

Last Modification: 10.01.2024 | Céline

St Peter's Basilica Dome Tickets

Buy on site ticket.

Free admission to the Basilica + ticket for the dome (long waiting times)

St Peter Dome + Audio guide

Access to the Dome + Audioguide (EN/ES/FR/DE/IT)

St Peter Dome + Crypt Tour

Guided Tour in EN/FRZ/IT/ES, great views. Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Be aware: there are no Skip the line tickets available. If you have booked a guided tour, you will also have to wait in line (up to 1/1.5 hours in peak season)

The details at a glance

Opening hours.

1 October – 31 March: 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. April 1 – September 30: 8:00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.

Elevator and 320 steps: EUR 10 Walk all 551 steps: EUR 8

Prices for the dome: Elevator and 320 steps: EUR 10 Walk all 551 steps: EUR 8

There is no online ticket for this, which is why you see extremely long queues here. Have cash ready – they don’t except credit cards!

Information

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not possible on most Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not possible on most Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The Pope then holds his weekly public audience .

In addition, the Pope can hold spontaneous masses: then online tickets are only partially valid. (But that doesn’t happen very often) And the dome cannot be visited either.

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano

St Peter's Basilica Dome Photo Gallery

Is the dome worth climbing.

I thought I’d create a separate page for the dome at Saint Peter’s Basilica because I’m sure some of you will be asking the same questions I was asking before I went. Let me answer them for you…

1. Is it really worth climbing the dome? Is the view actually that good?

Absolutely! The view is simply stunning – even when the weather is not on your side and the sky is clouded over. I’m addicted to taking photos and I was in my element. I hate to think what I’d have been like if the weather was better or if I’d been lucky enough to time my visit with a beautiful sunset! No doubt I’d have been taking photos for hours! The view across the rooftops of Rome is incredible and admiring the dome from the inside is an experience not to be missed either.

2. What is included?

The situation always keeps changing. We’ll do our best to keep everything up to date here as things change. The audio guide + dome ticket has been available since 2023: normal queuing at the security check, admission to the dome, lift ride to the 1st level, audio guide for the dome, free stay in the cathedral after visiting the dome. Accompanied admission with audio guide for EUR 29 ! We will tell you more about this below.

3. Is it really worth booking online?

Back in April 2016, I was impressed by the fast-track price of EUR 19.50, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy that ticket again next time. In 2017 I used the VIP dome ticket + audioguide for EUR 32. Now it is “only” EUR 29 , but without skip the line at the security check! But, to be fair, it ended up being worth every cent. I saved an hour of waiting around in front of the basilica (not in 2024!) and can then skip around another half an hour of queueing for the dome. The staff are on hand to help you find your way around, and you get an audio guide. You do feel sorry for everyone waiting, but that’s all forgotten once you start to feel a bit like a VIP.

4. Will I make it to the top?

To be honest, I was pretty smug about the fact that I work out regularly. I managed to get to the top without really getting out of breath. And I’d say that (almost) anyone could manage it! It’s worth pointing out, though, that the steps get narrower as you get closer to the top, and you may feel a bit dizzy as you climb the last stretch of spiral steps. But it’s nothing you can’t handle! But remember: If you have any mobility issues, are claustrophobic or know that you tend to struggle with steps, make sure you think carefully about whether you will be able to make it to the top. Pregnant women are advised not to climb the dome. Remember that there are 320 steps after the lift! And once you’ve gone up, you’ll have to make your way back down!

Why not have a practice on your stairs at home?

Ticket options

My experience, on offer again access to the dome with audioguide.

Back when I wrote my field report, there was the offer with an audio guide. Then it was gone for a long time.

But since April 2023 it is back again. Although in a slightly different form, but for those who do not want a guided tour, a top alternative.

Price: EUR 29 Start time: 8 am (nothing for late risers). Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday You have to be there at least 15 minutes before the time!

Duration: 2 hours

What’s included: Audio-guided combined tour (Basilica and Dome) Ticket for the dome Assistance at the meeting point (like Vox Italy back then)

No skip the line , but as I understand the text, you meet the care outside the dome. Maybe you can skip the line after all. Anyone who tries it, please let me know 🙂 . Pack your own headphones.

The tour is not suitable for the following people: who suffer from claustrophobia for wheelchair users (over 300 steps to walk!) Families with kids have to think as well if the little one will make it.

The tour is also subject to weather and liturgical events.

Book audio guide tour!

other Ticket options

I’ve found two alternatives for you in case that the dome audio guide and a staff chaperone up to the lift is not available right now:

1. Buy both your tickets upon arrival and plan to wait for up to two hours.

This is the option that plenty of people end up going for on the day. Entry to Saint Peter’s Basilica is free this way, but you’ll end up having a long wait outside in the queue for security. And then you’ll have to face another queue inside to buy your tickets for the dome. Despite all the waiting, this option is by far the most cost-effective.

Prices: Entry to Saint Peter’s Basilica: Free Access to the dome: Steps only: EUR 8 Lift and steps: EUR 10

2. Guided tour in English and dome climb

If you go for this all-inclusive package, you don’t have to worry about anything other than turning up in the right place at the right time. The tour of inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and of the papal tombs lasts 3 hours and is delivered in English. You’ll get reserved tickets for the dome too. It’ll cost you more than the VIP dome ticket I mentioned before, but you do at least get a guided tour included.

Prices: guided tour and access to the dome: EUR 42 Length of tour: 3 hours Language: English

Getting started: How do you skip the queues? (my experince from 2017)

**Be aware: I tested this special offer in 2017 . This offer doesn’t exist any more. There are now other providers and there might be other access or procedures now – especially after Covid-19! Always take a look at the information the provider sends you with the ticket! The actual Audio guide tour offered is slightly different. **

Having printed out my ticket at home, I followed the instructions provided by Tiqets and arrived at Saint Peter’s Basilica a bit before my allotted time.

When you approach the basilica, you need to keep right and walk along the outside of the colonnade. At least this is what we were told to do in 2017. You’ll soon come to the Poste Vaticano post office. Around there, you need to head left and through the colonnade. Look out for Vox staff (wearing blue), but anyone else will be happy to point you in the right direction. You’ll be directed to a small stand (a folding table), where someone will tick your name off their list. It’ll then just be a case of waiting for anyone else who has booked to climb the dome at the same time as you. This would be a good time to go to the toilet!

You’ll get moving as soon as everyone has arrived. The next step will be to get through security and you’ll be able to skip the queue. Vox staff will be waiting to take you to the audio guide stand on the other side. Make sure you don’t get lost in the crowd!

At the audio guide stand, hand over your ticket for another thorough check. You’ll then be given an audio guide, headphones and a numbered map. Give the audio guide a quick go to check that it works.

Someone else from Vox will be waiting to take you to the dome lift. Once again, keep an eye on them to make sure you don’t get separated from the group!

Another queue at the lift? I don’t think so!

I was honestly shocked when I spotted the queue for the dome. I had no idea it would be so bad!

The staff took us past everyone who was waiting at super speed. We moved so fast that I could just take this blurred picture…

And all of a sudden we were standing in front of the lift. There was a tiny queue here just because not very many people can fit in the lift at once. The Vox representative gave one person in our group a ticket that we would need to show when it was our turn to go in the lift so that all 12 of us would be let in.

It took less than 15 minutes to get from the security check to the queue for the lift. It really was a slick operation with absolutely no time for dawdling. All of the staff members were friendly and happy to answer my questions.

I was just relieved that I’d managed to go to the toilet beforehand…

A wow moment inside the dome

After a short wait, it was time to step inside the lift. The ride didn’t take very long at all, but it saved us 231 steps. Once you leave the lift, you have to walk over a section of the roof towards the dome. Climb up a few steps from there and you’re inside the dome. Wow is all I can say!

You’re standing 70 or 80 metres above everyone inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and they all look like little ants scuttling around. Standing directly underneath the dome and above Bernini’s baldachin is an incredible experience. In one of the photos below, you can see the text written on the base of the inside of the dome. The strip is 2 metres in height and the letters are around 1.5 metres tall. You can’t appreciate the sheer size of the text when you’re standing with your feet firmly on the ground. The diameter of the dome is 42.34 metres! That may make it a little smaller than the Pantheon’s dome but believe me when I say that this dome is much, much higher!

Best foot forward and up the steps!

Once I was absolutely sure that I’d taken everything in at this height, it was time to get going again. 320 steps were just waiting to be climbed! They take you round the dome – you can clearly see the angle in the photo on the right below.

The climb was tough, but there are plenty of convenient little stopping points where you can have a rest and let other people overtake you 😉 The stairs are monitored by cameras in case anything happens.

Note that the final stretch of the climb is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia, as the spiral steps are just so narrow. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about anyone coming the opposite way as there are separate stairs for people going up and down.

View across the rooftops of Rome

Finally, you’ll make it to the top and it will all have been worth it!

Your reward? A panoramic view of the city!

If the weather is on your side, you’ll be in for a real treat. But don’t panic even if it’s a cloudy day, as nothing could spoil this view.

Just be warned that you’re not exactly going to be alone up there! Chances are that it’ll be packed full of people especially on the side of Saint Peter’s Square. You might just have to be patient and work your way to the front to take photos.

Don’t get distracted so much that you forget to listen to the audio guide. That almost happened to me ;). Switch it on for information about all the sights you can see from the top of the dome like Saint Peter’s Square , the Sistine Chapel and Castel Sant’Angelo .

We had booked the last slot of the day on Tiqets and so we knew we had to hand in our audio guides after just 90 minutes. That’s what prompted us to start making our way back down. Believe me when I say that going down was much faster than going up!

Once we reached the roof again, we stopped for another little break and made the most of the chance to take a look at the giant statues looking down on Saint Peter’s Square from behind. We decided against taking the lift back down and instead stuck with the steps. I don’t know if that would have been the quicker option as there wasn’t a lot going on around the lift.

We handed in our audio guides in return for my ID and sauntered into the basilica. A mass service was underway but (luckily) it wasn’t being led by the Pope, as we wouldn’t have been allowed in!*

A leisurely look around Saint Peter’s Basilica

After all that excitement up high, it was time to explore the basilica at ground level. I’d been before, but it was my husband’s first time inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and I could see that he was impressed! The size of the place is enough to take your breath away… And you’re free to take your time and wander around for as long as you like.

I tend to be very (very) excitable and so I wanted to share my husband’s thoughts with you here since he’s usually a little more reserved when it comes to sights and attractions.

“Saint Peter’s Basilica was seriously impressive, especially the view looking down from the dome. At least now we know that some good came out of selling indulgences. The ticket may not have been cheap, but I’m really glad we could skip both the queues as they were really long.”

Yes, the price is on the high side. But I personally think it’s worth the money. It’s up to you to decide if you’d rather save money and wait (for ages) or spend a bit extra to skip the queues for Saint Peter’s Basilica and the dome with the audio guide as a bonus!

Don’t forget this interesting alternative: If you’re not happy about paying so much to climb the dome, you could always just book a tour of the basilica . That would cut down your waiting time by one hour and you’d just need to queue up for the dome as normal once you’re inside. That’s a pretty good compromise if you ask me! Your other option would be to go for the all-inclusive package complete with guided tour.

*Notes on mass: The Pope sometimes holds impromptu masses in Saint Peter’s Basilica. It may not happen very often, but it’s bad news for ticket sellers and tourists when it does. You may not be granted entry to the basilica or allowed to climb the dome even though you’ve already bought a ticket. This is to keep the numbers down and keep the Pope safe. Unfortunately, there’s nothing the ticket companies can do and you won’t be able to get a refund. If you’ve managed to get in already and just have to miss out on the dome climb, you can at least say you’ve seen the Pope hold mass. Bit of a bonus, right?

Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2016 – 2024

other views on rome

Castel sant'angelo, spanish steps, aventine hill.

Passing Thru Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring 10 Historic Churches 2024 – Sacred Spaces and Their Stories

Posted: February 21, 2024 | Last updated: February 21, 2024

Exploring historic churches is not just a journey through religious architecture; it’s an exploration of history, art, and spirituality. These sacred spaces, ranging from grand cathedrals to intimate chapels, offer a glimpse into their times’ cultural and spiritual life. This guide will take you through 10 of the world’s most historic and awe-inspiring churches, revealing their stories and the secrets they hold.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

Experience the grandeur of Gothic architecture at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Situated on the Île de la Cité, this historical marvel boasts flying buttresses, gargoyles, and remarkable rose windows. Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive, with its high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass. Don’t miss the Treasury for its sacred relics and the opportunity to climb the towers, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Seine and the Parisian skyline. Visit in the evening to catch the magnificent light show or attend an organ concert for an immersive experience.

Insider’s Tip: Attend an evening concert to experience the cathedral’s acoustics.

When To Travel: Spring or fall for fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Easily accessible via the Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro stations.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to witness the heart of the Catholic world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Inside, you’ll find stunning works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin. The climb to the top of the dome offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome and the Vatican gardens. The scale of the basilica is awe-inspiring, from its imposing facade to the vastness of its interior. Remember to dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting this sacred site.

Insider’s Tip: Dress conservatively as a sign of respect for this sacred site.

When To Travel: Visit in the off-season to avoid long lines.

How To Get There: Reachable by metro (Ottaviano-S. Pietro-Musei Vaticani station).

3. Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain

The Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s renowned unfinished masterpiece, uniquely explores architectural innovation in Barcelona. The church’s facades, each depicting different biblical themes, are a testament to Gaudí’s creative genius. The stained-glass windows create a symphony of light that illuminates the intricate columns and ceilings. Ascend the towers for a closer look at the architectural details and a panoramic view of the city. The ongoing construction, part of the church’s charm, speaks to the evolving nature of this iconic structure.

Insider’s Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the long queues.

When To Travel: Early spring or late fall for a more peaceful visit.

How To Get There: Accessible via the Sagrada Família metro station.

4. Westminster Abbey, London, England

Explore the rich history of England at Westminster Abbey in London. This Gothic church is a place of worship and a significant site for royal ceremonies and burials. The abbey houses tombs of monarchs, poets, and scientists, each with their own story. The Poets’ Corner is particularly noteworthy, resting place of figures like Shakespeare and Dickens. Try to attend Evensong for a traditional Anglican service accompanied by the renowned choir, a truly serene experience.

Insider’s Tip: Attend the Evensong service for a spiritual and musical experience.

When To Travel: Weekday mornings are typically less crowded.

How To Get There: A short walk from Westminster or St. James’s Park tube stations.

5. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, with its colorful, onion-domed towers, symbolizes Russia’s architectural creativity. Each dome of this iconic cathedral represents a different chapel, with vibrant frescoes and ornate altars. The interior is a maze of narrow corridors and small chapels, each uniquely decorated. Visit at night when the cathedral is illuminated to fully appreciate its beauty and the intricate details of its design.

Insider’s Tip: Visit at night when the cathedral is beautifully illuminated.

When To Travel: Late spring or early summer for pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Located in Red Square, it’s easily accessible on foot from many parts of central Moscow.

6. Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France

Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and stained-glass windows. The cathedral’s labyrinth on the floor is a highlight, offering a meditative journey for visitors. The blue Chartres stained glass, especially in the famous Rose Window, is renowned for its vibrancy and craftsmanship. The cathedral also hosts light shows illuminating its exterior, showcasing its spectacular architectural details.

Insider’s Tip: Try to visit on a sunny day when the stained glass truly comes to life.

When To Travel: Spring or early fall to avoid the tourist peak season.

How To Get There: About an hour by train from Paris.

7. Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy

Discover the Duomo di Milano, an iconic symbol of Milan and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its elaborate façade, adorned with numerous statues and spires, is an architectural marvel. The interior is equally impressive, with high ceilings and stained-glass windows depicting various biblical stories. Don’t miss the chance to visit the rooftop terraces, where you can walk among the spires and enjoy a unique view of Milan’s cityscape.

Insider’s Tip: The rooftop is especially impressive at sunset.

When To Travel: Visit in the shoulder season to avoid crowds.

How To Get There: It’s located in the city center and accessible by metro (Duomo station).

8. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Explore the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a magnificent structure that has stood as a church, a mosque, and now a museum. This architectural marvel boasts a massive dome, stunning mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy. Its upper galleries provide a closer view of the intricate mosaics and offer a unique perspective of the interior and the sprawling city outside. The Hagia Sophia is a testament to Istanbul’s diverse religious history and architectural innovation.

Insider’s Tip: Look for the Viking graffiti on the upper gallery marble balustrades.

When To Travel: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

How To Get There: Situated in Sultanahmet, it’s easily accessible by tram.

9. Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Florence, Italy

Visit the Florence Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece in the heart of the city. Known for its striking red dome designed by Brunelleschi, the cathedral stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Renaissance. The exterior, with its intricate marble panels, is as impressive as the vast interior. Climbing the dome is a highlight, offering stunning views of Florence and a close-up look at the frescoes inside the dome.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the adjacent Baptistery to see the famous bronze doors.

When To Travel: Early spring or late fall to avoid the heavy tourist crowds.

How To Get There: Located in the heart of Florence, it’s best explored on foot.

10. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany

Experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s twin spires dominate Cologne’s skyline, and its interior houses an impressive collection of art, including the Shrine of the Three Kings. The stained-glass windows, particularly the modern ones in the south transept, are notable for their intricate designs and vivid colors. Climbing the south tower rewards you with a panoramic view of Cologne and the Rhine River.

Insider’s Tip: Climb the south tower for a breathtaking view of the city and the Rhine.

When To Travel: Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.

How To Get There: Conveniently located near the main train station in Cologne.

The Bottom Line

Your journey through these historic churches is more than just a tour of religious sites; it explores history, culture, and art. Each church offers a unique window into the past, from the Gothic spires of Cologne to the Byzantine domes of Hagia Sophia. As you wander these sacred spaces, take a moment to appreciate the silence, the beauty, and the stories they hold. Every stone, window, and painting in these churches has a tale to tell, waiting for you to discover.

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The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring 10 Historic Churches – Sacred Spaces and Their Stories republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Korkusung.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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