St.Peter's Basilica: the most significant church in the world
A monument of unique importance in Rome, discover St. Peter's Basilica through the information and curiosities we have gathered.
St.Peter's Basilica : the tickets most chosen by travelers
The uniqueness of St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most iconic symbols of Rome and the Catholic world. This extraordinary building, erected between 1506 and 1626, represents the pinnacle of Renaissance and Baroque art, a work that saw the contribution of legendary artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Bramante. With its imposing dome, 136 meters high, it dominates the skyline of the Eternal City and is visible from every corner of Rome. Inside, the Basilica houses artistic treasures of inestimable value, such as Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino of St. Peter, and many other works.
The Basilica includes several visitable areas: the central nave, the Dome, the Vatican Grottoes, the Vatican Necropolis, and the Treasury Museum. Every corner of the Basilica tells a story of faith, art, and culture, making it an essential destination for those visiting Rome.
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Useful information for visiting St. Peter's Basilica
Opening hours
The Basilica is open to the public with varying hours depending on the day of the week:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday: from 07:00 to 18:00.
- Wednesday and Sunday: from 13:30 to 18:00.
Access rules and dress code
To access St. Peter's Basilica, it is necessary to respect the dress code imposed by the Catholic Church: shoulders and legs must be covered. This also applies to visitors accessing internal areas such as the Dome and the Vatican Grottoes.
Types of visits
You can choose between different ways to explore the Basilica:
- Guided tour of St. Peter's: Ideal for discovering the secrets and history of the monument with an expert guide.
- Self-guided tours: Perfect for those who wish to explore independently.
- Audio guides: A flexible option to learn about the details of the main works.
Booking methods
Tickets for the Basilica and the Dome can be booked online to avoid long waits. We recommend the following passes:
St. Peter's Basilica and Dome: Guided tour
- Price: starting from €33.
- Duration: 2h 30min.
- Guide in Italian, English, Spanish, and other languages.
St. Peter's Basilica with an art historian:
- Prices: starting from €54.
- Duration: 1h 45min.
Priority access and how to skip the lines
To skip the lines, it is recommended to book tickets with a skip-the-line option. The best times for a peaceful visit are early in the morning (on weekdays) or late in the afternoon.
Prices and discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of visit chosen:
- Guided tours: from €33.
- Tickets with access to the Dome: from €10.
- Reduced prices for children and students.
Climbing the Dome of St. Peter's
The experience of climbing the Dome of St. Peter's is unique and offers a breathtaking view of Rome. Entrance to the Dome of St. Peter's requires the purchase of a ticket:
- Price: from €10 (climbing on foot) or from €12 (with elevator to the first level);
- Steps: 551 steps on foot or 320 steps after the elevator.
Accessibility for disabled visitors
The Basilica is accessible for visitors with disabilities thanks to ramps and dedicated elevators, with the exception of the Dome. Specific routes are available to facilitate the visit of the main areas.
Important events and celebrations
The Basilica hosts significant events, such as papal masses, Christmas and Easter celebrations, and the Pope's Angelus every Sunday at noon. These moments offer a unique experience of faith and community.
Visitor Experiences
Many visitors recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and booking a guided tour of St. Peter's to fully appreciate the history and art of the place. "The view from the Dome is spectacular and worth every step," says an enthusiastic tourist.
Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
Arrive early: visiting the Basilica in the early morning hours will help you avoid the crowds.
Book in advance: both for the Dome and the Vatican Necropolis, tickets are limited and should be purchased online.
Photograph with respect: the Basilica is a place of worship, so pay attention to the rules during your visit.
Other areas to visit
- Treasury Museum: Preserves valuable artifacts and relics.
- Vatican Grottoes: The burial place of many popes.
- Vatican Necropolis: Only accessible by reservation, it offers a journey through early Christian history.
For both passes:
- expert guide.
- headphones.
- tickets for the dome.
Additional services
The Basilica offers various services for visitors:
- Clothing room for bulky items.
- Audio guide rental.
- Accessibility for disabled individuals (excluding the Dome).
For both passes: Food and drinks
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting St. Peter's Basilica
1. Can I enter St. Peter's Basilica for free?
Yes, entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free of charge. However, there may be a fee if you wish to climb the dome.
2. What is so special about St. Peter's Basilica?
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world, designed by Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Bernini. It’s also believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles.
3. How long is the wait to get into St. Peter's Basilica?
The wait time can vary greatly, often ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help reduce wait times.
4. What is the difference between the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica?
The Vatican is an independent city-state and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church, while St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main churches within the Vatican.
5. Is the Sistine Chapel inside St. Peter's Basilica?
No, the Sistine Chapel is not inside St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s located within the Vatican Museums, which is a separate area from the basilica.
6. Is St. Peter's Basilica worth going to?
Yes, St. Peter’s Basilica is definitely worth visiting for its stunning architecture, artwork, and historical significance as a major Christian site.
7. Can you just walk into St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes, you can walk into St. Peter’s Basilica without a reservation, but you’ll need to go through a security check first.
8. Is it worth it to climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica?
Climbing the dome is highly recommended, as it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Vatican and Rome. There’s an elevator option for part of the climb, but it’s still quite a strenuous journey.
9. What is the dress code for St. Peter's Basilica?
Visitors should dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. This dress code is strictly enforced.
10. Are jeans OK at the Vatican?
Yes, jeans are generally acceptable as long as they are not overly ripped or inappropriate. Modesty is key, so avoid any overly casual or revealing clothing.
11. Why can't you take pictures in St. Peter's Basilica?
Photography is generally allowed in most parts of St. Peter's Basilica, but flash photography and video recording may be restricted in certain areas to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
12. Can you take a backpack into St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes, small backpacks are allowed, but large bags and luggage are prohibited. Backpacks may be subject to inspection at the security checkpoint.
13. Do I need to bring my passport to the Vatican?
No, you don’t need to bring your passport for entry, as there are no official border checks to enter Vatican City.
14. What is the best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica?
The best times to visit are early in the morning when the basilica opens, or late in the afternoon, as these times are generally less crowded than midday.
How to Get to St. Peter's Basilica
There are multiple ways and means to reach St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, with several connections available that lead directly to this majestic monument:
By bus:
line 64, stop at Piazza Stazione S. Pietro, distance 4 minutes on foot;
line 34, stop at Monte del Gallo, distance 5 minutes on foot;
line 98, stop at Cavallegeri/Gregorio VII, distance 8 minutes on foot;
line N98, stop at Cavallegeri/Gregorio VII, distance 8 minutes on foot;
line 190F, stop at Cavallegeri/Gregorio VII, distance 8 minutes on foot;
line 881, stop at Cavallegeri/Gregorio VII, distance 8 minutes on foot;
line 904, stop at Cavallegeri/Gregorio VII, distance 8 minutes on foot;
By subway:
Line A, stop at Ottaviano, distance 6 minutes on foot.
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Vedi ❯Curiosities about St. Peter's Basilica
The Basilica holds many curiosities and symbolism. Did you know that only the Pope and very few people can wear white in the presence of the pontiff? Or that visitors must refrain from bringing bulky items and wearing informal clothing? Additionally, access to the tombs of the popes is allowed, but there are sacred areas such as the Necropolis where silence must be strictly observed.
For those who wish to fully admire the beauty and history of St. Peter's, every time of year offers a different experience. However, the spring and autumn months are particularly recommended to avoid long lines and to fully enjoy the charm of the Basilica.
Vatican Grottoes: a journey into the spiritual and historical roots of St. Peter's
The Vatican Grottoes, located at the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica, represent a suggestive space rich in history. Built between 1590 and 1591 as a structural support for the floor of the Renaissance basilica, these vaults hide much older origins. Their design actually dates back to an architectural variant proposed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, who suggested a crypt to Pope Leo X immediately after Raphael's death in 1520.
In 1592, Pope Clement VIII undertook significant expansion work, restructuring the medieval crypt which was later named "Clementina." In this chapel, located near St. Peter's tomb, stands the ancient altar from the 7th century, near which pilgrims gather in prayer “ad caput Sancti Petri.”
Between 1616 and 1617, Pope Paul V added two straight corridors leading to the Confession of St. Peter, enriching the grottoes with new chapels: the chapel "del Salvatorello," the Madonna "della Bocciata," and the Madonna "delle Partorienti." These spaces were decorated by the painter Giovan Battista Ricci, with frescoes depicting miraculous stories related to Peter's tomb and portraying monuments of the ancient basilica.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the Vatican Grottos had already become a place of memory, a true "museum" avant la lettre. Here, statues, mosaics, and paintings from the old basilica were kept, which was being demolished to make way for the new one. The grottos were thus the place where the ancient St. Peter continued to live, with its last images and architectural testimonies.
Under Pope Urban VIII, between 1623 and 1644, four small chapels were added – Santa Veronica, Sant’Elena, San Longino, and Sant’Andrea – located at the base of the dome's piers and connected to the basilica via helical staircases. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and decorated by artists such as Agostino Ciampelli and Guidobaldo Abbatini, these chapels further enriched the grottos with beauty and devotion.
In the 20th century, new prayer spaces and national chapels were added, including the Irish Chapel, the Polish Chapel, and that of the Patron Saints of Europe, as well as a chapel for Pope Pius XII, who promoted significant archaeological discoveries related to the tomb of Saint Peter. Finally, in 1979, an arch was opened at the center of the grottos, allowing visitors to admire the Confession and the "Niche of the Pallia," the closest point to the tomb of the Apostle.
Today, the Vatican Grottos, with the tombs of the popes and the votive chapels, represent a kind of lower basilica with three naves, a place of gathering and reflection that preserves the historical and spiritual roots of the Christian faith intact.
The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica: a masterpiece of architecture and art
The dome of St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most recognizable symbols of Rome, was initially designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti, who planned its base and drum. After his death, architect Giacomo della Porta completed the work between 1588 and 1590, with the support of Domenico Fontana. Thanks to the intense labor of 800 workers, the dome was finished in just 22 months. Its ogival shape, more slender than the original design, is now an example of advanced engineering. In 1593, a large gilded bronze sphere, topped with a cross, was placed on the lantern of the dome, a work by Sebastiano Torrigiani.
Pope Clement VIII, who completed this grand endeavor, had an inscription carved on the closure of the lantern to commemorate the work of Pope Sixtus V, who had initiated the project in 1590. On the walls of the dome, a mosaic frieze features the words of Christ to Saint Peter: "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven," taken from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 16:18-19).
From 1598 to 1613, under the direction of Marcello Provenzale, the dome was decorated with an exquisite mosaic covering approximately 3,000 square meters. The surface of the cupola, divided into sixteen compartments by ribs, displays a series of sacred images set against a sky of golden stars. Among the most significant figures are the Eternal Father, Seraphim, Angels, Cherubim, and scenes from the life of Christ, including the Redeemer, Saint John the Baptist, the Madonna, Saint Paul, and the Apostles.
The internal lantern reaches a height of 117 meters, while the cross at the top of the dome rises to over 133 meters, dominating the skyline of Rome and offering a breathtaking view of the city and the Vatican.
The Vatican Necropolis: a journey into the past beneath St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican Necropolis is located beneath the Vatican Grottoes, at a depth that varies from three to eleven meters below the floor of the central nave of St. Peter's Basilica. This archaeological site offers an important historical testament, allowing visitors to walk along the ancient dirt road that leads to the tomb of St. Peter, the Prince of the Apostles.
The discovery of the necropolis occurred in the early years of Pope Pius XII's pontificate (1939-1958), who initiated a series of archaeological explorations in the area of the Vatican Confession and the Grottoes. During the excavations, brick structures dating back to the 2nd century were uncovered, which were later incorporated into the foundations of the first Peter’s basilica built in the 4th century. This site served as a necropolis and remained in use until Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century, decided to build the new St. Peter's Basilica over it. To do this, he ordered the demolition and burial of part of the burial buildings in order to erect the largest church in the West, an imposing temple divided into five naves by 88 columns.
Constantine's undertaking required significant earth-moving, with over 40,000 cubic meters of material being shifted to level the ground of Vatican Hill, which sloped more steeply from north to south. However, the basilica built above the necropolis ensured its preservation to this day.
The excavations have revealed 22 burial buildings designed to accommodate about 1,000 burials, including graves of men, women, and children. The inscriptions found allow us to know some of the names of individuals from families of imperial freedmen who were buried in this sacred place. The Vatican Necropolis thus represents a unique testament of faith and history, connected to one of the most significant sites of Christianity.