Combo (Save 27%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
Duration
Open today
Guided tour
4.4/5(2,687)
Petra U
Heshika K
Sonia F
Mirjam L
Raymond L
Jae H
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Discover the intertwined history of Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica on this expert-guided combo tour.
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Walk through 2,000 years of history as you explore Castel Sant’Angelo, a mausoleum-turned-fortress.
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Admire its hidden courtyards, military strongholds, and frescoed chambers, once home to Popes and prisoners alike.
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Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at Renaissance masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s Pietà to Bernini’s Baldachin.
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Descend to the Vatican Grottoes, where past Popes—including St. Peter himself—are laid to rest.
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Castel Sant’Angelo
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Guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with entry
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Group of up to 20 guests
St. Peter’s Basilica
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Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs
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Expert English-speaking guide
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 2,687 reviews4.4
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Canada and over 52 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
JJae H
SoloVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5I enjoyed this tour thoroughly. Our guide was excellent and gave a very good outline of a structure with varied periods of history and types of architecture. Loved the tour and the view at the top is amazing. She also had a great sense of humor which I love. Thank you for a great tour.FFiona R
SoloVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5Absolutely amazing tour! Ana was so knowledgeable and engaging. Even in the pouring rain she made every part a learning experience. She also made sure that each person was well looked after, including a small toddler.SSpencer W
GroupVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5Clara was an amazing tour guide. Very informative, knowledgeable, set a fair pace, and was genuinely just a fun guide to be around.PPetra U
CoupleVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5We booked the tour in English and it was fantastic, and we would do it again in a heartbeat! Sean guided us masterfully through the chaos outside and inside St. Peter's Basilica, sharing lots of interesting details, curiosities, and memorable stories. This tour is worth every cent—not only are they the perfect option if you didn't book the free tickets in time, but you should really think twice about putting yourself through the stress of finding your own way through the crowds. We also would have spent a long time searching for the hidden restrooms and the drinking water fountain. Absolutely top-notch—many thanks, Sean!HHeshika K
FamilyVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5The tour was easy to book, I appreciated the option to "pay later", the meeting location was nice as we could sit down to have a quick breakfast and coffee. The tour itself was very informative with our wonderful guide, it does feel a bit long as you have to keep walking, wear comfy clothes and shoes and have a bottle of water at hand. Totally recommend these tours.
An unparalleled experience in Rome! Combine expertly guided tours to these complementary monuments and learn of their intertwined history at a discount.
Getting started
After booking, you'll receive your ticket by email along with meeting point details and instructions.
What to expect
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo has had a long and tumultuous history, meant to be a royal resting place before being converted to a castle-fort for the papacy, and eventually settling for its fate as a museum. Venture through its military exhibits, admire its moats and guarded passageways, and hear the chilling tales of those kept in its dungeons. Get lost in indoor open spaces like the Courtyard of the Angel, and halls like the marble-lined Grand Loggia or the extravagant Paolina Rooms. Be sure to ask your guide lots of questions!
Features
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Mausoleum of Hadrian – Originally built as the emperor’s tomb.
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Secret passages – Discover hidden escape routes.
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Panoramic terrace – Stunning views of Rome and the Vatican.
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Papal apartments – Lavish rooms once used by popes.
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Prison cells – Former dungeons that held historical figures.
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Renaissance frescoes – Beautifully preserved wall paintings.
St. Peter's Basilica
Within the Vatican City enclave, St. Peter’s Basilica towers up over the other buildings. Smack under its 448 ft-high dome of Michelangelo lies the resplendent Main Altar, covered by Bernini’s famous bronze canopy or Baldachin. In the grooves of this massive basilica are numerous niche chapels filled with artworks, sculptures, tabernacles, and more by Renaissance greats. Then, venture a level below ground to the Vatican Grottoes and unravel the Papal Tombs. Be in the presence of St. Peter’s supposed sepulcher at Clementine Chapel or pay homage to St. John Paul II's sarcophagi.
Features
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Michelangelo’s Pietà – A masterpiece depicting Mary holding Jesus.
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Bernini’s Baldachin – A grand bronze canopy over the Papal Altar.
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St. Peter’s Dome – Climb for breathtaking views of Vatican City.
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Papal Tombs – The final resting places of past popes.
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Vatican Grottoes – Underground chapels and papal burial sites.
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Chair of St. Peter – A stunning relic encased in Bernini’s design.
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Mosaics & frescoes – Exquisite artwork covering the Basilica’s interior.
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Holy Door – A sacred entrance opened only during Jubilee years.
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What to bring
Castel Sant’Angelo
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If you are visiting with a baby or a toddler, bring a carrier.
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Keep in mind that your ticket is nominative, and you must present a valid ID matching your full name on the ticket for entry.
What's not allowed
St. Peter’s Basilica
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Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
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It's all about the quiet vibes. Mobile phones must remain on silent mode inside the Basilica.
Accessibility
Castel Sant’Angelo
- Only some areas of the castle are suitable for the use of prams/strollers and wheelchairs.
St. Peter’s Basilica
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This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access into the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
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Sign language guided tours are available at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
Additional information
St. Peter’s Basilica
- Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
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- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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