Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
Duration
Open today
Guided tour
4.4/5(2,597)
Jill O
Alyssa G
Carola W
Paulina K
Eva L
Noreen M
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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.
- 2,597 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.
1.6K6209250157
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Canada and over 51 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
LLaleendranath P
FamilyVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5It was well organised. Josh met us at the designated meeting point online, sorted out the booking details and put us in the red group. Volo our tour guide was the best. He made sure we were always together as a group and his descriptions were perfect! He was very helpful and patient with our questions and gave detailed answers. Clearly he was very knowledgeable in the subject, which bade the route extreme enjoyable. Thank you Volo for a great tour.AAngel C
CoupleVerified bookingJun 20265/5This was our first time visiting St. Peter's Basilica, and we absolutely loved it—learning about the history of the basilica and the popes. Thanks especially to Yolanda, our guide, who explained everything very clearly and patiently. She's a truly charming young woman, and we'll definitely be back next time.EEva L
CoupleVerified bookingLast week5/5Dina was very nice and friendly. She showed us everything we wanted to know and more, and her language skills were excellent. It was a very interesting tour; you could tell she’s passionate about what she does. Thank you very much—highly recommended!JJill O
CoupleVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5Our guide Carlotta, was a treasure trove of information. She shared her passion for her profession with an immense reserve of info that she doled out to us in clear language we all understood. Thank you! Hard to pick a favorite, but the Pieta moved me in a way I hadnt felt in years. I also loved the story of the 4 foundations of the church and the relics they had within. Thank you again for an amazing tour.AAlyssa G
GroupVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5It was wonderful to be shown St Peter's Basilica by someone who was obviously so knowledgeable. The site was beautiful and a must do when in Rome. There was a brief hiccup when meeting up guide, but it was easily solved by calling the administration.
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.
100% ticket guarantee
Receive tickets on time, for the experience you've booked.
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