St. Peter's Basilica
The heart of Catholicism, this Renaissance basilica boasts Michelangelo’s dome and stunning art.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide and digital map covering 27 highlights.
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Your included digital guidebook helps make the most of your visit by offering handy tips, pointing out highlights to watch out for, and more.
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Learn the stories behind masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Papal Altar.
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Transform your free-entry visit into a meaningful, self-paced journey through art, faith, and history.
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Upgrade to reserved entry to skip the long lines—or add Dome access for sweeping Vatican views.
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Note: The digital guidebook comes only in English.
More details
-
Explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide and digital map covering 27 highlights.
-
Your included digital guidebook helps make the most of your visit by offering handy tips, pointing out highlights to watch out for, and more.
-
Learn the stories behind masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Papal Altar.
-
Transform your free-entry visit into a meaningful, self-paced journey through art, faith, and history.
-
Upgrade to reserved entry to skip the long lines—or add Dome access for sweeping Vatican views.
-
Note: The digital guidebook comes only in English.
-
Skip the long free-entry lines and walk right into the world’s most visited church.
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Explore all three levels—Basilica floor, underground Papal Tombs, and the Dome.
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Admire iconic works like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin with rich audio commentary.
-
Climb to the top of the Dome for breathtaking views over Vatican City and Rome.
-
Choose your experience—go fully self-guided with audio or upgrade to a guided tour or elevator access.
More details
-
Skip the long free-entry lines and walk right into the world’s most visited church.
-
Explore all three levels—Basilica floor, underground Papal Tombs, and the Dome.
-
Admire iconic works like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin with rich audio commentary.
-
Climb to the top of the Dome for breathtaking views over Vatican City and Rome.
-
Choose your experience—go fully self-guided with audio or upgrade to a guided tour or elevator access.
-
Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.
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Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.
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Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.
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Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.
More details
-
Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
-
Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.
-
Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.
-
Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.
-
Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.
75% off
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Enjoy expert-guided tour of the world's largest Catholic church, in your chosen language.
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Reserved entry lets you skip long lines and step straight into the church.
-
Admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, as your guide shares their significance and lesser-known legends.
-
Includes access to the rarely visited Papal Tombs beneath the basilica.
-
Upgrade to add Dome access by elevator and enjoy panoramic views over Rome.
More details
-
Enjoy expert-guided tour of the world's largest Catholic church, in your chosen language.
-
Reserved entry lets you skip long lines and step straight into the church.
-
Admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, as your guide shares their significance and lesser-known legends.
-
Includes access to the rarely visited Papal Tombs beneath the basilica.
-
Upgrade to add Dome access by elevator and enjoy panoramic views over Rome.
-
Explore all five floors of Castel Sant’Angelo, where statues, artwork, and historical weapons are preserved.
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Enhance your visit with an audio guide to uncover how this castle functioned as a fortress, residence, and even a prison.
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At St. Peter’s Basilica, admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pietà and gain expert insights into its artistic and spiritual significance.
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Descend into the Papal Tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica to witness the final resting places of past popes, surrounded by centuries of history.
More details
-
Explore all five floors of Castel Sant’Angelo, where statues, artwork, and historical weapons are preserved.
-
Enhance your visit with an audio guide to uncover how this castle functioned as a fortress, residence, and even a prison.
-
At St. Peter’s Basilica, admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pietà and gain expert insights into its artistic and spiritual significance.
-
Descend into the Papal Tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica to witness the final resting places of past popes, surrounded by centuries of history.
5% off
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Attend the Wednesday Papal Audience and witness Pope Leo XIV address pilgrims from around the world.
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Enjoy a guided introduction to papal traditions, ceremony structure, and the history of the Vatican.
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Relax knowing your free ticket is pre-reserved and collected for you—no need to navigate the booking process.
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Arrive early with your guide to secure a prime spot in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Hall.
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Upgrade to include a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and explore its sacred interiors with expert insight.
More details
-
Attend the Wednesday Papal Audience and witness Pope Leo XIV address pilgrims from around the world.
-
Enjoy a guided introduction to papal traditions, ceremony structure, and the history of the Vatican.
-
Relax knowing your free ticket is pre-reserved and collected for you—no need to navigate the booking process.
-
Arrive early with your guide to secure a prime spot in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Hall.
-
Upgrade to include a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and explore its sacred interiors with expert insight.
24% off
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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.
More details
-
Discover the intertwined history of Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica on this expert-guided combo tour.
-
Walk through 2,000 years of history as you explore Castel Sant’Angelo, a mausoleum-turned-fortress.
-
Admire its hidden courtyards, military strongholds, and frescoed chambers, once home to Popes and prisoners alike.
-
Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at Renaissance masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s Pietà to Bernini’s Baldachin.
-
Descend to the Vatican Grottoes, where past Popes—including St. Peter himself—are laid to rest.
26% off
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Why settle for one pass when you can bundle two? Access 10+ attractions, snag-free entry tickets, and enjoy free public transport - your wallet will thank you.
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Save a whopping 55% with the Omnia pass instead of buying separate tickets to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.
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With Roma Pass, pick 2 free attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, access seamless ATAC transport, and score 20% off at over famous spots.
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Skip those notorious queues at Rome's hottest attractions. Just remember to collect your cards from Central Rome before your adventure begins.
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Valid for a full 72 hours from first use with no planning required – explore the Eternal City at your own delightful pace.
More details
-
Why settle for one pass when you can bundle two? Access 10+ attractions, snag-free entry tickets, and enjoy free public transport - your wallet will thank you.
-
Save a whopping 55% with the Omnia pass instead of buying separate tickets to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.
-
With Roma Pass, pick 2 free attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, access seamless ATAC transport, and score 20% off at over famous spots.
-
Skip those notorious queues at Rome's hottest attractions. Just remember to collect your cards from Central Rome before your adventure begins.
-
Valid for a full 72 hours from first use with no planning required – explore the Eternal City at your own delightful pace.
-
Enjoy saving up while taking a deeper look into the most important sights offered by the Vatican on this combo guided tour available in 3 languages.
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Enjoy an educational tour of the St. Peter's Basilica with a local expert guide, and check out stunning works of art by Bernini, Carlo Maderno, and more.
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Pay homage to Pope John Paul II at his tomb and learn about the iconic chair of St. Peter - presumed to have been used by St. Peter, the first Pope of Christianity.
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Make your way with the host to the intriguing Vatican Museums and admire the masterpieces it houses on a guided tour with a carefully curated itinerary.
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Explore the Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Chandelier’s Gallery, Tapestries Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and many more!
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Marvel at the breathtaking murals by Botticelli and Michelangelo that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
More details
-
Enjoy saving up while taking a deeper look into the most important sights offered by the Vatican on this combo guided tour available in 3 languages.
-
Enjoy an educational tour of the St. Peter's Basilica with a local expert guide, and check out stunning works of art by Bernini, Carlo Maderno, and more.
-
Pay homage to Pope John Paul II at his tomb and learn about the iconic chair of St. Peter - presumed to have been used by St. Peter, the first Pope of Christianity.
-
Make your way with the host to the intriguing Vatican Museums and admire the masterpieces it houses on a guided tour with a carefully curated itinerary.
-
Explore the Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Chandelier’s Gallery, Tapestries Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and many more!
-
Marvel at the breathtaking murals by Botticelli and Michelangelo that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
66% off
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About St Peter's Basilica
Distinguished as the largest church in the world, St Peter’s Basilica, with its impressive array of sculptures like Michelangelo’s Pieta, paintings, and carvings is bound to leave you speechless. Built over what is believed to be the tomb of St Peter, the Basilica in the Vatican City is a pilgrimage site and a cultural landmark that leaves thousands of visitors inspired every day. While general entry to the church is free, visits to certain parts are ticketed. Learn on the move with our guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and tickets granting access to the Dome, Necropolis, and more.
St Peter’s Basilica, sits over what is presumed to be the tomb of St Peter, the Apostle of Jesus, and the first Pope executed by Emperor Nero. In fact right below the basilica, is the Vatican Necropolis, the remains of an ancient Roman burial ground with tombs dating back to the 1st and 4th centuries.
The Dome of the Basilica was designed by Michelangelo and was inspired by the Pantheon. The dome then went on to be the muse of many buildings including the Capitol in Washington and St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
There’s plenty to say about the dome but the sheer size of it is baffling. The height of the dome is 136.5 meters. Let us put that in perspective - it is so tall that you could fit the Statue of Liberty inside it!
The paintings in the Basilica are in fact not paintings at all. They are all glass or ceramic mosaics. Zoom in close on the paintings and you can make out the mosaic tiles that constitute the images.
The famed Pieta was carved out of a single piece of Carrara marble by a mere 24-year-old Michelangelo. The sculpture is the only artwork that bears his sign.
Why visit St Peter's Basilica?
Highlights
St Peter's Dome
With beautiful mosaics on the inside and even more majestic views of Rome on the outside, climb to the top of St Peter’s Dome and engage in a guessing game of identifying Roman landmarks and click some ‘gram-worthy pics.
Bernini's Baldacchino
Framing the tall dome and adding to the Basilica’s grandeur is Bernini’s ornate bronze Baldacchino. The massive canopy that stands over St Peter’s altar, interestingly has bronze that was taken from the Pantheon!
Michelangelo's Pietà
Reflect on the emotion and spirituality evoked in the world-famous Michelangelo masterpiece Pieta, depicting Mary cradling the body of Jesus after the crucifixion.
Papal Tombs
The resting place of 91 popes including St Peter and other significant people, the crypts beneath the Basilica will intrigue you with the history of the Basilica and of faith.
Bronze Statue of St. Peter
Dating back to the 5th century, the Bronze statue of St Peter, today has a worn out right feet, owing to centuries of pilgrims touching and kissing the feet for blessing.
Plan your visit
St. Peter's Square Entrance
The main entrance to St Peter’s Basilica is accessed from St Peter’s Square. With a splendid view of the Basilica, this entrance is free but also packed with crowds. The security check waiting line can take a while.
Hidden Entrance
A lesser-known entrance to the Basilica can be found on the right side of the Sistine Chapel via a small door. This entrance is also free.
Cupola Entrance
The Cupola or the St Peter’s Dome entrance can be found on the right side of the Basilica portico. The entry point is marked by a ticket office and an elevator.
Vatican Necropolis entrance
The ancient burial site housed under the Basilica should be accessed through the Necropolis entrance. The entry is ticketed and has a limit of 250 people per day. Make your way into the Basilica and you will the Necropolis entrance and the Excavations Office on the left while facing the altar.
Sacristy & Treasury Museum Entrance
The Sacristy and the Treasury Museum are in a separate building attached to the Basilica. The ticketed entrance can be found below the Monument to Pius VIII on the left side while facing the altar.
- Closed on Wednesdays for the Papal audience held in the Square, but it reopens at around 12:30 pm.
Yes, there is a cloakroom in St Peter's Basilica.
Yes, audio guides are available at a small additional fee.
There are souvenir shops on the Basilica premises.
Yes, there are three main restrooms in the Basilica premises. One along the Charlemagne Wing on the left side, another beyond the colonnades on the upper right side, and the last one in the bag check area on the lower right side of the facade of the Basilica.
You can find the Information Office on the Charlemagne Wing, located on the left side.
Some restrooms are equipped with baby-changing facilities.
There is a small refreshment stand on the Basilica's roof.
There are various paid parking facilities near St Peter's Basilica: Parking San Pietro di Pecchia Maurizio (10-minute walk), Parcheggio Immobiliare Valli 94 (5-minute walk), Parking Risorgimento (9-minute walk), ParkinGarage 5 Parcheggio Custodito Clodio - Musei Vaticani - San Pietro - Tribunale (5-minute walk)
You can find plenty of ATMs near St Peter's Basilica.
There are wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators to gain entrance to the Basilica. You can also reach the base of the Dome via this elevator. However, the Vatican Necropolis, located underneath the Basilica is not wheelchair accessible.
Elevator access is enabled at St Peter's Basilica.
With the exception of trained assistance animals for individuals with visual or hearing impairments, visitors are not allowed to enter the basilica with their pets, and other service animals.
Travel guides and tips
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