St. Peter’s Basilica, Square, and Papal Tombs Guided Tour

Cover St. Peter’s from its monumental square to the basilica and the papal resting places below, with an expert guide connecting all three in 1.5 hours.

Getting started

Meet the local staff and your guide before making your way into St. Peter’s Basilica. Make sure your clothing covers your shoulders and knees, as the basilica enforces a strict dress code.

What to expect

Enter the world’s largest basilica and explore its vast interiors as your guide explains the meeting point between Renaissance art, Catholic history, and architecture.

Features

• Michelangelo & Bernini: See major works associated with two of Rome’s most influential artists while learning the stories and symbolism behind them.

• Bernini’s Baldachin: Look up at the monumental bronze canopy standing above the Papal Altar at the heart of the basilica.

• Expert commentary: Choose a tour in English, Italian, Spanish, German, or French for context as you move through the basilica.

Head beneath the main level of the basilica to the Papal Grottoes, the burial place of numerous popes.

Features

• Papal tombs: Walk through the underground space containing the tombs and memorials of former popes.

• Religious history: Your guide explains the significance of the grottoes within St. Peter’s and the wider Catholic tradition.

Continue outside to St. Peter’s Square, where your guide introduces the monumental space surrounding the basilica.

Features

• Guided exploration: Learn about the square and its relationship with St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.

• Dome directions: Your tour concludes with directions to St. Peter’s Dome if you wish to visit it separately. Dome entry is not included.