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$View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica$

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

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Omnia Card and Roma Pass: 72-Hour Pass with 15 Rome Attractions

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Dome

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Pro tips to help you make a pick

Guided tours: St Peter’s Basilica is packed with artworks by famous artists and tells the exceptional story of faith, religion, history, and art. A guided tour is the best way to enhance your experience and learn of the significance of what you see there.

Skip the line tickets: Though the entry to the Basilica is free, access to certain parts like the Cupola is ticketed and the ticket queues can be long. Bypass these lines with Skip-the-line tickets and gain priority access to the Dome, Vatican Grottoes, etc.

Morning visits: Being the remarkable church that it is, St Peter’s Basilica can clearly get quite crowded. The best way to beat the crowds is to visit early in the morning just after it opens. Then you can encounter a quieter Basilica and admire the art in the soft morning light.

Climbing the Cupola: There are two levels to the climb. The first bit of 231 steps, which can also be reached by an elevator, will take you to the inside of the dome, where you can see the dome’s mosaics up close. The remaining 320 is narrow, slanting, and can be a bit tricky and claustrophobic. Make this climb and you will be rewarded with arguably the best views of Rome.

Rules: Make your experience at the Basilica smooth by adhering to the dress code, which is strictly enforced. Expect airport-level security checks, and do not carry anything hazardous. Also, wear comfortable shoes for the experience involves a lot of walking.

Papal crypts: Another crucial activity at the Basilica involves visiting the Papal sarcophagus and crypts in the Vatican Grottoes and Necropolis. A guided tour of this section will leave you with intriguing stories of the popes and the Basilica. Visit the Grottoes after exploring the Basilica, as the exit from Vatican Grottoes will leave you outside the church and make you wait in line again to

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Duration

2 hrs - 3 hrs

Flexible

1 hr

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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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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.

Address

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Year opened

1626

Visitor’s per year

10000000

Unesco status

1984

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?

Spiritual icon

Revered across the globe by people of faith, St Peter's Basilica is the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church and the resting place of St Peter the Apostle. The Basilica is also the site where the Pope conducts many liturgies and a treasure trove of Christian relics.

Michelangelo's Pieta

One of the most recognized marble sculptures in the world, the Pieta makes a visit to St Peter’s Basilica all the more compelling. The only artwork bearing Michelangelo's name, Pieta depicts an emotionally stirring sculpture of the Mother Mary cradling the body of Jesus after crucifixion and is renowned for its artistry and evocation of grief.

St Peter's Cupola

Envisioned by Michelangelo and completed by his student, the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica, inspired by the Pantheon, is one of the tallest domes in the world and intricately designed on the inside and out. Ascend to the top of the dome and behold remarkable views of Vatican City, and Rome.

Legacy of Renaissance artists

The St Peter’s Basilica is a still-standing testimony to the splendid craftsmanship of the Italian Renaissance. All the master craftsmen of the age like Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, Maderno, and Raphael have contributed to its making along with many other artists, making the visit to the church an artistic immersion and a lesson in art history.

Vatican Necropolis

An ancient burial site discovered during excavations under the Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis, literally meaning “the city of the dead” has tombs of popes, mausoleums, and ornate sarcophagi. The Necropolis with the tomb of St Peter, has fascinated believers and history buffs alike and adds to the mysteries surrounding 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

Address

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Nearest Bus stop

Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro

Nearest Metro station

Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station

Nearest Tram station

Piazza del Risorgimento

Nearest Train station

St. Pietro

Travel guides and tips

Best ways to skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is an awe-inspiring masterpiece nestled in the heart of Vatican City which is visited by over 25,000 people every day! We understand that waiting in long queues can dampen your enthusiasm, which is why we’ve compiled insider tips, tricks, and strategies to help you bypass those lines and make the most of […]

Which is the best entrance to enter St. Peter’s Basilica? Find out in this guide.

Considered one of the holiest sites for Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica is not only known for being the largest of its kind but is also lauded for its impressive architecture. Home to an array of artworks that have been carefully preserved over the years, the Basilica is regarded as Rome’s main tourist attraction. Its iconic dome, which looks over the panoramic skyline of the city, has served as an inspiration to many-a-cathedrals and buildings.

Why you must explore St. Peter’s Basilica from the inside

The Vatican City is home to some of the world’s most historically significant religious structures, drawing millions of visitors each year. One of the most important buildings in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica. St Peter’s Basilica, Italy’s largest, richest, and most impressive basilica, stands out in a city full of magnificent cathedrals. St. Peter’s […]

Which of the 6 St. Peter’s Basilica guided tours is for you?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most popular monuments in the world and is regarded as one of the largest churches, with the tallest dome. This Catholic Shrine invites thousands of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year, making it a must-visit when in Rome. Loaded with history, […]

Explore the most visited church in the world | St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City has some of the historically significant religious structures in the world, attracting millions of tourists annually. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most significant structures of Vatican City. It is the region’s richest church. Nestled in the heart of Vatican City, this awe-inspiring masterpiece is a testament to human ingenuity and devotion. […]

Unearth Ancient Roman history beneath St. Peter’s Basilica with the Vatican Necropolis Tour

The Vatican Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, is historically rich archaeological site. As the final resting place of numerous popes, this ancient burial ground dates back to the Roman era and holds a profound significance within the Catholic Church. Discovered in the 1940s during excavation work, the necropolis contains intricately adorned […]

A visit to St. Peter’s Basilica at night

Step into a world of enchantment as the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle above the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. Visiting this breathtaking architectural masterpiece at night is an experience that will leave you speechless. Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is a remarkable example of human creativity, incredible artistry, and unwavering […]

St. Peter’s Basilica reopens its doors after almost 2 months

St. Peter’s Basilica Reopening Date – February 1, 2021 The St Peter’s Basilica has finally opened its doors to the public. Effective steps have been taken post lockdown to maintain maximum security and hygiene at all times. Booking St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets Online St Peter’s Basilica Tickets are available online. On the day of the […]

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Millions love heading out with us

Iordache

4/5

Les réservations "Headout" fonctionnent vraiment bien. Facile de réserver, bonnes indications, des sms d'alerte avant le moment de rendez-vous, les tickets sont coupe-file, le personnel au point d'accueil est sympa est efficace. Le prix reste intéressant. Que du positif.

Graeme

5/5

United Kingdom

A brilliant morning spent with an excellent guide. We booked an early morning tour up St Paul's dome which was a fantastic experience. The welcome team were great and kept us entertained during the fairly rapid progress through security. The guide was amazing, he has great knowledge and provided lots of interesting facts and information throughout our visit. 10/10 Recommend doing an early morning visit as security is quicker and the climb to the top isn't too hot. Looking forward to another trip soon

Harvey

5/5

Colombia

The experience itself is transformative and interesting. But what makes it very good is that you have an accompanying staff that guides you quickly to the entrance and they are very helpful in the installation and configuration of the apps for the audio guide and super friendly, I really felt very well cared for by them. Besides, before starting, they give you a pear juice with a croissant.

View original review in Spanish

Katharina

4/5

We started at 7.30, got free breakfast and continued to the dome. Eventhough we had to wait in line three times for about 40min in total (security, entry, lift), we were really lucky since about 2h later people needed to wait way longer. The dome itself was very impressive inside and the view from the top was amazing eventhough it rained the whole time and it takes about 300 steps after the lift to reach it. We would definitly recommend booking here again. Considering that the visit took us about 2.5h in total, the price is quite fair as well.

Sara

5/5

Spain

I am very grateful because I did the reservation wrong and I was enrolled in an English group but they very kindly put me in the Spanish group without any problem. The guide was very nice and told us everything very well and I could tell she had experience. Congratulations!

View original review in Spanish

Legrand

4/5

France

The guide was really great, he knew the history of the basilica inside out and made it really fascinating. However, he didn't take us on a guided tour of the papal tombs. On the other hand, the organization was extremely complicated: we arrived 30 minutes early as requested (so you need to allow time for security checks before arriving at the meeting point), but at the ticket office we were asked to be patient for 20 minutes, and then we were assigned a guide. The principle was strange: we were expecting a group tour, and didn't really know where to turn. That's the only negative point.

View original review in French

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

Helen

5/5

United Kingdom

Karen was really knowledgeable. She gave the tour in a very calm and organised way. Even though it was a group situation it felt quite personal. She helped us to think about the meaning and significance of the building as well as just being amazed by the sheer size of it! It was a great tour and we got so much out of it.

Desmond

5/5

Our guide Valery was amazing! The support team before our tour of St Peter's Cathedral was superb. Altogether, highly recommended!

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

St. Peter's Basilica Guide

Built over a period of 100 years, St. Peter’s Basilica is Italy’s largest and most opulent church that comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Holy See. Located within Vatican City, this 16th-century Basilica is steeped in history and heritage and is renowned for its renaissance architecture, worked upon by master designers such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Said to be the burial site of the apostle St. Peter, it is regarded by Catholics worldwide as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom." Explore all your ticket options and plan your visit to this remarkable religious landmark here.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets

One of the most popular attractions in the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica sees millions of tourists every year creating vast crowds and excruciatingly long lines. However, there is a variety of ticket options to choose from; from skip-the-line access to the basilica to combo packages that allow you to explore other places of interest in Rome along with the church. You may also choose guided tours to include the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Guided Tours & Dome Access

St. Peter’s Basilica Combos

The biggest advantage of a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica is that you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The guide will not only ensure that you are not lost during the tour, but will also help you understand the history behind every single attraction on the way. Depending on your choice, your St. Peter's Basilica tour could include complimentary access to Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s Basilica dome, one of the most magnificent domes in the city of Rome. Depending on your ticket you may also get access to and guided tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Why go for these tickets?

On a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, you are accompanied by a professional guide who will enthrall you with stories about every major attraction at the basilica, including the dome.
Soak in an eagle’s view of Vatican City from Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s Basilica dome, a truly unparalleled experience.
Get access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in our all inclusive guided tours.

Recommended Experiences

Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
Experience the symbolic history of St. Peter's Basilica and soak in its magnificent Renaissance architecture. Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and walk through the vibrant history of one of the world's premier art collections.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Guided Tour
Explore St. Peter’s Basilica’s charming interiors and the Papal Sarcophagi after your visit to the top of the dome. Your guide will enlighten you with history, trivia, and more on the basilica's attractions and significance.
English Guided Tour of the St. Peter's Basilica and the Cupola
Climb the tallest church dome in the world and be mesmerized by the view of Vatican City. In this guided tour, you will learn about the history, religious significance, and amazing architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica through an English-speaking professional licensed guide.
St. Peter's Basilica, Popes Tombs and Dome
This is your chance to visit the basilica, climb its majestic dome, and go underground to have a look at the Pope's tombs in an unforgettable guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb
This guided tour comes with admission to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel as well as a guided tour of the Vatican Museums with fast-track entry. You even get to climb the world’s tallest dome in this experience!
Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel
Along with St. Peter’s Basilica get admission to the Vatican Museums with fast-track entry, the Sistine Chapel, and the Papal sarcophagi. You will also enjoy the services of an expert art historian to guide you.

Enjoy guided tour of Rome and Vatican City with these combo tickets. On your tour, enjoy top attractions with skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

Why go for these tickets?

Experience Rome like never before as you explore top attractions including the Colosseum and Vatican Museums with St. Peter's Basilica.
Some combo tickets take you through an in-depth tour of unique attractions like the Papal Audience which are not part of regular tours.
With a multilingual tour guide, discover the history and significance of top attractions in Rome and Vatican City.

Recommended Experiences

Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel
Discover the best of Rome on a full-day, semi-private guided combo tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. Make the most of your time with skip-the-line entry.
Combo (Save 9%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour
In this combo ticket, get admission to and a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel all in one experience. Enjoy attractions such as the Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Chandelier’s Gallery, Tapestries Gallery, and Raphael’s Rooms
Papal Audience and St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
In this one-of-a-kind combo experience, you will get a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and a chance to see the pope himself by attending a Papal Audience. After which you will be able to stroll the opulent Vatican Gardens in an open-roof bus tour.
Go City Rome Explorer Pass
Choose from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from 17 authentic experiences in Rome and Vatican City. Along with St. Peter’s Basilica, this pass allows you to visit landmarks such as Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Trevi Fountains.

Which St. Peter's Basilica Tickets Should You Go For

If you are looking for an in-depth tour

If you are looking for an in-depth tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome, and other attractions, then our guided tours come highly recommended. You will learn all about its fascinating history and architecture with a licensed tour guide.

If you are looking to explore more in Rome and Vatican City

Explore the St. Peter’s Basilica and a variety of attractions in Vatican City and Rome like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountains, the Vatican Gardens, and more with combo tickets.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets Discounts & Offers

Discounts

Get up to 9% off on our combo tickets and up to 10% off on our guided tours.

Cashback

You can a cashback up to 10% on your purchase of St. Peter’s Basilica tickets.

Free Entry

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free to all. However, long queues at the site make it very difficult to enter. You may access skip-the-line tickets or guided tours to overcome this.

Plan your Visit to St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

Opening Hours

Getting There

Rules & Facilities

What are the opening hours of St. Peter’s Basilica?

From 1 April to 30 September, St. Peter's Basilica is open from 7 AM to 7 PM; from 1 October to 31 March, it is open from 7 AM to 6:30 PM.

When can I attend the mass at St. Peter's Basilica?

On weekdays, mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is held at 7 AM, 7:30 AM, 8 AM, 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM on weekends and holy days, the mass will be held at 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM.

How long does it take to tour St. Peter’s Basilica?

Exploring everything that the historical basilica has to offer, including the grottos and museums will take you between 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on the attractions you choose to visit. If you’re looking to attend a mass as well, you could easily end up taking over 4 hours to finish your St Peter’s Basilica tour.

What is the best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica?

Fall (autumn) is the best time of the year to visit St Peter’s Basilica. St Peter’s Basilica tends to get crowded during Christian festivals and holy days. The time between September and November features the lowest number of Christian holy days, making it the best season to visit the Vatican and avoid crowds. As the basilica opens quite early, it is recommended that you visit the monument between 7 AM and 9 AM to avoid the crowd. The number of people visiting St Peter’s Basilica tends to increase by midday. On Wednesday, in lieu of the Papal Audience, there is generally a huge crowd at the basilica.

Where is St. Peter's Basilica located?

The basilica is located at Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City.
Google Map Directions

How do I get to St Peter’s Basilica?

St Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican city, which is located towards the north of the Rome city center. You can get to Vatican City via public transport, Metro, Hop On Hop Off buses or private cabs.

How do I get to St Peter’s Basilica by Metro?

To reach St Peter’s Basilica, you have to take the Rome Metro and get down at Ottaviano-S. Pietro, which is just outside the Vatican. Line A direction Battistini, Ottaviano or Cipro stations of the Metro have trains running every few minutes. It's a 5-minute walk from the Metro to both St Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums.

Can I get to St Peter’s Basilica by bus?

To reach St Peter’s Basilica, you have to take either one of the following;
Bus 49 - stops at the square in front of the Vatican Museums
Buses 32, 81, 982 - stops at Piazza del Risorgimento
Buses 492, 990 - stops at Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni

What are different entrances to the St. Peter's Basilica?

Beside the main entrance, one can enter St. Peter's Basilica by four ways - the Dome, the Necropolis, the Sacristy, & through the Sistine Chapel.

Is St. Peter's Basilica wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, St. Peter's Basilica is wheelchair-accessible due to the presence of ramps and elevators.

Is photography allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the basilica. However, flash photography is not permitted.

What is the dress code to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

Since the basilica is a place of worship, guests are expected to dress modestly. Knees and shoulders must be covered at all times, and low-cut tops/shirts are not permitted.

Are return transfers included in St. Peter's Basilica tickets?

There are no return transfers available on any of our St. Peter's Basilica tickets.

Explore the St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica in Rome is an Italian Renaissance Church and the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture in the world. It is also the largest church in the world and was designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Besides its obvious historical and artistic significance, it has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

St Peter's Basilica Dome

Designed by Michelangelo, the dome was completed by Giacomo Della Porta, Michelangelo’s pupil. The dome, with an inner diameter of 42.56 metres measures 136.57 metres from the base to the top of the cross. There is a viewing platform at the base of the lantern from where you can enjoy an unparalleled panorama over Rome, which can be reached by stairs or elevator. This dome was used as a model for other domes in the western world, like Saint Paul’s in London (1675), Les Invalides in Paris (1680-1691) and the Capitol building in Washington (1794-1817).

St Peter’s Basilica Architecture

The basilica was completed around 349AD on the orders of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, and was marked for renovation by Pope Nicholas V in the late fifteenth century. However, once he died, the restoration plans were halted, until almost a century later, Pope Julius II decided to build a completely new church and appointed architect Donato Bromante to structure the iconic high dome. The dome was further worked upon and modified heavily by architects and designers like Michelangelo Buonarroti, Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Maderno.

Grottoes

The grottos contain chapels dedicated to various saints and tombs of kings, queens and popes, dating from the 10th century, and are found sandwiched between the Renaissance Basilica and Constantine’s 4th century basilica. The holiest spot here is Peter’s tomb, containing the "memory", built in the 4th century on the spot were the Apostle’s tomb was venerated. The monuments to Paul VI (1978) and Pope John Paul II (2005) are also in the grottos. There is also a fresco by the 14th century Roman painter Pietro Cavallini called “Madonna della Bocciata”, because of Mary’s swollen face. According to an old legend, her face bled because a drunken soldier had thrown a bowl into the holy image after he lost a game of bowls.

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, or scavi, is often confused for the grottoes, the latter of which resulted from the construction of St. Peter's Church and is located on the ground level of the old Constantinian basilica. It was originally a burial ground built on the southern slope of the Vatican Hill, adjacent to the Circus of Caligula. In accordance with the Roman law, it was forbidden to bury the dead within the city walls. For this reason, burial grounds sprang up along the roads outside of the city cemeteries. It is thought to be the site of Apostle Peter’s tomb.

St. Peter’s Tomb

Saint Peter's tomb is located under St. Peter's Basilica and includes several graves and structures built to enshrine the location of Saint Peter's grave. Quite a few Popes have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period as it is the burial site of St Peter and is hence one of the four highest-ranking churches or ‘Major Basilicas’ in the world. It is the only one to be located in Vatican City and is directly under the jurisdiction of the Holy See.

The Chair of St. Peter

The Throne of St. Peter, a wooden throne that was supposedly used by Apostle Saint Peter, the leader of the Early Christians in Rome and first Pope, is on display at St Peter’s Basilica. The relic itself is described as an oaken chair damaged by cuts and worms, while the back and front are trimmed with carved ivory. The wooden throne was a gift from Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Bald to Pope John VIII in 875. The spiritual significance of the chair is a symbol of the special mission of Peter and his Successors to tend Christ’s flock, keeping it united in faith and in charity.

Top Attractions in Vatican City and Rome

If you're looking to further explore top things to do in the cities of Rome and Vatican City, here's what you should not miss out on.

Vatican Museums

The reputation of the Vatican Museums in Rome precedes them. Arguably one of the most famous museums in the world, the Vatican Museums houses over 70,000 works of art, which includes paintings, sculptures, frescoes and more. Keep your eyes out for masterpieces by renowned artists like Caravaggio, Raphael, Michelangelo and more. Book Vatican Museums tickets individually or as part of combo tours.

Sistine Chapel

The crown jewel in the Vatican Museums is the historic Sistine Chapel. Its cultural significance is such that its ceiling and interior frescoes have been studied and admired for generations now, the most noteworthy one being The Last Judgement by Michelangelo. Book Sistine Chapel tickets separately or as part of a combo tour.

Roman Colosseum

Few structures have withstood the test of time like the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. Visited by millions of travelers each year, the Colosseum is seeped in historic stories of bloodshed, violence, and betrayal as gladiators, cheered on by frenzied crowds, battled each other till death. A must-visit, book Colosseum tickets separately or as part of a combo tour.

Borghese Gallery

Another popular gem in Rome's tapestry is the Borghese Gallery. Home to hundreds of carefully curated artwork by masters of their craft such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Dosso Dossi and more, Galleria Borghese in Rome, it is frequented by millions each year. The cherry on top? The Borghese Gardens, a peaceful landscape adorned with immaculately maintained flora and fauna. Book Borghese Gallery tickets.

Roman Catacombs

To deal with the shortage of space and overflowing population, ancient Roman authorities came up with a unique solution to bury the dead: underground catacombs. On a Roman Catacombs tour, discover eerie yet elaborate arrangements and displays of the bones of millions of Romans. Watch out for unique artwork and frescoes of olden Christian art. Book Roman Catacombs tickets.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets FAQs

Are St. Peter's Basilica tickets available online?

Yes. Guests can now book their St. Peter's Basilica tickets online now.

Do I need tickets to enter St.Peter’s Basilica?

You do not need tickets to enter St. Peter's Basilica since entry is free. However, expect to wait in long queues if you enter without fast-track or priority tickets. Explore our guided tours and combo tickets for skip-the-line entry to the basilica. You also need tickets to access to access the Dome.

Where is the St. Peter’s Basilica entrance?

To enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you would have to use its main entrance at St. Peter’s Square. Temporarily, the entrance through the Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public.

What are St. Peter's Basilica hours?

St. Peter's Basilica is open from 7 AM to 7 PM between 1 April to 30 September, and from 7 AM to 06:30 PM between 1 October to 31 March.

Is there a dress code to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

Yes, there is a strict code in place. Clothing above the knees, low cut tops and bare shoulders are not allowed. Hats and large bags are also not allowed inside and must be checked-in.

Do St. Peter's Basilica tickets include access to Vatican Museums?

It depends on the ticket you choose to book. You can opt for combo and guided tours of St. Peter's Basilica tickets that include entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Are discounts available on St. Peter's Basilica tickets?

Yes, get up to 9% discount on our combo tickets and up to 10% discount on our guided tours of St. Peter's Basilica.

Is skip-the-line entry available in St. Peter's Basilica tickets?

Yes, skip-the-line or priority entrance is available in some of our guided tours and combo tours. Explore our ticket these tickets for skip-the-line access:
1. Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
2. Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel

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