St. Peter's Basilica
Visit the Catholic church's official seat at St. Peter's Basilica and discover its remarkable Renaissance architecture. Browse through our extensive collection of St. Peter's Basilica tickets and choose from skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, & combo tours with Vatican Museums and more.
-
An expert guide takes you on a journey through the world's largest church and beacon of the Vatican.
-
Get breathtaking views of the hills all around from your unique vantage point at the crest of the St. Peter’s Basilica's Dome, the highest point in Rome.
-
Discover the Papal Tombs and artistic wonders housed in the Basilica, like Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture.
-
Fuel up for the adventure ahead! Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with an upgraded English or French guided tour.
-
Fun fact: Bernini designed the square so St. Peter's Basilica stays the focal point. Look closely, every line leads to the basilica!
More details
-
An expert guide takes you on a journey through the world's largest church and beacon of the Vatican.
-
Get breathtaking views of the hills all around from your unique vantage point at the crest of the St. Peter’s Basilica's Dome, the highest point in Rome.
-
Discover the Papal Tombs and artistic wonders housed in the Basilica, like Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture.
-
Fuel up for the adventure ahead! Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with an upgraded English or French guided tour.
-
Fun fact: Bernini designed the square so St. Peter's Basilica stays the focal point. Look closely, every line leads to the basilica!
-
The freedom to discover all of St. Peter's Basilica with an insightful multilingual audio guide and tickets to scale its iconic dome.
-
No need to sweat those 171 steps to the Cupola. Your ticket includes an elevator ride to get you to the Dome’s base with ease.
-
Climb to the top for exclusive vistas of the Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel roof, Papal election chimney, and more at 136 meters above the city.
-
To get insights into the symbolism of every artwork in the world’s largest Church and its Dome, tune into the audio guide available in 6 languages.
-
Did you know? St. Peter’s Basilica is home to over 100 tombs, of which 91 belong to popes, royalties, and noblemen.
More details
-
The freedom to discover all of St. Peter's Basilica with an insightful multilingual audio guide and tickets to scale its iconic dome.
-
No need to sweat those 171 steps to the Cupola. Your ticket includes an elevator ride to get you to the Dome’s base with ease.
-
Climb to the top for exclusive vistas of the Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel roof, Papal election chimney, and more at 136 meters above the city.
-
To get insights into the symbolism of every artwork in the world’s largest Church and its Dome, tune into the audio guide available in 6 languages.
-
Did you know? St. Peter’s Basilica is home to over 100 tombs, of which 91 belong to popes, royalties, and noblemen.
-
Explore St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour and discover its stunning architecture, rich history, and the artistry of Michelangelo's dome.
-
Check out stunning works of art and architecture by Bernini, Donato Bramante, and Carlo Maderno, and learn about them from your expert guide.
-
After the tour comes to an end, you can pay homage to Pope John Paul II at his tomb and learn about the iconic chair of St. Peter.
-
Enjoy the guided experience in a language of your choice with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
-
Fun fact: St. Peter's Basilica took more than 100 years to build.
More details
-
Explore St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour and discover its stunning architecture, rich history, and the artistry of Michelangelo's dome.
-
Check out stunning works of art and architecture by Bernini, Donato Bramante, and Carlo Maderno, and learn about them from your expert guide.
-
After the tour comes to an end, you can pay homage to Pope John Paul II at his tomb and learn about the iconic chair of St. Peter.
-
Enjoy the guided experience in a language of your choice with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
-
Fun fact: St. Peter's Basilica took more than 100 years to build.
-
A guided tour that hits all the spots! Grab the chance to skip the line at all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a guide.
-
Dive into incredible stories about masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio, narrated by your guide as you explore the Vatican Museums.
-
Stand in awe at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s Last Judgment—one of the largest frescoes in the world—takes center stage.
-
Prefer a guided tour or want to explore at your own pace? The choice is yours at St. Peter’s Basilica.
-
Here’s a little insider perk: You’ll slip into St. Peter’s Basilica through a secret back door from the Sistine Chapel, cutting out a 20-minute walk and a 2-hour queue wait.
More details
-
A guided tour that hits all the spots! Grab the chance to skip the line at all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a guide.
-
Dive into incredible stories about masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio, narrated by your guide as you explore the Vatican Museums.
-
Stand in awe at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s Last Judgment—one of the largest frescoes in the world—takes center stage.
-
Prefer a guided tour or want to explore at your own pace? The choice is yours at St. Peter’s Basilica.
-
Here’s a little insider perk: You’ll slip into St. Peter’s Basilica through a secret back door from the Sistine Chapel, cutting out a 20-minute walk and a 2-hour queue wait.
-
Forgo any hurdles to accessing this divine event with assisted entry, and hear pearls of wisdom from the Pope himself.
-
Hum along to weekly prayers amidst a united congregation with guaranteed invitations to the free Papal audience.
-
Discover how Michelangelo brought marble to life with Pieta! Choose to explore St. Peter's Basilica with a guide.
-
Or uncover the history of the papacy along with an English or Spanish-speaking guide.
-
Did you know? St. Peter's Square was designed such that the Basilica stays the focal point. Look closely, every line leads to it!
More details
-
Forgo any hurdles to accessing this divine event with assisted entry, and hear pearls of wisdom from the Pope himself.
-
Hum along to weekly prayers amidst a united congregation with guaranteed invitations to the free Papal audience.
-
Discover how Michelangelo brought marble to life with Pieta! Choose to explore St. Peter's Basilica with a guide.
-
Or uncover the history of the papacy along with an English or Spanish-speaking guide.
-
Did you know? St. Peter's Square was designed such that the Basilica stays the focal point. Look closely, every line leads to it!
-
In a small group, head to Castel Sant’Angelo by the Tiber River, commissioned as Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum and then used as a papal fortress!
-
Learn all about the astronomers and artists imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons. Admire the ramparts outside and well-preserved frescoes within.
-
At St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, cherish divine art like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pieta sculpture of Jesus and Mary with expert insight.
-
From Bernini’s gilded Altar, Tabernacle and Angels to the mysterious Papal Tombs, the world’s largest church holds many architectural surprises.
-
Fun fact: The discreet Passetto di Borgo which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City features in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
More details
-
In a small group, head to Castel Sant’Angelo by the Tiber River, commissioned as Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum and then used as a papal fortress!
-
Learn all about the astronomers and artists imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons. Admire the ramparts outside and well-preserved frescoes within.
-
At St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, cherish divine art like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pieta sculpture of Jesus and Mary with expert insight.
-
From Bernini’s gilded Altar, Tabernacle and Angels to the mysterious Papal Tombs, the world’s largest church holds many architectural surprises.
-
Fun fact: The discreet Passetto di Borgo which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City features in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
5% off
-
Embark on a guided journey through the heart of Vatican City, discovering the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Grottoes.
-
The tour includes a knowledgeable English or Italian-speaking guide who will not only explain the history but also reveal the secrets of these monumental structures.
-
Experience the vast interiors of the largest Basilica in the world, and marvel at the stunning Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and the grand Bernini's Baldachin.
-
Venture into the tranquil Papal Grottoes, the final abode of previous pontiffs, and end in St. Peter’s Square, a hub of architectural beauty.
-
Did you know? St. Peter's Basilica, visible throughout Rome, took over a century to build, and its iconic dome was designed by Michelangelo himself!
More details
-
Embark on a guided journey through the heart of Vatican City, discovering the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Grottoes.
-
The tour includes a knowledgeable English or Italian-speaking guide who will not only explain the history but also reveal the secrets of these monumental structures.
-
Experience the vast interiors of the largest Basilica in the world, and marvel at the stunning Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and the grand Bernini's Baldachin.
-
Venture into the tranquil Papal Grottoes, the final abode of previous pontiffs, and end in St. Peter’s Square, a hub of architectural beauty.
-
Did you know? St. Peter's Basilica, visible throughout Rome, took over a century to build, and its iconic dome was designed by Michelangelo himself!
-
Access 15 attractions in Rome with one pass and save up to 55% compared to buying individual tickets.
-
Discover top landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and Borghese Gallery, and embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
-
Explore the city hassle-free with 72 hours of public transport access, including metro, buses, and trams, for convenient travel across the city.
-
Enjoy significant savings with free entry to the first two attractions and discounted rates for the remaining ones, making it a cost-effective choice.
-
Maximize your sightseeing with flexible 72-hour validity, allowing you to visit any combination of attractions within the time frame.
More details
-
Access 15 attractions in Rome with one pass and save up to 55% compared to buying individual tickets.
-
Discover top landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and Borghese Gallery, and embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
-
Explore the city hassle-free with 72 hours of public transport access, including metro, buses, and trams, for convenient travel across the city.
-
Enjoy significant savings with free entry to the first two attractions and discounted rates for the remaining ones, making it a cost-effective choice.
-
Maximize your sightseeing with flexible 72-hour validity, allowing you to visit any combination of attractions within the time frame.
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.
Audio guide: If you would like to explore at your own pace but still want a guided experience, consider renting a multilingual audio guide. It offers insights into the basilica’s highlights and history as you explore.
The Papal audience tour: To see the Pope, book a Papal Audience tour, which includes seating and a guide to explain the events. For a full experience, select the ticket with St. Peter's Basilica access.
Combo tickets: Make the most of your Vatican visit with a combo ticket covering the must-see "holy trinity" at a budget-friendly rate: St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Top things to do in Rome
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.
Browse by themes
Millions love heading out with us
Harald
Sigrun
See more
Peter
Harvey
Khristine
Sara
Legrand
Helen
Nearby cities to explore
World at your tap.
Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
