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.
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An expert guide takes you on a journey through the world's largest church and beacon of the Vatican.
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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.
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Discover the Papal Tombs and artistic wonders housed in the Basilica, like Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture.
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Fuel up for the adventure ahead! Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with an upgraded English or French guided tour.
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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
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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!
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Explore St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour and discover its stunning architecture, rich history, and the artistry of Michelangelo's dome.
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Check out stunning works of art and architecture by Bernini, Donato Bramante, and Carlo Maderno, and learn about them from your expert guide.
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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.
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Enjoy the guided experience in a language of your choice with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
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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.
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Skip the ticket lines, saving 1-2 hours and visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with the insights of a local guide.
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Explore the Museums’ famed galleries, like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, while your guide shares exciting stories in your choice of language.
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Enjoy interesting insights from your guide before entering the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes, including The Last Judgment.
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Upgrade your experience to include St. Peter’s Basilica, with the choice of standard entry or a guided tour for a deeper dive into this sacred landmark.
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Save time with direct access to the Basilica via a hidden door from the Sistine Chapel, skipping a 20-minute walk and a 2-hour queue.
More details
-
Skip the ticket lines, saving 1-2 hours and visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with the insights of a local guide.
-
Explore the Museums’ famed galleries, like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, while your guide shares exciting stories in your choice of language.
-
Enjoy interesting insights from your guide before entering the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes, including The Last Judgment.
-
Upgrade your experience to include St. Peter’s Basilica, with the choice of standard entry or a guided tour for a deeper dive into this sacred landmark.
-
Save time with direct access to the Basilica via a hidden door from the Sistine Chapel, skipping a 20-minute walk and a 2-hour queue.
-
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!
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Learn all about the astronomers and artists imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons. Admire the ramparts outside and well-preserved frescoes within.
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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.
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From Bernini’s gilded Altar, Tabernacle and Angels to the mysterious Papal Tombs, the world’s largest church holds many architectural surprises.
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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
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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
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Embark on a guided journey through the heart of Vatican City, discovering the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Grottoes.
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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.
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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.
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Venture into the tranquil Papal Grottoes, the final abode of previous pontiffs, and end in St. Peter’s Square, a hub of architectural beauty.
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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!
- 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.
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.
-
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.
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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.
5% off
-
Explore St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour in a small group, unlocking its artistic treasures and history.
-
See Michelangelo's Pietà, and Bernini's Baldacchino, and explore the sacred tombs in the Papal Grottoes.
-
The Basilica houses the bronze Cathedra Petri, believed to be the seat used by St. Peter himself, a powerful symbol of papal authority.
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Ascend the St. Peter's Basilica dome for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Rome, including the Colosseum and Vatican Gardens.
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Fun fact: The Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica is the only artwork Michelangelo ever signed, fueling speculation about his motivations.
More details
-
Explore St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour in a small group, unlocking its artistic treasures and history.
-
See Michelangelo's Pietà, and Bernini's Baldacchino, and explore the sacred tombs in the Papal Grottoes.
-
The Basilica houses the bronze Cathedra Petri, believed to be the seat used by St. Peter himself, a powerful symbol of papal authority.
-
Ascend the St. Peter's Basilica dome for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Rome, including the Colosseum and Vatican Gardens.
-
Fun fact: The Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica is the only artwork Michelangelo ever signed, fueling speculation about his motivations.
-
Enjoy a personalized, small-group tour of the Vatican’s top treasures, with no more than 15 guests.
-
Save 1-2 hours with fast-track entry, skipping long ticket lines for a hassle-free experience.
-
Discover the vast galleries of the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps, before marveling at Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.
-
Take your time to ask questions, engage with your guide, and fully immerse yourself in the art at a relaxed pace.
More details
-
Enjoy a personalized, small-group tour of the Vatican’s top treasures, with no more than 15 guests.
-
Save 1-2 hours with fast-track entry, skipping long ticket lines for a hassle-free experience.
-
Discover the vast galleries of the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps, before marveling at Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.
-
Take your time to ask questions, engage with your guide, and fully immerse yourself in the art at a relaxed pace.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
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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.
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