St. Peter's Basilica tour:
Priority entry, dome climb, and the crypts below
Destination
Vatican, Italy
Duration
2 hours
Tour size
Max 20
Language
English
Overview
Walk straight into St. Peter's Basilica, bypassing the queues, with a guide who points out the history and symbolism you’d miss on your own. Then climb to the top of the dome at your own pace, with a panorama of Rome waiting at the top.
- •Step into the basilica early, when the morning light is still moving through the nave
- •Stand in front of Michelangelo's Pietà, the only work he ever signed
- •Walk down into the papal crypts where centuries of Popes are buried
- •Take the elevator to the dome's first level for a close-up of the mosaics inside the cupola
- •Climb the final 320 steps for the panorama over St. Peter's Square and the Tiber River
What's included
- Priority entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Pre-reserved dome tickets
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Headsets for clear narration
- Small group of 20 guests maximum
You will visit
- St. Peter's Square
- The Swiss Guard
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Michelangelo's Pietà
- Bernini's Baldachin
- The papal crypts
- The interior of Michelangelo's dome
- Panoramic view of Rome from the dome
Get a taste of St. Peter's Basilica tour
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What to expect
St. Peter's Square: the basilica before it fills
The tour starts in St. Peter's Square with an introduction to the Swiss Guard, the Vatican's centuries-old papal protectors, and a first look at the basilica facade. The early hour means you're standing under Bernini's colonnade with space to breathe before other travelers arrive.
Inside the basilica: from the Pietà to the Baldachin
Once inside, your guide walks you through the side chapels and toward the works the basilica is built around. You'll stand in front of Michelangelo's Pietà and hear why this is the only work he ever signed, then look up at Bernini's Baldachin, the bronze canopy above the high altar.
Important Booking Note: The Vatican requires all ticket holders to provide their full name at the time of booking and exactly match an ID or passport you'll bring on the day. Please contact us if you have questions.
"Look up at the Pietà twice. Once for Mary's face. Once for the signature — the only one Michelangelo ever left."
Julia,
WalksDevour Vatican guide
Postcards from Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica tour
St. Peter's Basilica tour
St. Peter's Basilica tour
St. Peter's Basilica tour
St. Peter's Basilica tour
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Frequently asked questions
Our guides love answering your questions. Here are some things they'd like you to know before your tour starts.
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