St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

History and art intermingle on this guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. For an added experience, book the option to go up to the dome!

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb

We'll meet at the indicated time, very close to the Vatican, and walk to St. Peter's Square. Before entering St. Peter's Basilica, we will explain its conception and the artists involved in its design. You will observe the significance of every detail in the square and the basilica’s facade.

Inside the basilica, we will admire numerous masterpieces, including the Pietà by Michelangelo and St. Peter's Baldachin canopy by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. We will explore the crypt where the Popes' tombs are located.

After the visit, we will take an elevator to the first level of St. Peter's dome, followed by a climb of 320 steps to the top. The viewpoint will offer the best views of Rome and the Eternal City.

The tour will end after approximately 1.5-2.5 hours in St. Peter's Basilica.

Climbing St. Peter's Dome

If you choose the option with access to the dome, we will take an elevator and then climb 320 steps to the top. The views from the summit are unique.

After enjoying the panoramic views, we'll return to St. Peter's Basilica. The tour will conclude inside the basilica after about 1.5 hours.

Note that with the dome ascent option, you will need to queue twice: once for the elevator and once for the steps, which may slow down the tour.

When Is the Best Time to Go up to the Dome?

The best time to visit is typically between 7 am and 9 am when the site is less crowded.

Opening Hours

The opening hours for St. Peter's Dome are:

From October to March: from 8 am to 5 pmFrom April to September: from 8 am to 6 pm

These hours are flexible and subject to change.

Fun Facts About The Dome

The dome measures 136.57 meters (448 feet) tall.Designed by Michelangelo in 1546, he died before its completion.Its diameter is 42.56 meters.Inaugurated in 1590, its design has inspired others, such as the Cathedral Basilica of Mary Queen of the World in Montreal.

Don't Want to Go up to the Dome?

On certain days, depending on availability, a guided tour of just the basilica is offered.

On this tour, we will meet on Via Vespasiano and walk to Piazza San Pietro, then enter the basilica to explore its treasures, including La Pietà by Michelangelo, Bernini sculptures, and the mosaics of the great dome.