Introduction
One of the emblems of spirituality not only in Italy but worldwide is undoubtedly the stunning Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the largest of the four papal basilicas located in the Capital, a preferred destination for believers and art and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Numerous artists contributed to the realization of this Catholic masterpiece: from Bramante to Raphael, passing through Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who helped create one of the most famous monuments in Rome and the entire world.
Rightfully included in the list of the largest buildings in the World, with its 23,000 square meters, it has an incredible capacity inside (about 20,000, but according to some sources, it could even be 60,000). Here's what you need to know to best visit this important church.
How to Get There
Saint Peter's Basilica is about 5 km from the center of Rome. Generally, the most convenient way to get there is by metro. Here are various solutions to reach it:
- On foot you might think of reaching it by walking from nearby attractions. It is a 9-minute walk from Castel Sant'Angelo, a 21-minute walk from the Botanical Garden, a 23-minute walk from the Pantheon, a 37-minute walk from the Roman Forum, and a 45-minute walk from the Colosseum - Get directions
- By metro the nearest stop is San Pietro-Ottaviano, served by the A line (red) and about a 10-minute walk away.
- By bus buses number 23, 64, 916, 982 stop near St. Peter's Square.
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees
Saint Peter's Basilica is truly a treasure trove of artworks inside, among which we can mention the famous Bernini's Baldachin, Michelangelo's Pietà, and the bronze statue of Saint Peter. Access to the sacred place is free, while there is an entrance ticket required to ascend to the high dome.
- Hours October 1 to March 31 from 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM; from April 1 to September 30 from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM. The dome is accessible from October 1 to March 31 from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM; from April 1 to September 30 from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
- Entrance to the Basilica and the Vatican Grottos is free.
- Entrance to the Dome €10.00 with elevator, €8.00 on foot (551 steps). It should be noted that the elevator stops at the terrace level, and to go further, you still need to climb 320 steps on foot.
Guided Tour: self-guided visits of Saint Peter's Basilica are highly discouraged. To discover the wonders and treasures of the most important church in the world, you absolutely need to book a guided tour that includes the ascent to the Dome. The cost is significant (around €40.00), but the experience is worth every penny!
Tours, Guided Visits, and Online Tickets
You can choose between two types of guided visits, namely the tour of the Basilica and the Grottos with access to the Dome, and the Tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which also includes access to the Basilica and the Grottos, but does not include the climb to the Dome.
- Dome and Vatican Grottos Tour from €44.00 per person, check availability
- Tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access to the Basilica from €41.00 per person, check availability
Why Choose the Priority Tour? During peak season, the lines at the entrance can be endless (1 to 2 hours waiting). If you do not want to or are unable to climb the minimum 320 steps to reach the Dome, head straight to the Basilica + Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel Tour.
Useful Tips for Visiting Saint Peter's Basilica
Entering the stunning Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City could turn into a sort of mission impossible. But do not worry: by following some simple tips, it is possible to access the attraction in a reasonable time and without any significant hurdles.
- Wake up early the lines at the entrance may seem endless. Arrive at least an hour before the Basilica opens.
- Priority ticket booking a visit with priority entrance allows you to avoid the endless lines (over 2 hours in peak season). The tour includes the Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
- Be mindful of restrictions inside the attraction, it is strictly prohibited to enter with uncovered shoulders and legs: appropriate clothing that respects the sanctity of the place is required year-round, or you may be denied access to the Basilica.
- Minimum time dedicate at least a couple of hours of your time to visit the Basilica and the Dome.
- Disabled access access to the Dome may be challenging for those with reduced mobility or disabilities due to the spiral configuration and steepness of the stairs, which are also quite narrow.
Historical Notes, Curiosities, and Practical Information: What to Know About Saint Peter's Basilica Briefly
Houses the remains of Saint Peter, the first Pope in the history of Christianity, the basilica that the whole world knows and envies, located in Vatican City, built between 1506 and 1626, from the ashes of the more archaic version of the extraordinary religious building, dating back to approximately 320 and realized at the behest of Constantine.
Numerous artists, as previously highlighted, contributed to the construction of this imposing attraction. The elegant dome, which significantly increases the height of the Basilica, was designed by Michelangelo.
The exterior of the Basilica is characterized by the stunning colonnade composed of 284 columns in Doric style and by 88 pillars in travertine from Tivoli, which welcome the tourist, religious and non-religious, in an ideal, profound embrace. Inside the building, you will be amazed by high-quality artistic works, such as the famous Pietà by Michelangelo. The interior of the structure is divided into four levels: the walkable floor of the building; the Vatican Grottos, on the lower floor; the walkable level of the original Constantine basilica; the ancient ground level, also from the Constantine era.
With its 218 meters in length and over 133 meters in height (including the dome), the imposing Saint Peter's Basilica is the site of major religious celebrations, such as Christmas or Easter, and the main events concerning the Holy See, such as papal funerals or the proclamations of new Popes.