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St. Peter's Basilica, the burial site of St. Peter, the first Pope, is central to Catholicism, where the Pope leads ceremonies. Housing relics like the True Cross fragment and Michelangelo's Pietà, it draws believers closer to their faith. An elite example of Renaissance architecture by Bramante, Bernini, and Michelangelo, it's a powerful destination for pilgrims, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts, located just 10 minutes from the Vatican Museums.
The Basilica takes on even greater importance during the Jubilee, a special Catholic celebration held every 25 years. As the world's attention turns to Rome in 2025, the Basilica becomes a focal point for pilgrims seeking renewal and forgiveness. With the opening of the Holy Door and papal ceremonies, it's a time for spiritual reflection and connection.
No ticket is required to enter the main basilica itself. However, be prepared for security checks and queues, especially during peak season. Guided tours can help you skip long entry lines and are a great option for those seeking an in-depth exploration of this iconic basilica. A ticket is required to climb the dome. Attending Jubilee events requires you to register online and get a free Pilgrim's Card.
Once you enter the basilica, look to your right for signage to the ticket booth and staircase. Climb all 551 steps to the top or take the elevator and climb the rest of the 320 steps. On the way, stop at a terrace to admire the dome's mosaics, before you get to the top for a 360-degree panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome.
An underground graveyard contains the tombs of many Vatican popes as well as members of the royal family from the 10th century. They are free to enter and are open every day. Make sure this is the last place you visit in St. Peter’s Basilica since you will be outside the Basilica upon exiting the grottoes.
St. Peter’s Treasury, not included in the free admission, exhibits church ornaments, statues, and royal gifts like the Tomb of Sixtus IV and the Papal tiara. Its oldest item, the Vatican Cross, gifted by Emperor Justin III, features cabochon-cut colored gems and a capsule with fragments of the Holy Cross.
In the first chapel of the north aisle is Michelangelo's Pietà, sculpted when he was only 24. This signed piece depicts Jesus after his crucifixion in the lap of a young and beautiful Mary, rather than an older woman. Notably, Christ's face lacks the signs of the Passion, with only small nail marks and a wound on his side.
Also known as the Throne of Saint Peter, the relic conserved is located in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica. The chair is a wooden throne that is believed to belong to the Apostle Saint Peter. Repaired and decorated by Bernini, the oak chair has been enclosed in a sculpted bronze casing.
St. Peter's Basilica was built on Vatican Hill, believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, who was crucified there. In 1968, Pope Paul VI claimed the identification of St. Peter's relics, despite a lack of scientific evidence. The grave is thought to lie beneath the aedicula's floor, and the Confessio area was created to commemorate his martyrdom.
The Old St. Peter's Basilica was built in the 4th century by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. The plan for the present St. Peter's Basilica was conceived by Pope Nicholas V. In 1506, Julius II laid the first stone for the new basilica. Construction of the present basilica was completed between April 1506 and November 1626. It was designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Holy Door, traditionally opened only during Jubilee years, symbolizes entry into a time of renewal and forgiveness. Millions of pilgrims pass through this doorway to mark the start of their Jubilee pilgrimage.
You can register online to get a Pilgrim’s card. Bonus - it doesn’t cost a dime!
Security procedures might be heightened during the Jubilee. Expect lines and thorough checks. Security checks would be conducted by the Italian State Police before entering the Basilica. These are located in the right hemicycle of Saint Peter's Square.
The Old St Peter's Basilica was built between 319 AD and 333 to commemorate Saint Peter, who is believed to have been buried there. In the 16th century, at the behest of Pope Julius II, the current St. Peter’s Basilica was built after the old one fell into disrepair.
Yes, tickets are needed to attend papal audience at St. Peter’s Square. Some papal masses can be free to attend and would only need a registration.
There is a strict dress code for entering St. Peter's Basilica. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. This means no sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts. Bringing a light scarf to cover your shoulders if needed is advisable, especially during the summer months.
The Confessio area, located below the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica, is believed to be the closest accessible point to the tomb of St. Peter, the apostle and first pope of the Catholic Church. The area is a focal point for pilgrims, who come to pay their respects and offer prayers.
St. Peter's Basilica is accessible by wheelchair with ramps and elevators. A dedicated entrance with a ramp is located on the right side (north side) of St. Peter's Square for easier access. You can also find accessible restrooms near this entrance. While wheelchairs are available for free, reserving one in advance is recommended.
The St. Peter's Basilica Dome or the Cupola, Vatican Grottoes, Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter’s Baldachin, Statue of St. Longinus, St. Peter’s Tomb and the Chair of St. Peter are some of the main attractions inside St. Peter's Basilica.
Yes, a recommended itinerary for visiting St. Peter's Basilica starts with an early morning arrival to avoid crowds. Begin by exploring the main basilica, marveling at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin. Next, take the guided tour to access the Papal tombs beneath the basilica (if it is accessible). Afterward, ascend to the dome for panoramic views of Rome, using the elevator to the base and climbing the remaining steps. Finally, spend some time in St. Peter's Square, taking in the impressive architecture and obelisk. Allow 3-4 hours for a thorough visit. Consider a guided tour that includes both the basilica and the Vatican Museums for a more comprehensive experience.
Add meaning to your visit to the world’s most significant Christian church with a rich audio guide, upgrade to reserve entry.
Inclusions
Access to Basilica and Papal Tombs
Digital audio guide
Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Closures & exceptions
Skip lines, enter at your reserved time, and reach Rome’s highest viewpoint with an audio guide.
Inclusions
Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica
Access to Papal Tombs
Digital audio guide
Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)
Guided tour of Basilica (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
See all three Vatican must-sees: tour the Museums and Chapel, then enter the Basilica directly via a hidden passage, skipping hours of wait.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
St. Peter's Basilica Access
Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
Headphones
Exclusions
Learn about the world’s largest basilica and its history as St. Peter’s burial site with an expert guide and priority entry.
Inclusions
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs
Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
Dome access via elevator (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
A once-in-a-lifetime Vatican moment—witness the Pope in person with guidance and context from an expert.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Papal Audience experience
Pre-arranged Papal Audience ticket
Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica (as per option selected)
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Headsets
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Trace Rome’s spiritual journey, from pagan temple to the heart of Catholicism, in two timeless landmarks. Everything you get at Castel Sant’Angelo: Explore the fortress's secret passages, medieval weapons, and ancient statues with a digital audio guide. Everything you get at St. Peter’s Basilica: Enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can see Bernini’s Chair of St. Peter, then descend into the Vatican Grottoes to explore Papal tombs. Why choose this: Few combos let you connect the world’s best-preserved ancient temple directly with the world’s largest Christian church—it’s a story of Rome’s changing soul. You also get to leap across 1,500 years of history without leaving the city center.
Inclusions Castel Sant'Angelo
Direct entry and terrace access
Digital audio guide
St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant’Angelo Accessibility
Additional information
St. Peter’s Basilica Accessibility
Additional information
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
