St. Peter’s Basilica tickets & tours

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Simenterre B

France
Couple
6 days ago



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The Headout representative was waiting for us at the appointed time near the Colosseum, with our personalized admission tickets. This lady spoke our language fluently and was able to help us plan our visit, letting us know how much time we should expect to spend at each site. That was a big help.

Christos T

Group
Last week



The moment you re stering at the arena is outstanding!! It's so impressing watching a place almost 2000 years old and having the same view as Romans did!!

Blas D

Argentina
Couple
Last week

The guide is very knowledgeable. She provided us with a lot of information. She is attentive, friendly, and well-mannered. Excellent!!!

Isabel A

Spain
Group
Last week



The guide was very friendly and attentive to each and every member of the group. We loved all the explanations during the tour.

Petrus S

Couple
Last week



The meeting point was clearly explained. Quick access. A very friendly guide who shared a lot of information about the sights. Highly recommended!

Alexander M

Malta
Solo
Last week


My trip to Castel Gandolfo gave me a deeper insight into the contributions that many popes made during their pontificate. Wondering through the rooms of the palace made this experience more immediate. The secret garden was an added gem in the whole package

Sue T

Couple
Last week



+2 more

The audio guide was easy to use and provided interesting information about the history of the castle throughout the years. This made the visit very worthwhile.

Cristobal S

Couple
Last week

The experience with Headout was surprisingly smooth, and in a place where chaos seems to be part of the routine, that’s worth a lot. Avoiding endless lines doesn’t just save time—it lets you arrive with an open mind, without the initial stress that often ruins these kinds of visits.

Top things to do in Rome

St. Peter's Basilica as a pilgrimage site

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.

Significance of the Basilica during the Jubilee 2025

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.

How to access St. Peter’s Basilica?

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.

Attending the Jubilee 2025

Choosing the right St. Peter’s Basilica experience

Guided tour

Guide: Yes
Duration: 1-2 hours
Dome access: Optional
Why go for it?

  • Skip the thick crowds of Jubilee year and learn about the Basilica's immense significance with an expert. See Rome from the highest point in Vatican City, i.e., the Dome.
  • Optional breakfast adds a delightful touch. Afterwards, you can explore the Papal Tombs, an important area that is typically not accessible to general visitors.

Recommended tickets:

  • St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour
  • St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Dome tickets

Guide: Audio guide
Duration: Flexible
Dome access: Yes
Why go for it?

  • Enjoy stunning views of Rome's skyline from the top and a hassle-free visit with direct access to the dome, bypassing long lines.
  • Save time and energy by using the elevator to reach the base, followed by a manageable stair climb to the summit.
  • Explore Basilica at your own pace with an informational audio guide.

Recommended tickets:

  • St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tickets with Audio Guide

Combo tours

Guide: Yes
Duration: 3 hours
Dome access: Optional
Why go for it?

  • Covers the holy trinity of Vatican attractions in just three hours with priority entry, avoiding long queues.
  • Experience the heart of Catholicism, from the Vatican Museums' treasures to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Optional dome access offers an even more spectacular view.
  • Cost effective option for exploring Rome. For a unique experience combine your Basilica visit with the intriguing Castel Sant'Angelo.

Recommended tickets:

  • Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
  • Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

What to see inside St. Peter's Basilica?

Cupola
Vatican Grottoes
St. Peter's Treasury Museum
Michelangelo's Pietà
The Chair of St. Peter at the St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter’s Tomb
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The Cupola

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.

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Vatican Grottoes

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.

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St. Peter's Treasury

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.

Pieta

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.

The Chair of St. Peter

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.

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St. Peter’s Tomb

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.

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Brief timeline of St. Peter’s Basilica history

  • Early 1st Century AD: Tradition holds that St. Peter, the apostle, is crucified and buried on Vatican Hill.
  • 319-333 AD: Emperor Constantine the Great constructs Old St. Peter's Basilica over the shrine marking Peter's grave.
  • Late 1400s: The old basilica falls into disrepair, prompting Pope Nicholas V to plan for extensive modifications. Little progress is made due to political issues.
  • 1505: Pope Julius II decides to demolish the old basilica and replace it with a monumental structure, beginning a 120-year construction process.
  • 1939-1949: Excavations under Pope Pius XII reveal ancient shrines and bones believed to be those of St. Peter.
  • 1950: Pope Pius XII announces the discovery of St. Peter's tomb.

St. Peter's Basilica's history explained

Who built the St. Peter's Basilica?

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.

St. Peter's Basilica as a Renaissance masterpiece

Plan your visit to St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica Timings

The opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2024 starts at 4:30pm.
April 1 to September 30: 7am - 7:10pm
October 1 to March 31: 7am - 6:30pm

Dome opening hours

April 1 to September 30: 7:30am - 6pm
October 1 to March 31: 7:30am - 5pm

Days closed: St Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal audience. But it reopens again from around 12:30pm.

Vatican Grottoes timings: 9am to 6pm

The last entry to the basilica is 1 hour before closing time.

Check complete St. Peter's Basilica schedule
St. Peter's Basilica Mass

Masses are held daily at St. Peter's Basilica, multiple times a day during these times:

Weekdays: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 5pm
Sundays and holidays: 9am 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:15am, 1pm, 4pm, 5:30pm

  • Attending Mass is free, and no tickets are required for regular Masses.
  • For Papal Masses or special events, free tickets are required that you can book in advance.
  • Modest attire is required: no shorts, bare shoulders, or miniskirts for both men and women.
  • Most Masses are in Italian, one is in Latin. English Masses are less common. Missals in various languages, including English, are available for those who do not understand Italian
  • The principal Mass, often presided over by the Pope or a high-ranking clergy member, is a significant event.
  • All visitors must pass through security checks, which can involve long lines. Arrive at least one hour before the scheduled start time to secure a good spot.
Attending the St. Peter's Basilica mass

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Getting there

  • By metro: Board a metro on Line A and get off at Ottaviano S. Pietro metro station, located a 5-minute walk away from St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • By bus: Take buses 40 or 64 from Roma Termini. Alight at Piazza Pia stop.
  • By train: Get off at Vatican City’s train station: St. Pietro. From here, St. Peter’s Square is a 10-minute walking distance. 
Step-by-step directions to St. Peter's Basilica
St Peter's Basilica Tips
  • Plan and book early. With an estimated 35 million visitors expected during the Jubilee year, accommodations and tours will be in high demand. Make reservations well in advance (say around 4-6 months), especially if you’re planning to pass through Holy Doors. 
  • Expect crowds and long waits. Security lines at St. Peter's Basilica can be up to 2 hours long, so arrive early and be prepared for extended waiting times.
  • The Basilica enforces a strict dress code - shoulders and knees must be covered, and no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts are allowed.
  • Consider visiting during less busy periods. Late April to June and October are expected to be the busiest times for Jubilee events. August currently has no scheduled events and may be less crowded.
  • Be aware of free entry but potential costs. While entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is free, certain experiences like ascending the dome have associated fees.
  • Rome is preparing additional transport to manage the influx of pilgrims, so keep updated on the best ways to reach the Vatican, you can use ATAC Official App, Moovit, or Google Maps.
Plan your visit to St. Peter's Basilica

Frequently asked questions about St. Peter's Basilica

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.

Other Holy Doors

Archbasilica of St. John Lateran

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Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

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Basilica of St. Mary Major

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