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St. Peter's Basilica Dome seen from the Basilica's rooftop on a sunny day
Tourists admiring the view at St. Peter's Basilica Dome in the Vatican
Ceiling of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
Tourists with their guide inside St Peter Basilica
View of St. Peter's Square seen from the St. Peter's Basilica Dome
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St. Peter’s Basilica Tour with Dome Climb & Papal Crypts

5.00
(23 Reviews)
3h
English
Mon to Sat
08:10, 08:50, 14:30

  • Be among the first to climb the dome in the morning, get breathtaking city views and learn about St. Peter’s Basilica in a completely different light.
  • You will see the interior mosaics of the dome up close, stunning views of Rome, and then get immediate access into the basilica after you come down to view Bernini’s bronze canopy, Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Crypts.
  • You will discover this basilica in a small group with an expert English-speaking guide who will show you the inside of the dome and share the story behind the details, before having free time on the viewing deck above.

Tour Description

What's Included

  • Expert English-speaking tour guide
  • Dome entrance ticket with access to 1st level and top of the dome
  • Instant access to St. Peter’s Basilica after your climb
  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Crypts
  • Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
  • Small groups of 25 people or fewer
  • Gratuities

Sites Visited

  • St. Peter's Basilica Dome
  • St Peter's Basilica
  • Vatican Crypts
  • St. Peter's Square

St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is an important church to visit for many reasons. Built on the site of one of the first Holy Roman basilicas, it was completed in 1590 at the height of the Renaissance. Among the artists who worked on it were Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Many of the great popes were buried here, including the first, St. Peter. You can even see the cross on the dome, which contains pieces of the timbers that Jesus died on. From the top viewing platform, you’ll see how the shape of the basilica and St. Peter’s Square forms the shape of a key – the symbol of the Christian popes.

Dome Climb with Views over Historic Rome

When you meet your expert guide in St. Peter’s Square, the first thing you’ll see is the famous dome that dominates the Vatican skyline. The top of this incredible structure is your target. To get there, you and your expert English-speaking guide will take the elevator to the base of the dome.

This brings you out onto a viewing platform inside the basilica. As you look down you will see the top of Bernini’s amazing canopy. From this height, it may look small, but it is the world’s largest piece of bronze, standing at over three stories high.

As you look up, you’ll see the image of God at the very apex, with light streaming through Michelangelo’s windows. In front of you are the incredibly detailed mosaics of the saints and the six-foot-high Latin lettering that proclaims St. Peter’s authority from the gospel.

You are then given free time to climb to the upper viewing deck by a spiral staircase running between the two skins that give the dome its structural strength. At intervals, you’ll be able to see out the windows while you climb.

After 320 steps you’ll be 446 ft high, the highest point in Rome. By law, no building in historic Rome can go higher.
At the top, you’ll have 360 degrees views of the stunning city. The long lines across St. Peter’s Square will be visible as others wait their turn to enter the basilica.

On the Vatican side, the Pope’s tranquil gardens can be seen. Iconic venues to look out for include the Colosseum, Pantheon, Villa Borghese and the controversial road which Mussolini built to connect the Vatican with Rome.

Take your time up here. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime climb, so make the most of it.

Fast access inside St. Peter’s Basilica and the Crypts

The stairs take you back down to meet your guide again. The contrast from the top is remarkable when you enter the basilica. Inside, you’ll feel tiny in comparison to the vaulted dome. At three stories high, Bernini’s pure bronze canopy will tower above you.

Your guide will show you through the immense church to discover treasures like the Holy Door and Michelangelo’s Pietá. That’s not all. You’ll also go deep underground into the Vatican Grottoes to view the resting places of over a hundred popes and notable royals.

Intimate Groups and Expert Guides

Reaching the top of St. Peter’s Basilica Dome is a major achievement in people’s lives. Having a guide showing you where to go makes it much more interesting and rewarding.

You’ll understand how the basilica dome paved the way for later Christian churches and secular monuments like Capitol Building in the United States. You’ll also discover the human story of Renaissance artists who left their marks and the popes who have been buried here.

We limit the tour to only 25 people to give you space on the climb.

You’ll have free time to climb to the highest point of the Vatican, explore the treasures inside this iconic basilica and see one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, all in just over two hours.

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  • Know Before You Go

    Meeting Point

    Piazza della Città Leonina - Open in Google Maps

    Important Notes

    • Please note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome you will have to use stairs (320 steps). Please allow yourself approximately 20 extra minutes if you wish to climb up to the dome of St Peters from there.
    • This tour is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia and/or vertigo, heart or other serious medical conditions.
    • Entrance into the Basilica and Dome complex requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. City Wonders cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress.

     

    Cancelation Policy

    This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

    FAQs

    • When can I amend my booking? (Tours in Europe)

      A booking cannot be amended with less than 24 hours notice. Amendments made before this window are possible, but may incur a charge. Any bookings made within the 24 hour window are final and cannot be amended or subject to compensation. Please note that this amendment policy does not apply to the Colosseum Underground Tour and the Colosseum by Night Tour that starts at 19:30 or later. These 2 tours cannot be amended from the time of the purchase, due to the fact that the Colosseum Underground entry tickets must be purchased using the full name of each passenger and cannot be modified or canceled.

    • I would like to add another person to my booking

      We are happy to assist with this request - availability permitting. Please contact our Customer Care Team who can check availability on the tour and take payment for the additional booking, as payment details are not saved in our system for security reasons.

    • Do I need to bring my confirmation voucher with me?

      It is not necessary to bring your voucher. We do recommend bringing the voucher with you as it contains helpful maps and directions to the meeting point. You can present this to your guide on the day of your tour either on a mobile device, or print it out.

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From
US$35.78
per adult
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

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