Welcome to St. Peter’s Basilica, a marvel of Renaissance architecture. Pilgrims from all over the world admire this 400-year-old work of art and honor Peter, the founder of the church, who is said to be buried here.
Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica: What’s Free and What’s Not?
Admission to the main church of St. Peter’s is generally free. However, there are some areas that require an entrance fee – most notably the famous dome of St. Peter’s, from which visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Rome. Tickets for the dome cost between 10 and 15 euros, depending on the type of ascent (stairs or elevator).
Booking St. Peter’s Basilica tickets online – is it worth it?
If you want to save time, you can book tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica online. These are guided tours or combined tickets. They include a professional tour guide or audio guide and you can skip the queue at the ticket office if you have booked the option for the dome.
Why a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica is worth it
A guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica offers much more than a visit on your own. With an experienced guide, you will learn exciting background stories about the architecture, the creation of the cathedral, and the works of art by masters such as Michelangelo and Bernini that are otherwise often overlooked. A guided tour is the best choice for those who want to experience St. Peter’s in its full cultural and historical context.
Overview at Tiqets
Here you will find in a very clear way a variety of available tours for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome and the Grottoes.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome – A Highlight Requiring an Extra Ticket
Although you have to pay to climb the dome, it is definitely a must. Of the 551 total steps, 231 are saved by taking the elevator to the roof. The remaining 320 steps wind through the dome to the lantern. Whether by elevator or on foot, the view is worth every step.
The dome ticket for St. Peter’s Basilica can be purchased directly at the ticket office in the vestibule of St. Peter’s Basilica. However, there can be long waiting times. It is therefore advisable to buy the dome ticket in advance or book a guided tour.
Guided tour with dome and grottoes
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and the grottoes with an expert guide. Experience the adventure of climbing the winding stairs inside the Michelangelo’s dome. Reward yourself with a fantastic view from the platform at the top of the dome.
You can also book this tour as a private tour.
Practical tips
Dress code
As with all religious sites in Rome, there is a dress code for St. Peter’s Basilica. Shoulders and knees must be covered. You will not be admitted even if you are wearing beach sandals.
You can only enter barefoot if it is in accordance with the religious costume. You are also not allowed to wear a head covering.
How to get to St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on the Vatican Hill on the orographic right side of the Tiber. In the 1st century, the area was outside the city. This was the site of Nero’s racecourse (Circo di Nerone) and a burial ground next to it.
This is the best way to get to St. Peter’s Basilica:
By bus
Lines 40, 64 from Termini Station, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona
Line 23 from the Basilica of St. Paul and the Pyramid (Ostiense)
Line 62 from Tiburtina station and from the city center (Piazza Barberini, Via del Corso)
Line 81 from the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Capitol
Line 98, 881 from Aurelia Antica, Via Gregorio VII
By metro (underground)
Line A from the Basilica of San Giovanni, Repubblica, Spanish Steps, Piazzale Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo) to Ottaviano
From Fiumicino airport
Regional train FL1 direction Fara in Sabina to Trastevere and there change direction San Pietro
With the shuttle bus to Castel Sant’Angelo (stop Via Crescenzio)
From Ciampino airport
With the shuttle bus to Termini and then with bus number 40 or 64
From the port of Civitavecchia
Regional train from Civitavecchia station to San Pietro station
Find St. Peter’s Basilica on Google Maps
Opening hours
St. Peter’s Basilica is open from 7.00 to 19.10.
St. Peter’s Basilica is closed during the papal masses and when the Pope’s general audiences take place in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday mornings.
The dome is open from 7.30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. from April to September and at 5 p.m. from October to March.
St Peter’s Basilica Profile
St. Peter’s Basilica is erected on the place where the tomb of the church dignitary Peter is said to be. The apostle Peter is said to have been buried here after he was crucified in Nero’s circus, which was located near this place at the time.
The first basilica was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. The current church was built from 1505 to 1626 over the first basilica.
The beautiful dome of Michelangelo and the imposing altar of the Pope are located above the place where the tomb of the Apostle Peter is said to be.
Here you can find more information about St. Peter’s Basilica and its history.
St. Peter’s Basilica in figures
| Ground area | 23,000 m² (247,570 ft²) |
| Walkable area | 15,160 m² (163,170 ft²) |
| Height of the nave | ~ 45 m (~147.6 ft) |
| Height with dome and cross | 133.3 m (437.3 ft) |
| Exterior length | 218 m (715.2 ft) |
| Interior length | 186.36 m (611.4 ft) |
| Width of the main nave | 26 m (85.3 ft) |
| Width of the entire nave | 58 m (190.3 ft) |
| Width of transept | 138 m (452.8 ft) |
| Width of the façade | 114.69 m (376.3 ft) |
| Portico width | 71 m (232.9 ft) |
| Portico depth | 19 m (62.3 ft) |
| Dome | |
| Interior diameter | 42.56 m (139.6 ft) |
| Exterior diameter | 49.8 m (163.4 ft) |
| Height | 43.2 m (141.7 ft) |
| Weight (estimated) | 14,000 t (15,430 short tons) |
| Height of the lantern | 16.6 m (54.5 ft) |
| Papal Altar | |
| Height of the baldachin | 28.5 m (93.5 ft) |
| Height of the helical columns | 11 m (36.1 ft) |
| Weight of the baldachin | 63 t (69.4 short tons) |
Frequently asked questions about St. Peter’s Basilica tickets
How much does it cost to enter St. Peter’s Basilica?
The basilica is free to enter, only special areas such as the dome and the museum are subject to a fee.
Where can I buy tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica?
Tickets are available online, on-site or through official partners.
Are there skip-the-line tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica?
No, only tours of the Vatican Museums with direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica do not require queuing.
Conclusion: Secure St. Peter’s Basilica tickets in good time
If you want to experience St. Peter’s Basilica without stress, you should book tickets for the dome or guided tours well in advance. Whether you want to explore the monumental building on your own or prefer to book a guided tour, with the right ticket, your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica will be an unforgettable experience.