Discover St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the world's largest church in the heart of Vatican City. Explore Michelangelo's masterpieces, climb the iconic dome, and walk through 2,000 years of history.

Plan Your Visit
11M+
Annual Visitors
500+
Years of History
136.6m
Dome Height
UNESCO
World Heritage

Why Visit St. Peter's Basilica

The world's most renowned Renaissance masterpiece

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Skip the Queue

Book guided tours or dome climb tickets in advance and avoid long queues at the entrance.

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Expert Vatican Guides

Licensed Vatican guides bring the basilica's art, history, and architecture to life with expert commentary.

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Dome Access Available

Climb to the top of Michelangelo's dome for breathtaking panoramic views over Rome and Vatican City.

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Mobile Tickets

Receive your tickets and tour confirmations instantly via email. No printing required.

How to Visit

Plan your visit to St. Peter's Basilica in 3 easy steps

1

Choose Your Experience

Explore options including free basilica entry, dome climb tickets, guided tours, or combined Vatican experiences.

2

Book Online

Reserve your dome tickets or guided tour in advance to guarantee your preferred date and skip the queues.

3

Visit the Basilica

Pass through security, explore the stunning interior, and immerse yourself in centuries of sacred art and history.

What Visitors Say

Millions of visitors are inspired by St. Peter's Basilica every year

★★★★★

"The dome climb was absolutely worth it. The views over Rome from the top are unforgettable. The interior of the basilica left me speechless."

Laura T., United Kingdom

★★★★★

"Seeing Michelangelo's Pietà in person is a truly moving experience. The sheer scale of the basilica is impossible to capture in photos."

Marco R., Italy

★★★★★

"We took a guided tour and it made all the difference. Our guide explained every detail of Bernini's Baldachin and the history beneath the altar."

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting St. Peter's Basilica

Is entry to St. Peter's Basilica free?
Yes, entry to the basilica itself is completely free. However, there are separate fees for the dome climb (€8 stairs / €10 with elevator to first level), the Treasury Museum (~€5), and the Necropolis/Scavi tour (€13, advance booking required through the Vatican).
How much does the dome climb cost?
The dome climb costs €8 if you take the stairs all the way up (551 steps) or €10 if you take the elevator to the first terrace level and then climb the remaining 320 steps. There is no option to reach the very top without climbing stairs.
What is the dress code for St. Peter's Basilica?
A strict dress code is enforced: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Men must remove hats inside the basilica. Visitors wearing shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing will be denied entry. Bring a scarf or shawl to cover up if needed.
What are the must-see highlights inside?
The top highlights include Michelangelo's Pietà (1499, displayed behind bulletproof glass), Bernini's Baldachin (the 29-metre tall bronze canopy over the papal altar), the dome interior and climb, St. Peter's tomb beneath the altar, the Throne of St. Peter (Cathedra Petri) by Bernini, and the Holy Door which is opened only during Jubilee years.
How long does a visit take?
A visit to the basilica floor typically takes 1 to 2 hours. If you also climb the dome, add approximately 1 hour. The Vatican Grottoes beneath the basilica take about 20-30 minutes. A guided tour usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Ready to Visit St. Peter's Basilica?

Plan your visit to one of the most sacred and magnificent buildings in the world. Book dome tickets and guided tours online.

Plan Your Visit