Free & Reduced Tickets

Complete guide to entry fees, dome prices, and free access at St. Peter's Basilica

Entry Fees & Pricing

Basilica Entry — FREE

Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is completely free for all visitors, regardless of age or nationality. There is no ticket or reservation required. Simply queue at the entrance, pass through the security screening, and enter.

Dome Climb — Paid

Stairs only (551 steps)€8
Elevator to first level + stairs (320 steps remaining)€10

Tickets for the dome are purchased at the entrance to the dome staircase inside the basilica. Note that even with the elevator option, you must still climb 320 narrow steps to reach the top.

Treasury Museum — Paid

Adult entry~€5

The Treasury Museum (Museo del Tesoro) houses sacred relics, vestments, papal tiaras, and precious objects spanning centuries of Vatican history.

Vatican Grottoes — FREE

The Vatican Grottoes beneath the basilica, containing the tombs of many popes including John Paul II, are free to visit. They are accessible from inside the basilica.

Necropolis / Scavi Excavations — Paid

Guided excavation tour€13

The Scavi tour takes visitors beneath the basilica to the ancient Roman necropolis and the tomb of St. Peter. This must be booked in advance directly through the Vatican Excavations Office by emailing scavi@fsp.va. Spaces are limited to groups of 12 and fill up weeks in advance.

Pricing FAQ

Common questions about costs and free entry

Do children pay for the dome climb?
Children pay the same price as adults for the dome climb (€8 for stairs, €10 with elevator). There is no reduced rate for children. Very young children may enter free if accompanied by a paying adult, but policies can vary — check at the ticket desk.
Are there discounts for students or seniors?
Since the basilica entry is free, there are no student or senior discounts needed. For the dome climb and Treasury Museum, standard pricing applies to all visitors. The Scavi tour has a fixed price of €13 per person regardless of age.
Can I pay with a credit card for the dome?
Both cash and card payments are accepted at the dome ticket counter. It is always wise to carry some cash as a backup in case of technical issues with card machines.
Do I need to pay to attend Mass?
No, attending Mass at St. Peter's Basilica is completely free. Mass is celebrated daily and is open to everyone regardless of faith. Papal audiences in St. Peter's Square are also free but require tickets obtained in advance from the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

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Entry to the basilica is free. Book your dome climb or guided tour now to complete your Vatican experience.

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