Learn about the world’s largest basilica and its history as St. Peter’s burial site with an expert guide in your language.
- Everything you get: Enter St. Peter's Basilica via a reserved entry line and explore its magnificent interior and the Papal Tombs with an expert guide. Hear the stories behind its art, architecture, and traditions in English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian.
- Upgrades: Climb Michelangelo’s Dome by elevator or stairs, add a guided visit to St. Peter’s Square, or combine your experience with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. You can also choose a VIP private tour or an Italian breakfast experience.
- Why choose this: Use your time inside to observe and reflect while your guide handles navigation and explanations, keeping the visit focused and calm.
Explore St. Peter's Basilica with reserved entry, an audio guide, and Dome access, discovering its art and sacred spaces at your own pace.
Getting started
Arrive at St. Peter's Basilica at your selected entry time and use your reserved entry ticket to join the dedicated access line before passing through the mandatory security screening. Once inside, activate your multilingual audio guide and digital map on your smartphone, then begin exploring the Basilica before continuing to the Papal Tombs and the Dome according to your selected option.
What to expect
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church is home to centuries of Renaissance art, monumental architecture, and the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. Your self-guided route lets you move at your own pace while the audio guide adds context to the Basilica's most important spaces.
Features
- Discover 27 highlighted points of interest with the multilingual audio guide and digital map, making it easy to navigate the Basilica's vast interior.
- Admire masterpieces including Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino above the Papal Altar, and the richly decorated nave, while learning about their artistic and religious significance.
- The audio commentary explains the Basilica's architecture, traditions, and ceremonies, helping you understand details that are easy to overlook when exploring independently.
Papal Tombs
Beneath the Basilica, the Papal Tombs offer a quieter setting where generations of popes have been laid to rest. Your visit naturally continues into this underground area as part of the same experience.
Features
- Access the Papal Tombs without requiring a separate ticket, following the route beneath the Basilica.
- Learn about the role of the papacy and the significance of this sacred burial site through your audio guide's commentary.
- Explore this contemplative space at your own pace before returning to the Basilica.
Michelangelo's Dome
Your visit concludes with access to Michelangelo's Dome, one of Rome's highest viewpoints. Depending on your selected option, you'll either climb all 551 steps from the base or ride the elevator to the terrace before completing the remaining staircase to the summit.
Features
- Choose between climbing the entire staircase or taking the elevator to the terrace, followed by the final ascent to the top.
- Pause along the climb for close-up views of the Dome's interior mosaics before emerging onto the outdoor viewing platform.
- Look across St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and Rome from the summit, gaining a unique perspective over the city and the Basilica below.
Wrapping up
Choose the option that best matches how you'd like to explore. Upgrade to add Dome access via stairs or elevator, or extend your visit with a guided tour of St. Peter's Square. For a broader Vatican experience, combine your Basilica visit with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, or opt for a VIP private tour or an Italian breakfast experience before your visit.
