St. Peter's Basilica is a must-visit attraction for its storied history and grandeur. It is located in the heart of Vatican City and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 1984. There are many reasons to visit this architectural marvel, some of which are that it is the final resting place of Peter the Apostle, it is the holiest church in the world, and it holds many important relics from Christian history. Visiting St. Peter's Basilica would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you absolutely must not miss.

Planning a trip to this popular attraction can be a bit of a hassle and so we’ve put together all the information you need for a smooth visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica | Visitor’s information at a glance

How many entrances does the Basilica have?
The Basilica has 4 main entrances: The Prayer Path gate, Dome entrance, Necropolis entrance, Sistine Chapel entrance and Sacristy entrance.
How many visitors are there every year?
St. Peter's Basilica is visited by about 10 million people every year.
Do I need a passport to enter St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican city?
Even though St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City, a sovereign state, you do not need a separate passport to enter the city-state or visit its attractions. As long as you have a passport to enter Italy, you can enter Vatican City and directly walk into St. Peter’s Basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica opening hours

Basilica hours: 7am to 7:10pm

Dome hours: 7:30am to 6pm (April 1 to September 30)

7:30am to 5pm (October 1 to March 31)

Mass timings

Weekdays: 7am, 7.30am, 8:30am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 5pm, 6pm, 9pm

Public holidays: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm

Note: St. Peter's Basilica and the dome have different operating hours. The dome usually closes an hour before.

Know more about opening hours

Where is St. Peter's Basilica located?

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Find on map

St. Peter’s Basilica is a massive church located in Vatican City with a dome that dominates the skyline of Rome.

Closest landmark: St. Peter’s Square

Getting to St. Peter's Basilica

How to get to St. Peter's Basilica?

By public transportation

By metro

Line A: Take Line A of the Rome Metro and get off at Ottaviano station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk (1.2 km) to St. Peter's Basilica. Follow signs for the Vatican or St. Peter’s Square.

By bus

34 and 64: Get off at Piazza San Pietro.
98, N98 and 190F: Get off at Cavalleggeri/Gregorio VII.
881 and N904: Get off at Monte del Gallo.

By car

To drive to St. Peter's Basilica from Rome’s airport, start by taking the autostrada north and follow signs for Civitavecchia. You can opt for the Autostrada del Sole or the Via Cassia, which leads you through picturesque towns like Montefiascone and Aquapendente. As you approach Rome, follow signs for the city center and Vatican City. The basilica is well-signposted from here, and you can find parking in nearby areas.

Parking

Parking Risorgimento: This covered car park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Peter's Square. Please note that you will need to leave your keys with the staff.
Garage San Pietro: Located at Via di Santa Maria alle Fornaci, 26 – 165, this car park is only a 5-minute walk from Vatican City.

Know before you visit St. Peter's Basilica

Aerial view of all the Entrances of St. Peter's Basilica

Prayer Path gate: Pilgrims and visitors for prayer can enter via the yellow-signed Prayer Path gate.
Dome entrance: Access the basilica through the entrance for the dome. The entrance is located right at the start, just above the visitor's square in St. Peter's Square.
Necropolis entrance: Enter the basilica through the necropolis. You can find it on the left side of the Basilica.
Sacristy entrance: The sacristy provides another entry point into the basilica.
Sistine Chapel entrance: There is a hidden entrance to St. Peter's Basilica accessible through a small door on the right side of the Sistine Chapel.

Audio guides: Audio guides are available at the entrance.

Cloakrooms: Leave behind items that are not allowed inside.

Restrooms: There are three public restrooms at the Basilica.

Snack Bar: You will find a snack bar on the roof of the Church.

Gift shops: Many gift shops are present throughout the Basilica.

Post office: Collect stamps or send postcards from any of the three post offices at St. Peter’s Square.

St. Peter’s Basilica is accessible by wheelchair.
Wheelchairs can be rented across Rome from St. Peter’s Basilica Wheelchair, M.i.a. Medical, and Vemrent.
The ramp entrance is towards the right side of the colonnades. Accessible restrooms are also located in this area.
Elevators are present at various points throughout the premises.
Although the basilica is wheelchair accessible, the dome climb is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Restricted items include knives, scissors, hazardous materials, metal weapons, tripods, video cameras, umbrellas, large bags, backpacks, food, and drinks.
The Basilica is a place of prayer, and visitors are asked to maintain silence and behave respectfully in this sacred setting.
Animals are not allowed into the Basilica.

The Vatican enforces a strict dress code that all visitors must follow. Low-cut or sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts, and similar attire are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica religious gift shop

St. Peter’s Gallery, the St. Peter’s Basilica gift shop, is a charming religious article store located just a few steps from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, at Largo del Colonnato 5. Here, you’ll find a lovely selection of table and wall crucifixes, medals, holy paintings, and more—perfect for bringing a piece of this sacred place home with you.

Grab a bit to eat after your visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Here are some nearby restaurants.

Capitan Cono: Enjoy a spread of light Italian dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices. (0.3 km away)
Feffo: For some tasty desserts, light snacks, and coffee, Feffo is a great option. (0.3 km away)
Bono Bottega Nostrana - San Pietro: Voted one of the best restaurants in Rome with the most delicious paninis and charcuterie. (0.3 km away)

If you plan on extending your stay in Rome, here are a few hotels close to St. Peter's Basilica.

My Bed Vatican Museum: Enjoy the best of the modern world amenities with homely rooms in the heart of Rome.(0.6 km away)
Al Ponte Del Papa B & B: Have a peaceful stay at this cozy hotel that comes with a sun terrace and delicious breakfast options. (0.3 km away)
Growel Exclusive Suites San Pietro: Capture breathtaking views of the city as you unwind in a luxurious suite.(0.6 km away)

Frequently asked questions about visiting St. Peter's Basilica

Do I need a ticket to visit the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome?

Yes. To visit the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, you need to purchase a ticket. The ticket office is situated on the portico of the church, towards the right.

Are strollers allowed inside the Basilica?

Yes, strollers are allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica. However, it’s a good idea to check for any specific regulations or restrictions on the day of your visit, as there may be certain areas where strollers are not permitted or where they might need to be folded.

What else can I see besides St. Peter’s Basilica?

Around St. Peter’s Basilica are other interesting attractions like the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Gardens.

Can I take photographs inside the basilica?

Photography is allowed inside the basilica, but the use of flash and tripods is prohibited. Some areas may have additional restrictions.

Do I need to purchase a ticket to attend the Mass or the Papal audience?

No, you do not need to purchase a ticket to attend the Mass or the Papal audience.

After climbing the Dome, can you enter the Basilica directly, or do you need to queue again?

No, there is no need to queue again!

I understand it's a religious site—would having tattoos be an issue?

Having tattoos is generally not an issue when visiting St. Peter's Basilica. However, it’s important to dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, as this is a requirement for all visitors to the basilica.