Entering St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most popular Churches in the world. This means that it is crowded throughout the year.

A visit to the Basilica can leave you waiting in endless ticket lines to get in, taking the fun out of your visit. There is more than just one way to enter the Basilica and we’ve put together a rundown of all the entrances and how to get to them.

Plan Your Visit to St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

While the main entrance to the Basilica is free, a few attractions inside require tickets. There are separate lines for each of these attractions in different areas of the Basilica.

The Cupola

The Cupola or Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is its most striking feature. Visitors can climb up to the Dome and walk around the roof to get mesmerizing views of the city. To enter the Cupola, go towards the right side of the portico where you will find the ticket office and the elevator that leads to the roof.

Admission: Ticketed

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm

Michelangelo's Dome Tickets

Sacristy & Treasury Museum

Built by Carlo Marcchioni in 1776, the Sacristy is a separate building that was attached to the Basilica. Inside are important relics dating back to the 1st century including decorative columns, artworks, a red cope, an ancient Papal tiara, and other historic treasures. The entrance to the Sacristy and Treasury Museum is below the Monument to Pius VIII.

Admission: Ticketed

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis is an ancient burial site discovered through excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica. To visit the Necropolis, you can purchase a guided tour ticket and make your way through the Basilica towards the underground entrance. Inside you will find about 91 Papal tombs as well as the tomb of St. Peter himself. The tour of the Vatican Necropolis takes about 1.5 hours. Only 250 people are allowed to visit the Necropolis per day so make sure you book your tickets in advance.

Admission: Ticketed

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm

What's the Vatican Necropolis?

Hidden Entrance

There is a secret entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica that not many people know about. It is located on the right side of the Sistine Chapel through a small door.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm

Explore Sistine Chapel

Visitor Tips

The handiest tip is to reach St. Peter’s Basilica early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Thousands of people visit the Basilica every day so you will end up waiting for some amount of time, even if you choose a different entrance.
Everyone has to go through a mandatory security check before entering the Basilica.
Ensure that you follow the dress code or you will not be permitted to enter. Knees and shoulders must be covered.
Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will end up spending a few hours walking around the Basilica.

Visit St. Peter's Basilica Today

St. Peter's Basilica Entry with Audio Guide

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Flexible duration

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St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry Tickets with Dome Access

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

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2 hr. - 3 hr.

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St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour

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1 hr. - 2 hr.

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Papal Audience Guided Tour

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2 hr. 30 min. - 5 hr.

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Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica Entry Tickets

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Frequently asked questions about St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

Q. Where is St. Peter’s Basilica?

A. St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City near St. Peter’s Square.

Q. Where is the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica?

A. The main entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is through St. Peter’s Square.

Q. How many St. Peter’s Basilica entrances are there?

A. There are 5 ways in which you can enter the St. Peter’s Basilica - the Dome, the Necropolis, the Sacristy, & through the Sistine Chapel and the recently added Prayer Path gate.

Q. Which is the shortest St. Peter’s Basilica entrance?

A. All entrances have a minimum waiting time of about 45 minutes to 1 hour or more.

Q. Which is the best St. Peter’s Basilica entrance?

A. The main entrance is usually the most crowded. Opt for a guided tour for a faster entry into the Basilica. Alternatively, you can also enter through the Dome or Sacristy.

Q. Where is the St. Peter’s Basilica dome entrance?

A. The entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome is towards the right of the portico.

Q. Where is the entrance to the Vatican Necropolis?

A. The entrance to the Vatican Necropolis is below St. Peter’s Basilica.

Q. Where is the entrance to the Sacristy and Treasury Museum?

A. The entrance to the Sacristy & Treasury Museum is below the Monument to Pius VIII.

Q. Are the St. Peter’s Basilica entrances free?

A. Not all the St. Peter’s Basilica entrances are free. Only the main entrance lets you enter for free but you will have to pay to enter the Dome, Necropolis, and Sacristy.