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Learn about all the different St. Peter's Basilica entrances before your visit

St. Peter’s Basilica is the jewel of Vatican City. Dominating the skyline of the area, the Basilica is spread over a massive 23,000 square meters of land. There is so much to see inside this 16th-century Renaissance Church, bringing in millions of people every year.

Entering St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

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.

St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances
St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

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

St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances
St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

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 Guided Tour with Dome Access
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2 hr. - 3 hr.
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St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
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1 hr.
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Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
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2 hr. - 3 hr.
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Papal Audience Viewing Experience
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3 hr. - 5 hr.
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Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
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St. Peter’s Basilica, Square, and Papal Tombs Guided Tour
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1 hr. 10 min. - 1 hr. 30 min.
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Frequently asked questions about St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

Q. Where is St. Peter’s Basilica?
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.