BASILICA OF ST. PETER
Visit St Peter's Basilica in Rome
La St Peter's Basilicalocated in the heart of the Vatican Cityis one of the holiest sites of Christianity and one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world. Built over the tomb of the Apostle Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church, the basilica is a symbol of faith, history and art. With its majestic façade, imposing nave and extraordinary works of art, including the "Pieta' by Michelangelo and Bernini's baldachin, St. Peter's is a place that enchants every visitor with its beauty and spirituality.
Get on the Basilica Dome of St Peter's is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Rome. Designed by Michelangelo, the dome offers a spectacular panoramic view of Vatican City and all of Rome, ranging from the ancient rooftops to the modern buildings of the capital. From the base, visitors can choose to climb the 551 steps to the top, or take a lift that shortens the walking distance. Once at the top, one is rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views of Rome, a moment of wonder that makes a visit to the Basilica of St. Peteror even more memorable.
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St. Peter's Basilica Visit Ticket Reservation Guide
Attention: Visits to the Basilica are free of charge but the Dome of St Peter's often sells out well in advance, as access is restricted to a small number of visitors to ensure safety and the best possible experience.
To make sure you can get on the Dome and enjoy a breathtaking view of Rome, we recommend you book your tickets well in advance.
St. Peter's Dome ticket with priority accessfrom € 36.00 - Book now
St Peter's Basilica ticket with audio guidefrom € 6.00 - Book now
Don't miss the chance to experience a unique experience and climb the Dome to admire Rome from above, and complete your visit with an in-depth audio tour of the masterpieces of St Peter's Basilica.
What to see at St Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is an absolute masterpiece of architecture and art, and offers visitors many wonders to admire. Inside, one of the focal points is Michelangelo's Pieta, one of the most famous sculptural works in the world, which captures in white marble the pain and serenity of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ. Not far away is the imposing St. Peter's Baldachin by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque bronze work almost 30 metres high, located above the papal altar and above St. Peter's tomb.
Among other attractions, the Chair of St. Peter is a monumental throne, also designed by Bernini, symbolising the spiritual authority of the Pope. The interior of the basilica is rich in chapels decorated with frescoes, mosaics and sculptures; among them, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the Chapel of the Presentation are worth a visit for their works of art and spiritual atmosphere.
St. Peter's Dome, designed by Michelangelo, is another wonder not to be missed. Visitors can climb the 551 steps (or take the lift part of the way) to reach the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of Vatican City and Rome. The dome decorations, mosaics and views from above offer an unforgettable experience.
Finally, the visit is not complete without a stop at the Vatican Grotto, beneath the basilica, which houses the tombs of numerous popes, including St Peter, and offers an atmosphere of recollection and prayer. Every corner of St Peter's Basilica tells a story of faith, art and power, making the visit a unique and profound experience.
Useful information for the visit
Opening hours of the Basilica
Visiting modalities
Booking and tickets
Guided tour
How to get to San Pietro
St Peter's Basilica, one of the most iconic places in Rome, is located in St Peter's Square, 00120 Vatican City.
- Underground: Take the A Line (red line) of the metro and get off at the stop Ottaviano-San Pietro. From here, the Basilica is about a 10-minute walk following Via Ottaviano and Via di Porta Angelica.
- Buses: Le bus routes 40, 62, 64, 81, 982 stop near St. Peter's Square. Get off at the Cavalleggeri/San Pietro stop or Piazza del Risorgimento for a short walk to the Basilica.
Getting to St Peter's Basilica by car can be tricky, as it is located in a central area of Rome, close to the Vatican City, with heavy traffic and access restrictions (Zona a Traffico Limitato, ZTL) at certain times. The address to set on your navigator is Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City.
For those wishing to reach the Basilica by car, it is advisable to park in one of the public car parks located around the ZTL, such as Parking Gianicolo (in Via Urbano VIII) or Parking Prati (in Via Cola di Rienzo), and then continue on foot for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can look for on-street parking, but bear in mind that spaces are limited and often in high demand.
Taking a taxi is a convenient and quick option. Just ask the taxi driver to take you to St Peter's Square. Taxis in Rome are readily available at taxi stands or via ride-sharing apps. Make sure the taximeter is on for the correct price.
If you prefer to walk, St Peter's Basilica is within easy walking distance from the centre of Rome. From Piazza Navona, for example, it is a pleasant walk of about 20 minutes through the historical centre. By bicycle, you can use the bicycle lanes along the Tiber and continue to St. Peter's Square. Bike racks are available near the square.
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