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St Peter's Basilica Tour: Dome, Crypt, and Art
4.7
299 Ratings
Roma
Immerse yourself in the history, architecture, and lore of St. Peter’s Basilica with this all-access tour. Avoid long lines and climb up into the titanic dome for amazing views of Rome.
Immerse yourself in the history, architecture, and lore of St. Peter’s Basilica with this all-access tour. Avoid long lines and climb up into the titanic dome for amazing views of Rome.
Duration:
2 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- St. Peter’s Square - Meet the guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter’s Square and bypass the crowds to enter the magnificent Renaissance-era basilica. An elevator takes you to the dome’s first terrace, where you are surrounded by stunning artwork, and then 231 steps lead you to one of the most breathtaking views of Rome—from the square below…
- St. Peter’s Square - Meet the guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter’s Square and bypass the crowds to enter the magnificent Renaissance-era basilica. An elevator takes you to the dome’s first terrace, where you are surrounded by stunning artwork, and then 231 steps lead you to one of the most breathtaking views of Rome—from the square below to the expanse across the Tiber.
- St. Peter’s Basilica - Next, embark on a journey through the basilica itself as the guide reveals the splendor of one of the most sacred sites in the Catholic world. Marvel at the intricate details of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, set within the space crafted by Michelangelo, and visit the renowned bronze statue of St. Peter holding the keys to heaven. Another unique experience awaits beneath the basilica, where the guide offers a rare glimpse into the crypts of the Vatican grotto. With over 100 tombs containing popes, Catholic monarchs, and notable figures, the crypts provide a journey through nearly 2,000 years of church history before you conclude the tour with the guide.
What's Included
- Pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peter’s Basilica Dome with elevator access
- Groups of max 20 people
- Expert English local guide
- Pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peter’s Basilica Dome with elevator access
- Groups of max 20 people
- Expert English local guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Additional Information
Maximize your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica with an all-access tour that includes priority entry, a dome climb, and a visit to the papal crypt. By starting early, you can enjoy St. Peter’s Square without the usual daytime crowds. Ascend to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the capital. Explore the basilica to appreciate Michelangelo’s ‘La…
Maximize your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica with an all-access tour that includes priority entry, a dome climb, and a visit to the papal crypt. By starting early, you can enjoy St. Peter’s Square without the usual daytime crowds. Ascend to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the capital. Explore the basilica to appreciate Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ and other notable features, concluding with a visit to the papal crypt — a location often overlooked by other tour groups. The tour is limited to 20 participants for a more intimate experience.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican’s Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
Location
Piazza della Città Leonina
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Caffè Leonina, Piazza della Città Leonina, 5. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(299 Ratings)
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Anne_f
May 10, 2025
Wonderful and Interesting - Fed was a great guide. Educational and interesting stories. St Peter’s absolutely a must. Learned so much and so beautiful on the inside. Loved this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Shelly_l
Apr 16, 2025
Had an excellent tour... - Had an excellent tour guide that was extremely knowledgeable! The done climb was amazing and not as difficult as I had thought it would be!
Review provided by Viator
Marc_g
Apr 8, 2025
It was very well... - It was very well organized and executed. Our guide Ambre, was so knowledgeable that it made our time a great learning experience. Definitely one of the best tours I’ve taken.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_d
Jan 3, 2025
Loved the tour - Fantastic tour !!! Good early we walked right in. Our tour guide was wonderful she had a passion and knowledge for the history .She was an Archaeological, any question you had she knew the answer.
We were able to see the holy doors and pass through them it was such a beautiful experience.
Review provided by Viator
Brian_m
Dec 22, 2024
Perfect - Excellent guide. PhD with decades of experience. Good communicator. Perfect tour. Group size of 20. 8am start was great to avoid crowds. No line at security.
Review provided by Viator
991teril
Dec 16, 2024
Interesting tour - Our guide treated everyone fairly and interacted with each group. Wonderful details and answers to questions from different perspectives.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_h
Nov 3, 2024
St Peters Basilica Tour - Our tour guide, Julia, was excellent. Her knowledge and sense of humor made the experience memorable.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_w
Oct 25, 2024
The dome is spectacular up close - We had a great day despite the wet weather.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Unfortunately there was a service in the tombs which meant our tour guide had to leave us wander through without him. The dome is spectacular from inside and the rooftop views of the Vatican gardens was a real treat.
Review provided by Viator
Jacqueline
Oct 24, 2024
Informative and fun tour - Our guide, Sev, is a forensic archeology professor, so very knowledgeable. He is also a great storyteller and shared information in a fun, easy to understand manner. The dome climb was the highlight of the tour with incredible views from the top.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sonofaslan
Nov 14, 2024
Worth the tour for the view from the top - The view from the top of the dome is worth the entire tour. Amazing views of St. Peters Square and the papal residence and Vatican gardens. The crypts didn't impress me very much, and sadly the main altar was under renovation (not the tour's fault obviously). You'll have as much time in the Basilica as you want. Make sure you are ready for the climb--don't remember the exact number of steps, but it was over 300. But again, very worth it. The guide provided some useful context and interesting facts--e.g. all the art in the Basilica is actually mosaics, there are no paintings per se because they tend to fade.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
