St Peter’s Basilica
We will try our best to explain everything regarding your trip to Vatican City in this article. There are many details and things on which you need to pay attention if you want to enjoy this place to the fullest. The main centers of attraction are the Vatican Museum and the St. Peter’s Basilica which is the largest church in the world. It has a beautiful dome that is admired by the visitors to this place. This article has been divided into the following three parts for your convenience – Visiting St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & the Gardens of the Vatican City.
Many architects have left their mark on this beautiful but imposing building. It was constructed between 1506 and 1626 with inputs from Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Basilica overlooks the St Peter’s Square which was created by Bernini in the 17th century. As soon as you enter the premises of the Basilica you get stunned by the amazing artistic richness of the interior and the profound influence that this sacred place has. The statue of St Peter is located on the bottom of the nave and Pieta by Michelangelo is on the right aisle. The Cupola is the symbol of the Catholic Church and the City of Rome. It has imposing designs by Michelangelo but due to his untimely death, it was finally completed by Domenico Fontana and Giacomo Della Porta. The Vatican Grottoes, located under the floor of the Basilica, guards the Tomb of Peter and the graves of other popes including that of John Paul II.
Visiting St Peter’s Basilica
How to get here?
Use Metro Line A and get down at the station Ottaviano.
Bus # 64 departs from the Termini Station and you need to get down at Cavalleggeri-San Pietro.
What are the opening hours of St Peter’s Basilica?
7 am to 6:30 pm (October 01 to March 31)
7 am to 7 pm (April 01 to September 30)
Entrance Fees
Entrance to Basilica is free as in all Basilicas in Rome.
Best time to visit Basilica
If you want to visit Basilica, it is better to go there in the early morning hours, shortly after it opens. In this way you can skip the queue. You may also come in the afternoon around 4 pm, maybe after you visit the Vatican Museums.
The Papal Audiences
You will not be able to see the Basilica on Wednesdays as The Papal Audiences take place at 10 am. It lasts for around 90 min and shortly after the audiences you can be on the St Peter’s Square enjoying the prayers, singing and the speech of the Pope.
Dress Code: Visitors who enter the Basilica have to be appropriately dressed as it is a place of worship. Therefore, all adults must wear clothing that is knee-length and covers the shoulders. The Dress Code is strictly enforced and anyone who does not comply will be turned away at the door.
If you want to take a seat then you have to order the Papal Wednesday morning Audience Tickets but you can see this from a distance without taking a seat.
Climbing the dome of St Peter’s Basilica
Climbing St Peter’s dome is an unforgettable experience that allows you to have a unique perspective of the beautiful Saint Peter’s square. Taking the elevator to the first level is a great way to avoid the 231 stairs and still get to see the inside of Michelangelo’s dome. In addition, you can take the 320 stairs to reach the top, where you might even hear some singing coming from the basilica below. It is an amazing experience, as the roof slants in and the staircase gets narrower, with a rope to hang on to.
Opening Hours
8 am to 5 pm (October 01 to March 31)
8 am to 6 pm (April 01 to September 30)
Entrance Fees
There is an elevator till the first level which lets you skip around 320 stairs and the cost is EUR 7.
To reach the dome, however, you need to climb another 551 stairs and there is no elevator for this.
The entrance fee is EUR 5.
Visiting the tomb of St Peter and the necropolis under the Vatican Basilica
Only 250 visitors are allowed per day as the tour is organized at regular intervals. However, one needs to book the tour in advance so that you get to know the date of your visit beforehand.
If you want to join this tour then you need to make a reservation through a written request to be sent to scavi@fsp.va or just fax your message to + 39 06 6987 3017. You may also drop your request directly at the Excavations Office (the entrance is to the left of the Bernini’s Colonnade).
In the application you must indicate the number of participants, their names and the preferred language. The day and time of visit will be determined by the office as per availability. You need to indicate the mode of communication too (email, fax or postal address).
The cost of an entrance ticket is EUR 12 which is inclusive of the charges of a specialized guide.