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St. Peter's Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Grottoes

4.6(2,556)1 h 45 minModerately active

Best price · GetYourGuide

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$62per person

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Overview

Duration: 1 h 45 min
Languages: German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Group size: Up to 15 travelers
Suitable for: Ages 0–99
Pace: Moderately active

Good for

Couples
First-time visitors
History buffs
Solo travelers

Begin in St. Peter's Square, admiring Bernini's architectural brilliance. Enter the Basilica, a realm of golden ceilings, vibrant marbles, and masterpieces like Michelangelo's Pietà. Explore the underground Papal grottoes, touching ancient walls and visiting St. Peter's tomb. The dome climb offers close encounters with intricate mosaics and breathtaking panoramic views of Rome.

Highlights

Dome Climb
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Grottoes

What's included

Professional art-historian guide
Guided tour of St. Peter Dome and St. Peter's Basilica
Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs)

Not included

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
This tour does not skip the line

Itinerary

1
St. Peter's Square
10min
Start your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects as were thought by its designer, Bernini, and find the two "special" spots in the square.
2
St. Peter's Basilica
40min
Then head towards the Basilica to be amazed by its magnificence. See why it took 150 years to rebuild and marvel at the golden ceilings and the impressive mosaics all around you. Let your art-historian guide lead you through renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".
3
The Vatican Grottoes
15min
Descend into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.
4

Before you go

Ticket & redemption

Mobile or paper ticket accepted
One ticket covers the whole booking

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather conditions. In that case, you can either ask for a partial refund and visit the Basilica and the grottoes or decide to cancel the tour for a full refund
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered

Location

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St. Peter's Basilica

40min

Then climb your way up to the top of the Dome (by stairs). Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome. Climb even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond. Spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments from the height of 136 meters. Enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.

Vatican City

Pass by

All the visited areas are part of the Vatican city.

Please take into consideration that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes

We recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes

Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square

The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks

The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour

We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals

Strollers are not allowed in the Basilica. There is a luggage deposit at the entrance of the basilica where you can leave the stroller

Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour

Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. The tickets are nominative, therefore, failure to present a voucher with all travellers' full names may result in denied entry

Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry

PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged

Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica

The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour

Restrictions & safety

Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
Not recommended for travellers with vertigo

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