St. Peter's Basilica: Papal Tombs, Grottoes & Dome Access Guided Tour

Highlights

• Dome Access (Optional)
• Vatican Grottoes Visit
• Iconic Artworks

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   St. Peter's Square

   15min

   Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Saint Peter's Square is the grand ceremonial entrance to St. Peter's Basilica, framed by majestic colonnades that symbolize the Church's welcoming embrace. At its center stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, surrounded by elegant fountains, creating one of the world's most iconic gathering places for papal ceremonies and pilgrims.

2. 2

   St. Peter's Basilica

   1h

   Accompanied by your guide, explore one of the world's most magnificent churches, following a journey through centuries of faith, history, and artistic achievement. Walk along the grand nave, admire the richly decorated chapels, and discover the stories behind some of the Vatican’s most treasured masterpiece.

3. 3

   La Pieta

   15min

   Highlights of your visit include Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s monumental Baldachin, the Papal Altar, the Altar of the Confession, and breathtaking views beneath Michelangelo’s majestic Dome. Your guide will reveal the fascinating history of St. Peter’s Basilica, from the tomb of Saint Peter himself to the vision of the Popes who transformed this sacred site into the heart of Catholicism.

4. 4

   The Vatican Grottoes

   15min

   The tour also includes a visit to the Vatican Grottoes, where many Popes are buried and where pilgrims from around the world come to pay their respects near the tomb of Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles.

5. 5

   Cupola del Vaticano

   45min

   For an even more unforgettable experience, upgrade your tour with OPTIONAL ACCESS to St. Peter’s Dome. Ascend to the interior gallery for a close-up view of the Dome’s extraordinary mosaics before continuing to the highest point in Vatican City. Benefit from elevator access to the terrace level, allowing you to skip approximately 231 steps of the climb. From there, only 320 steps remain to reach the summit, where spectacular panoramic views of Vatican City, Rome, and the surrounding countryside await.

Before you go

Location