Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with access to the dome

4.5
(2068 Reviews)

About this activity

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
This activity has WONDERFUL reviews
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Experience Highlights

Just by setting foot in Rome you feel like you're going to come back. And one of the tourist attractions that you're sure to visit again and again is St. Peter's Basilica. But do you know what can make the difference with your other trips to the Eternal City? Visiting the most important Catholic church in the world with a guide who is an expert in art history. Meet him at Largo del Colonnato, 5 (arrive 20 minutes early so as not to waste time).

The reason is obvious: the importance of the Vatican's Holy See makes it necessary to get to know all its corners and understand the historical context of its works. And what better way to do this than to let a professional art historian tell you all about it. If we add the climb to the dome of the basilica where the panoramic view of Rome is spectacular, we assure you that this will be one of the TOP experiences of your trip to the Eternal City. We tell you more...

  • A guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica is a must. OK, you won't be able to avoid the queues at the entrance, but once inside, wouldn't it be better to have a guide tell you all the details so you don't miss anything?
  • The imposing architecture of this church shares space with a series of fundamental works in the history of art. One example: as you enter on the right you come across Michelangelo's Pietà, one of the sculptor's masterpieces, which will whet your appetite.
  • But it is not the only one... Because this visit includes a special ticket to go up to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, also designed by Michelangelo. Climbing up its narrow stairs is well worth it when you reach its terrace. The Vatican and the whole of Rome at your feet!

What’s included

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Exclusive access to the dome area
  • Headphones to hear the guide clearly
  • Free time after the visit to explore the Basilica at your leisure.

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Step by Step

When you arrive at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, you may feel overwhelmed, not only by the majesty of the place, but also by the queues of people waiting to enter St. Peter's Basilica. We know this is not very flattering, but don't worry, it will be worth the wait.

Once inside, we recommend you maximise your time inside the basilica with this two-hour guided tour, which also includes a visit to the dome. Touring the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church with an art expert will undoubtedly enrich your experience. Here are just a few examples of what awaits you inside...

The most outstanding work of art in the Basilica is Michelangelo's Pietà. The sculpture by the Renaissance genius is one of his masterpieces and a milestone in the history of art. The beauty of its figures will amaze you. But why has it been so influential and why is it still the subject of study today? Pay attention to the guide who has the answers to all your questions.

On your tour of the Holy See you will also see works such as the St. Peter's Baldachin, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, another of the masters with a great artistic legacy in Rome. The enormous Baroque structure, some 30 metres high, is located above the papal altar and will be a sure stop for your guide.

But the jewel in the crown of St. Peter's Basilica is its dome, another masterpiece, by the way, by Michelangelo. This time, yes; by booking this visit you can skip the queues to get the ticket that gives you access to the highest Christian dome in the world.

Although I'll tell you something: be prepared to climb the 550 steps that separate you from the viewpoint. The narrow spiral staircase culminates in the best possible views of the Vatican and much of Rome. The grandeur of St. Peter's Square from a bird's eye view with its Egyptian obelisk in the centre, the skyline of Rome with Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pantheon or the Tiber River and its bridges... All at a height of 136 metres.

Give your experience at St. Peter's Basilica a plus and get to know all its history, not only its works of art but also its current uses, why it is the centre of worship of the Catholic Church, what ceremonies are celebrated there, etc. All this can only be told by a guide who is an expert in the history of art and who knows all its nooks and crannies to perfection. And if you're left wanting more, don't worry, after the guided tour, you'll have the chance to enjoy the details that have caught your attention for as long as you like!

Reviews

4.5
· 2068 Reviews
  • K
    K.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    One of the most visited places in the world and rightly so, there is art everywhere, amazing sites, the crypt as an amazing historical site and the dome that allows you to see amazing views of Rome.
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Climbing the dome was great, the icing on the cake. A highly recommended tour, fun and interesting from start to finish.
  • F
    F.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Super early tour, enjoyable, I recommend drinking some coffee before you go to keep your energy up.
  • D
    D.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Our guide did a very good job, she informed us in a pleasant and interesting way, she was attentive to the questions of the group, she was with us at all times. All in all a wonderful experience.
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