St. Peter’s Basilica: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

If you’re dreaming of a trip to Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica should be at the very top of your list. This immense and breathtaking church is filled with artistic wonders, storied history, and some of the world’s most beautiful views. Many people come for the famous Vatican Museums, but the Basilica itself is an experience you’ll never forget.

Why Visit St. Peter’s Basilica?

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s most iconic churches. In fact, it’s the largest church by interior volume and a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture. Its immense dome is an unmistakable feature on Rome’s skyline, a symbol of the city for centuries. Designed by some of the greatest architects in history, St. Peter’s combines spiritual importance with stunning artistic richness, making it a highlight for travelers of all ages and interests.

A Brief History of St. Peter’s Basilica

The Basilica’s story began in 1506, when construction started under the direction of Donato Bramante. Over the next 120 years, legendary artists and architects, including Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, helped bring this vision to life. The majestic St. Peter’s Square, where visitors today gather in awe, was designed by Bernini in the 17th century. The interior is lined with marble, mosaic, and gilded details, and showcases masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and the bronze statue of St. Peter, perched at the northeast pier of the crossing.

The famous dome (or cupola) was designed by Michelangelo, then completed after his death by Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana. Today, climbing the dome is one of the most exciting ways to view the city and truly appreciate the scale of this incredible monument.

Beneath the Basilica, you’ll find the Vatican Grottoes, home to the tombs of many popes, including St. Peter himself. Notably, the remains of John Paul II now rest in the Chapel of St. Sebastian inside the basilica proper.

How to Get to St. Peter’s Basilica

Getting to St. Peter’s is easy and traveler-friendly:

• By Metro: Take Metro Line A and hop off at Ottaviano station. From there, it’s a short and pleasant walk to St. Peter’s Square.
• By Bus: The popular Bus 64 departs from Termini Station and takes you directly to Cavalleggeri–San Pietro, close to the basilica’s entrance.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

St. Peter’s Basilica welcomes visitors every day:

• Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:10 (all year round)

If you want to avoid crowds and long lines, aim to arrive early in the morning soon after opening, or plan for a late afternoon visit. The atmosphere is generally calmer at these times, giving you more space to explore and reflect.

The Wednesday Papal Audience

On Wednesdays, the Pope holds his general audience in St. Peter’s Square (usually starting at 10:00 am and lasting about 90 minutes). During this time, the basilica is closed to tourists from about 08:00 to 12:00, but you can still enjoy the lively square, hear singing, and even catch a glimpse of the Pope if you’re lucky. If you want to attend and guarantee a seat, it’s best to secure official Papal Audience Tickets.

Dress Code: What to Wear When Visiting

Since St. Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship, a modest dress code is strictly enforced. Everyone must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, this means no sleeveless tops, shorts, or mini-skirts. Those who do not meet the dress code simply won’t be admitted, so be sure to plan ahead.

Is There an Entrance Fee?

Good news! Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is completely free for all guests. However, if you book a “fast-track” entry or an audio guide in advance, there may be a small extra fee.

Climbing the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

Climbing the dome, or cupola, is one of the best ways to get a unique, panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome. Here’s how it works:

• There are a total of 551 steps to the very top of the dome.
• You can take a lift (elevator) up to the terrace level, which saves you part of the climb but still leaves 320 steps to tackle on foot, the rest of the way is only accessible by stairs.
• For a classic challenge, you can walk all 551 steps from the ground up.

Dome Opening Hours

• October to March: 07:30 – 17:00
• April to September: 07:30 – 18:00

Dome Ticket Prices

• Lift + 320 steps by foot: €10
• All stairs (551 steps): €8

Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, the climb can get steep and narrow near the top! The spectacular view is worth every step. For official dome ticket information and reservations, visit the St. Peter’s Basilica official website.