St Peter's Basilica, at the far end of St Peter's Square in Vatican City, was built between 1506 and 1626 on the site of the basilica raised by Constantine in the 4th century, above the presumed tomb of the apostle Peter. Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, who designed the dome, and then Bernini, who designed the colonnade of the square, all worked on the project. About 187 metres long, it rises to 136 metres at the top of the dome. Entry is free, every day from 7am to 8pm; only the climb to the dome is paid. The Holy Door, opened for the 2025 Jubilee, was closed by Pope Leo XIV on 6 January 2026. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the basilica, and about 1 more hour for the dome.
Highlights
Michelangelo's Pietà
In the first chapel on the right of the entrance, this marble group carved in 1498-1499 shows the Virgin holding the dead Christ on her lap. It is the only work Michelangelo ever signed; it is protected by glass.
Bernini's baldachin
About 29 metres high, this bronze canopy with twisted columns, completed in 1633 for Pope Urban VIII, covers the papal altar, set above the tomb of St Peter and beneath Michelangelo's dome.
The dome
A lift takes you up to the level of the terraces. You then reach the inner ring, which looks down on the nave from the base of the dome, and 320 steps lead on to the outer ring, with a view over St Peter's Square and the rooftops of Rome. The stairs are narrow and slanted in the upper section.
The Vatican Grottoes
Beneath the nave, these crypts hold the tombs of many popes. Visiting them is free.
The statue of St Peter
This bronze statue in the nave has a right foot worn smooth by pilgrims who have touched or kissed it for centuries.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Access starts with the security checks, located under the right-hand colonnade of the square (facing the basilica); the wait can be long in high season. Booking entry online is not compulsory: it is paid, guarantees a time slot and includes a digital audio guide. Dress code, including for the dome: shoulders covered for everyone, no shorts or skirts above the knee. There is no cloakroom: bring only a small bag, as large backpacks and suitcases are not allowed on the dome. Dome, online ticket on the basilica's official website: €17 by the stairs, €22 with the lift, including basilica access and the digital audio guide (prices checked in October 2026). Tickets can be neither changed nor refunded. Tickets are also sold on site, depending on remaining availability.
How to get there
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City. Metro line A, Ottaviano-San Pietro station, about 10 minutes' walk. Buses 40 and 64, which serve the area around Via della Conciliazione. From the Vatican Museums, allow about 15 minutes on foot along the walls.
Opening hours
Nearby
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