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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Rebecca Winke

Commissioned by the wildly ambitious Pope Julius II, and completed in 1626, few buildings are as recognisable as this enormous, late-Renaissance basilica, majestically situated on St Peter’s Square.

As the burial site of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and, according to tradition, also the first Bishop of Rome and therefore the first pope – it is considered one of the holiest Catholic sites.

Bernini’s baldacchino

This large Baroque bronze canopy rises imperiously above the high altar beneath Michelangelo’s dome. It was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and finished in 1634 to radiantly mark the tomb of St Peter below.

Michelangelo's Pieta

Michelangelo’s Pieta (first chapel to the right) was completed when he around 24 years old, and was so beautiful and mature that many people believed he couldn’t have done it – which is why it’s the only sculpture he ever signed.

Clementine Chapel

The tiny Clementine Chapel, located in the necropolis underneath the basilica’s grottoes, is believed to be the site where St Peter was crucified in the time of Emperor Nero. His remains are held in a marble chest encased into an opulent, gilded altar.

Tradition has it that St Peter was crucified upside down at his own request, because he considered himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus.

You can now take a fascinating tour of the underground necropolis, which includes the Clementine Chapel, to see St Peter’s bones. Book well ahead (as places are strictly limited to 250/day) with Ufficio Scavi.

Treasury and Grottoes

St Peter’s Treasury has a number of rare gems, including the Colonna Santa and 6th-century Vatican Cross; the Grottoes, just below the basilica, contain the tombs of popes past along with works of art.

Michelangelo’s dome

In 1546, age 71, Michelangelo was asked by Pope Paul III to take over the construction of St Peter’s Basilica – at project that had been beset by technical and design challenges, not least the construction of a dome. Painter and sculpture turned architect designed Michelangelo stepped in, and although it was unfinished when he died, he is recognised as the primary architect and installed the foundations for what is still the biggest dome in the world.

Climb the Cupola

For around €10 you can climb the 320 steps to the roof of St Peter’s, and even to the very top of the Cupola (dome) for those postcard-perfect views of St Peter’s Square and Rome’s skyline. If you don’t want to climb steps, there is an elevator. You can’t buy tickets online, and there are always hefty queues – which you can only skip if on a guided tour with Vox Mundi. From St Peter’s Square, follow the pillars anticlockwise until you see the signs for the Cupola.

Descend to the grottoes

One level below the Basilica are grottoes housing the tombs of several popes and a few royals. You can reach them by stairs below the St Andrew statue near the papal altar. Another level down, below the grottoes, is an ancient Necropolis, a former Roman cemetery with tombs and mausolea dating from the 1st to 4th centuries AD. It also includes the tomb of St Peter, and (allegedly) his bones.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The closest metro stop, Ottaviano-San Pietro, is nine blocks away.

The famous Swiss Guards enforce a strict dress code: no shorts, no skirts above the knee and no bare shoulders. There’s a dress code on this website.

If you want a guide, Vox Mundi run the official guided tours (daily, except Wednesday and Sunday). They also offer audio guides, available from their desk inside the basilica. Access to the Necropolis is limited to 250 visitors a day. If you want to see it, book a spot in advance online on the official tour website. https://book.thevaticantickets.com/book/10479/select/

If you do head up to the Cupola, by elevator or stairs, there’s a café on the roof with gorgeous views over Piazza San Pietro through the gigantic gesticulating statues of saints.

 

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. July and August are unpleasantly heaving, but there are always crowds. Go at around 1pm when most people are eating lunch, or late in the afternoon.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Saint Peter Basilica Digital Audioguide

Saint Peter Basilica Digital Audioguide

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Experience the rich history and art of the Vatican with a visit to the iconic Saint Peter's Basilica. See all the priceless works from the P...

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Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes in a Small Group

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Combine e thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with a climb to the top of the dome for the best panoramic view of Rome. Discover m...

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 Complete St Peters Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Crypt

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The Original St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs

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Reach the top of Michelangelo's magnificent dome on this unique tour of remarkable architecture and adventure! Views of the vast city of Rom...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

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Rome, Lazio, Italy[1 miles]

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A restored 16th-century convent at the foot of Gianicolo Hill, on the edge of trendy Trastevere.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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