Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, La Pietà, Papal Tombs and Dome
Description
Discover the beauty, history, and art of St. Peter’s Basilica on a guided tour in the heart of Vatican City. Explore St. Peter’s Square and admire Bernini’s famous colonnades before entering one of the world’s most important churches. Inside, see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin, beautiful chapels, and the Papal Tombs. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the artists, popes, and events that shaped this extraordinary landmark. Learn about St. Peter’s Dome and its impressive architecture. Guests choosing the Dome climb can continue to the top and enjoy spectacular views over Vatican City and Rome. Dome access is subject to ticket availability; morning departures are recommended as queues can be longer after 12 PM. Different options are available: choose a tour with the Dome climb or without it.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Next, enter the Basilica and witness its grandeur. Admire the golden ceilings and impressive mosaics that took 150 years to rebuild. Follow your expert guide through the renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art, including Michelangelo's "Pietà". Stand in awe of the harmonious 30-meter-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of this iconic artwork.
Discover the stunning Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, a poignant sculpture depicting Mary cradling Jesus, showcased within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica
Descend into the underground grottoes and discover the final resting place of St. Peter. Trace the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica with your fingertips and imagine the history that surrounds you. Marvel at the beautiful frescoes that adorn the underground chambers and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this holy site. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the history and spirituality of this sacred place, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
At the end of the tour, your guide will point you to the ticket desk where you can purchase optional tickets for the dome climb.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- 1. Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered as this is a religious site.
- 2. Security: Airport-style checks are required, with wait times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close for Vatican events. If this happens, we will reschedule your visit as soon as possible.
- 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we will extend the visit to the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
- 5. Exclusions: This tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
- 6. Dome Climb (Optional): The dome climb closes at 4:00 PM. The 3:00 PM tour does not include the dome climb option. For the 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM tours, the guide can show you where to purchase dome climb tickets (€15, including elevator access) at the end of the tour.
Reviews(95)
Had a Fantastic tour with Eslam very informative with all we seen, i would definitely recommend to all who wants to vist the Vatican. 5 stars all round
Great tour, highly recommended. My family of four loved it.
Our guide (Islam) was the best, very dedicate and funny. He explain everything very well. We strongly recommend this experience.
Islam was a great guide! Very informative and friendly, amazing knowledge of the Basilica. Thank you very much!
Islam was a great tour guide!! Very knowledgeable and very funny!! Highly recommend a tour with him.
We had a great experience with tour guide islam on
Great visit by Sonia, a very good guide. Very grateful and highly recommended!!
Islam was very helpful. He said a lot of interesting things about Vatican. 5/5!!! Highly recommend.
Islam is the best Guide - we learned a lot and Children Loved him
Sonia was very kind and explained the related history super well.
