Guided St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tour with Papal Tombs

Ans: The dome inside the St. Peter’s Basilica was created by Michelangelo and is one of the largest domes in the world. When you stand on top of it, you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of the Vatican City skyline. Aside from having a stunning façade, the inside of this tall dome is also stunning. This is a must-take St Peters dome climb tour while you visit Vatican City.

Ans: Yes, you can climb St. Peter’s Dome without a tour. Visitors can independently purchase St. Peter’s Basilica tickets and ascend the dome at their own pace. Here’s how you can do it:

• Go to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The entrance to the dome is inside the basilica, to the right as you enter.
• You can buy tickets at the entrance to the dome. There are two options:

1. Elevator + Stairs: This option allows you to take an elevator part of the way (to the roof level). But you will still need to climb 320 steps to reach the top.

2. Stairs Only: This involves climbing all 551 steps without the aid of an elevator.

But let us remind you that St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour offers you a fulfilling experience that you won’t get otherwise. We highly recommend you book the St. Peters Dome tour.

Ans: Yes, you have to purchase an entry St Peter’s Dome Climb Tickets to go inside and climb to the top of the Dome.

Tickets can be purchased at the Vatican or online in advance. There are separate ticket options for climbing with the elevator or climbing all the steps without the elevator. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

Well, our guided tour includes that and more. In this tour, you will be able to enjoy the awe-inspiring views over St. Peter’s Square. This tour is available with a skip-the-line entrance ticket.

• Visit the official Vatican Museums Tickets website. From the Vatican Tours you can select the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Tour.
• After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket or voucher. Be sure to bring this with you on the day of your visit, either printed or on your mobile device, to gain entry.

Ans: Yes, without a doubt. Strictly speaking, the availability of both general admission tickets and tours is always limited. So, we recommend having a pre-reserved ticket to climb the dome. To reserve your seat, visit our ticket booking page now.

Ans: The time it takes to climb St. Peter’s Dome can vary depending on several factors. Such as your pace, the crowd size, and how often you stop to rest or take photos. However, here is a general breakdown of the time involved:

If you take the elevator, it will take you to the roof level, saving you some steps. The elevator ride itself is quick, about a minute or two. From there, you have about 320 steps to climb, which can take around 15-20 minutes for an average person.

If you choose to climb the entire way without the elevator, you’ll need to ascend all 551 steps. This can take around 30-45 minutes, depending on your fitness level and the crowd.

Including waiting, climbing, and time spent at the top, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Ans: Yes, St. Peter’s Basilica is typically included in many Vatican tours. This Vatican tour with dome climb often cover several key attractions within Vatican City.

Typically you will get free access to explore the St. Peter’s Basilica on your own. But for a more educative and interactive experience, you can book St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour.

Ans: To reach the top of St. Peter’s Dome, you need to climb a total of 551 steps. If you choose to take the elevator, it will take you part of the way. But you will still need to climb 320 steps from the point where the elevator stops to reach the very top.

Ans: To climb the dome at the Vatican, follow these steps:

• Access to the dome begins inside St. Peter’s Basilica. You can enter the Basilica from St. Peter’s Square. Be prepared for security checks.
• Inside the Basilica, look for signs directing you to the dome. The entrance to the dome climb is located near the right side of the Basilica’s entrance.
• If you prefer, you can take an elevator to the roof level. Or take stairs to climb all the steps from the ground level to the top of the dome.
• Be prepared for a narrow, winding staircase with occasional resting points.
• As you ascend, take breaks to admire the stunning views of the Basilica’s interior.
• Once you reach the top, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome. Take your time to soak in the scenery and take photos.
• When you’re ready to descend, follow the same staircase back down to the roof level if you took the elevator. Or all the way down to the ground level if you climbed all the steps.

Ans: The price to access St. Peter’s Dome starts at €69.00. This cost likely includes additional features or services. Such as guided tours, skip-the-line access at St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb with Papal Tombs, and added conveniences and insights provided by professional guides.

Ans: The best time of day to visit St. Peter’s Basilica is generally early in the morning or late in the afternoon, regardless of the season.

• Early Morning:

  Arriving when the Basilica opens at 7:00 AM is ideal. The crowds are usually smaller, and you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.

• Late Afternoon:

  Visiting around 5:00 PM can also be a good option. The Basilica remains open until 7:10 PM, and the crowds tend to thin out later in the day.

• Early Morning:

  Similar to the summer period, getting there at 7:00 AM right when it opens will help you avoid the larger crowds.

• Late Afternoon:

  Visiting around 4:00 PM is advisable. The Basilica stays open until 7:10 PM, and the number of visitors decreases towards the end of the day.

Ans: St. Peter’s Basilica has one of the largest domes in the world, but it is not the largest in terms of diameter. St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome, designed by Michelangelo, reaches a height of approximately 136.6 meters (448 feet) from the floor of the Basilica to the top of the cross on its exterior. This makes it one of the tallest domes in the world.

Ans: St. Peter’s Dome opens at 7:30 AM year-round. During the summer period, it closes at 6:00 PM, while in the winter period, it closes at 5:00 PM. Note that in cases of large numbers of visitors, the closure time might be around 30 minutes earlier, depending on the queue.

Ans: To skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica, you can take several steps:

• Book a Skip-the-Line Ticket or Tour:

  Purchase skip-the-line tickets or guided tours that include priority access. Many tour companies offer these options, allowing you to bypass the general admission line.

• Visit Early or Late:

  Arrive early in the morning before the Basilica opens or late in the afternoon. Early arrivals (before 7:30 AM) can often get in with a shorter wait time.

Ans: The following rules and regulations need to be maintained during the Tour:

• It is prohibited to talk inside the crypt
• You can’t take pictures inside
• You can’t carry large bags
• You need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders, arms, and lower legs. Shorts, short pants, short skirts, sleeveless tops, and exposed shoulders are not permitted. Advisable for both men and women.

Ans: You can bring a small bag with you that has the necessary items, like an umbrella. During the visit, you have to leave your large bags at the checking point near the entrance, as it is not permissible to enter carrying the large bags.

Ans: If you have any mobility issues, you have to contact us for private access. But one thing should be noted, the sites are not wheelchair accessible. So if you use one unfortunately you can’t visit this place.

Ans: Actually, no.

Please note that St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Easter, December 24 and 31, and during other religious holidays.

The Basilica is a place of worship that may be closed for religious activities without warning; in this case, you’ll be offered another date.

Normally, St. Peter’s Basilica has another door that allows visitors to walk straight from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica. However, please note that this door might occasionally be closed for various reasons beyond our control.

Ans: This St Peter’s dome tours falls under ‘All Sales final’ status. That means, this tour is non-refundable and cannot be canceled once booked.

Ans: It is best to be at the tour meeting spot 25 minutes early. The customer must arrive on time. If you arrive late or don’t show up, we are sorry but we cannot accommodate you because we are already at the tour destination with other participants. Furthermore, the Vatican tour ticket price is non-refundable. A refund or cancellation of the Vatican ticket is not possible. As a result, if you miss it, you will not be refunded your ticket money.

Ans: Yes a discount is available for students under 26 years. To avail of this discount, students must bring a valid student ID during the time of the tour.

Ans: This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 6

Children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are going to take this tour must be accompanied by an adult.

Ans: Yes, we offer hotel transportation service which you have to book during the tour booking process. But keep in mind that this is an optional service. You have to pay extra fees for the transportation.

Ans: Call us at +39 062 757 630 to cancel any trip; we’re available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please review other cancellation-related FAQ of this tour and the Cancellation & Refund Policy of Vatican Museum Tickets before canceling this tour.

Ans: At Vatican Museum Tickets, we are acutely aware of the circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are solely responsible for keeping you up to date with the most correct information.

After the post-COVID-19, reserving your ticket online is required to avoid unnecessary gathering in the ticket office.

There is no longer a requirement for a Green Pass, vaccination certificate, or test certificate to access the Vatican. Furthermore, there is no certificate needed to enter restaurants, museums, historical sites, etc. When traveling to Vatican City, there is no need for quarantine.

You need to take the following measures while on the tour:

• You are required to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose the entire time you are here. Wearing a mask is still required in some locations.
• Maintain a social distance while on the tour.
• While entering the venues, the visitor’s temperature could be checked. A body temperature of 37.5° C or above may prevent entry to the location.
• Due to social distance, guided tours now only allow a certain number of participants, including the guides.

Visit Covid-19 Update for the latest travel information at the Vatican.