St. Peter's Basilica Tickets

If you want to visit the iconic dome of St. Peter's Basilica during your visit, you'll need to select the correct tickets to do so; standard St. Peter's Basilica tickets do not include access to the dome.

You can visit the dome by selecting one of the excellent 'Dome Climb' tour options, which include a fully guided tour of the basilica as well as the record-breaking dome. You can even choose to visit the sacred crypts below the church, where saints (including St. Peter himself) have been interred over the centuries.

According to Catholic doctrine, Saint Peter's tomb is located directly below the high altar (the Altar of the Confession) of St. Peter's Basilica. As a result, it's no surprise that many popes have also been buried here since the early Christian period. Your St. Peter's Basilica tickets will let you get incredibly close to this holy burial site.

With an architectural design team consisting of Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's Basilica is widely considered to be the ultimate example of Renaissance architecture.

Due to its immaculate Renaissance architecture, as well as being the purported location of the remains of St. Peter himself, the basilica is one of the most sacred sites in all of Catholicism. Even if you're not a practicing Catholic, there's simply no denying the jaw-dropping grandeur of this monumental building.

St. Peter's Basilica is open all year around, with opening hours varying slightly with the season.

From 1 April to 30 September, St. Peter's Basilica is open between 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM.

From 1 October to 31 March, it is open between 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM.

Crowds at the Vatican tend to be the least busy in November, and between January to March. So if you are planning to buy St. Peter's Basilica tickets, these months can be the most relaxing times of the year to do so, with early in the morning being the quietest time of the day.

December and Easter (late March to mid April) are the busier times of the Catholic calendar, and crowds can be more hectic around these religious celebrations. So be prepared to love thy neighbour if you decide to visit during these bustling times of the year!

The Papal Audience itself is actually free, but seeing it does require some planning. It's necessary to reserve your ticket in advance by downloading a form and filling it in, then picking up your ticket once the process is complete. While it's definitely possible, it can be time-consuming.

If you're looking to save time and effort when getting your Papal Audience tickets, the 'Papal Audience + St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour' option is perfect for you. An on-site expert will take care of your ticket reservation and your guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica will be sorted out in advance.

• Inside the Basilica, Michelangelo's dome will blow you away with its sheer magnitude

• Take in the stunning Renaissance art, including Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Baldacchino as well as intricate mosaic-tile floors

• You'll also see an awe-inspiring bronze statue of St. Peter himself, his foot worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims' kisses

• Make sure you climb to the top of the basilica's dome to see the city from above

St. Peter's Basilica is not just a place of worship – it's a testament to the timeless artistry and spirituality that makes it a must-see when in Rome. Although access to the Basilica is free, you'll need a ticket to reach the dome.

Choose the best St. Peter's Basilica tickets for you:

• Choose an entry ticket and set your own pace
• Join a guided tour to access the golden dome or the underground papal grottoes
• Visit all the best tourist sites in the city – including the Basilica – with a city pass

• Sleeveless, low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts, and hats are not allowed
• Only guide dogs with proper equipment and pet therapy animals are welcome, with prior notice and approval
• Photography is allowed for personal use in most areas. Professional equipment and selfie sticks are not allowed
• Be prepared for security checks with metal detectors and inform staff of inadmissible items
• Some areas have limited air-conditioning due to architectural constraints