St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica
5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
About
Arguably one of the finest Cathedrals in the entire world, St. Peter's is the spiritual center of the Vatican and the product of many of Italy's great Renaissance's architects, among them Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Vatican / Borgo
Frocked priests, colorful Swiss Guards, insistent souvenir shop owners, flag-waving tour guides, and pilgrims from around the world. This is the Vatican and Borgo, Rome's most recognized neighborhood which acts as Vatican City's front yard. Aside from the souvenir boutiques and a few food spots, the only business conducted here is papal. In the daytime, the tiny medieval sector bustles with holy activity, as visitors vie for elbow room, or stand in line for a visit. Once the sun sets, the neighborhood is transformed into a quiet and picturesque hamlet.
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See what travelers are saying
- greektraveller13Cardiff, United Kingdom265 contributionsExpect to queue for a while but it is certainly worth it!!Expect to Queue when you go as you have to go through screening. How long you will queue depends on the time of day you get there!! Earlier is less!! Well worth seeing and you do not realise just how big it is inside!! It is an amazing place to see. Make sure you see the treasures there they are amazing. You cannot describe what it is like as there is so much to see and it is so vast when you are in there. Certainly somewhere everyone going to Rome should goVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 6, 2023
- Resort4493920699411 contributionsGo there EARLY - at opening time !This is the place where the saying, “The early bird gets the worm “ really means something. The Basilica opens at 7 AM. My advice is wake up early and BE there at 7am. This way, you don’t have to wait to get in and you get to enjoy the interior of the magnificent basilica from floor to ceiling. Otherwise, every minute after that multiplies itself upwards faster than the speed of light in queue time, and when you finally get to go in hours later, it is so crowded you don’t get to admire the breathtaking immensity of the beauty of the colored marble on the floor. Also, know that it is FREE to visit the Basilica. Don’t let anyone try to sell you any tickets. There is a Vatican’s post office just after the exit, which is very useful to send a postcard with the Vatican stamp on it as a souvenir.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 7, 2023
- Gustavo WCopenhagen, Denmark18 contributionsSt. Peter’s Basilica: A Divine MasterpieceVisiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was an experience that transcended the boundaries of mere tourism; it was a spiritual and architectural revelation. From the moment I laid eyes on its magnificent facade, I was spellbound by the grandeur and grace of this sacred monument. Stepping inside, I was immediately enveloped in an aura of tranquility and reverence. The vastness of the interior, adorned with intricate frescoes, awe-inspiring sculptures, and the soft glow of natural light filtering through stained glass, left me breathless. The architecture, a seamless blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, was a testament to human creativity and devotion. Every corner seemed to tell a story, each artwork a masterpiece, creating an atmosphere that was both sublime and humbling. The centerpiece, Michelangelo’s incomparable Pieta, was a sight to behold. The delicacy with which the sculptor chiseled marble into a representation of profound sorrow and divine serenity was nothing short of miraculous. It was a moment of profound contemplation, reminding me of the boundless depths of human emotion and artistic brilliance.Visited September 2023Written October 15, 2023
- Melaney68Chesapeake Beach, Maryland11,395 contributionsExpect a line and be prepared for security and appropriate dressThe August sun was scorching hot and an umbrella helped make it bearable. Go as early as you can to avoid the longest lines. Bring minimal items so you can be processed through security quickly and be sure to wear modest clothing so you cover your shoulders. There is so much to see. Plan extra time to truly savor it all.Visited August 2023Traveled on businessWritten October 15, 2023
- Wendy AMcHenry, Illinois20 contributionsWonderful experienceAmazing experience in St Peter’s Basilica. The line to queue in was about an hour but we’ll worth it . It’s so beautiful. Vatican museums was a different story . Too many people we couldn’t enjoy it . We instead just headed straight to the Sistine Chapel which was a sight to behold. An experience of a lifetime and a must if one can afford to visit .Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 24, 2023
- Mathias2212Aalborg, Denmark104 contributionsAmazing!Perters Chuch is one of the most beautiful churches/buildings I have ever seen. This was the second time I've been there and I was just as amazed second time as the first time. The atmosphere, the art inside the church, the shining gold and everything was just simply amazing. As well as the outside of the Church and the surroundings. Went of course again to the top, which is a beautiful sight of Rome. I highly recommend going there in the morning around 07.00-07.30, to avoid waiting in line for many hours.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 25, 2023
- JJRT_travelsUnited Kingdom260 contributionsUnique and not to be missed!Go early! Entrance is free and we went early (so we joined the queue before it opened.) This meant that we only queued for twenty minutes but also the basilica was nearly empty when we entered it. It also meant that we got to see the square in the dark. Totally worth getting up early to do it! If you only visit one cathedral in Italy this has to be it!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 30, 2023
- csabadappBrasov, Romania202 contributionsFree entry, hours long line, best at 7amFree entry, hours long line, best at 7am because the line is the shortest. Awesome looking huge place. Going to the "roof" costs money, worth climbing those 551 stairsVisited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 8, 2023
- Karim MaaroufCairo, Egypt949 contributionsQuite impressiveI came here as part of a tour group which was a pretty nice way to visit the Basilica. It is full of amazing works by rennaissance artists. You can pay extra to climb the dome and enjoy the views from the top. I would recommend you exit via the papal crypt to see the tombs of former popes and other important figures. It is very grand and quite impressive.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 8, 2023
- chris oWanstead, United Kingdom50 contributionsMidday Sunday great experienceWe went on a Sunday at 11. Queue was long but cleared quickly. We had time to walk around the beautiful church and came out in time for midday. The pope leads a service for 15 minutes from a high window. There are screens showing close ups and he can be heard clearly. The crowd was huge yet very peaceful and respectful.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
41,696 reviews
Excellent
34,374
Very good
5,578
Average
1,135
Poor
317
Terrible
298
Sarah C
Huntingdon, UK86 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
For anyone travelling to Rome this is an absolute must. I decided to wake up early and take the stroll up to the Vatican City, it was beautiful watching the sun rise over the city as I headed up there. It’s a stunning building from the outside but nothing prepares you for walking inside. Going early you are part of just a few that has made the trip so you can enjoy everything peacefully without the hassle
Of hundreds of tourists. And I’d recommend heading to the dome, it’s 551 steps of narrow marble stairs that will get anyone’s heart rate going but the view is something else. Panoramic views of the whole city while the morning fog is still lifting made the entire trip, and the aching knees and ankles worth every second!
Of hundreds of tourists. And I’d recommend heading to the dome, it’s 551 steps of narrow marble stairs that will get anyone’s heart rate going but the view is something else. Panoramic views of the whole city while the morning fog is still lifting made the entire trip, and the aching knees and ankles worth every second!
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulinemaher1959
Limerick, Ireland12 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I attented Christmas Eve Mass with Pope Francis on 24th December 2019. An occasion that has been long on my Bucket List. It was a wonderful and holy experience and I would recommend it to everyone no matter what your beliefs.
The Basilica itself is so beautiful and so big, the music rebounded off the walls adding to the experience. At the end of the Mass I left feeling I had just truly experienced the meaning of Christmas.
Tickets for this Mass as with all ceremonies at the Vatican are free however to secure a ticket you need to apply for a ticket months before hand. I applied in August 2019.
Apply to the Prefecture of the Papal Household, Vatican City.
The Basilica itself is so beautiful and so big, the music rebounded off the walls adding to the experience. At the end of the Mass I left feeling I had just truly experienced the meaning of Christmas.
Tickets for this Mass as with all ceremonies at the Vatican are free however to secure a ticket you need to apply for a ticket months before hand. I applied in August 2019.
Apply to the Prefecture of the Papal Household, Vatican City.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin B
Blaine, MN142 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wow. So much wow. Inside and out is breath taking.
We prebooked a tour of the museums, Sistine chapel and St Peters. This is absolutely the way to go. Entrance is on the opposite side of the city from St Peters and with ticket in hand you walk right up. I was here in February and literally walked right in to the metal detector to meet the tour group. Lines at St Peters and lines outside the tour entrance are not your problem with a ticket. Go past the line on the tour side and show a guard and he lets you pass right in.
You can buy the tour on the Vaticans official website and do not need any of the after market options. You also do not need any of the “skip the line” options people charge so much more for. Now, I will remind you I was here in February. Maybe it’s longer or different during the summer months but I am not sure how with the timed tour. The guards won’t let you pass until 30-45 minutes before your tour. I assume that would be consistent year round.
Finally, at the end of the tour, you can remain inside St Peter’s Basilica and explore that as long as you like.
We prebooked a tour of the museums, Sistine chapel and St Peters. This is absolutely the way to go. Entrance is on the opposite side of the city from St Peters and with ticket in hand you walk right up. I was here in February and literally walked right in to the metal detector to meet the tour group. Lines at St Peters and lines outside the tour entrance are not your problem with a ticket. Go past the line on the tour side and show a guard and he lets you pass right in.
You can buy the tour on the Vaticans official website and do not need any of the after market options. You also do not need any of the “skip the line” options people charge so much more for. Now, I will remind you I was here in February. Maybe it’s longer or different during the summer months but I am not sure how with the timed tour. The guards won’t let you pass until 30-45 minutes before your tour. I assume that would be consistent year round.
Finally, at the end of the tour, you can remain inside St Peter’s Basilica and explore that as long as you like.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva K.
14 contributions
Jul 2021
Absolutely stunning!
I recommend you come on Sunday to see the Pope give a small speech from his window at 12pm (my and a fellow traveler tried to see him on Wednesday at 10 but according to one of the guards you only see him Sundays). Do come earlier to choose a spot, as people start arriving an hour before at least.
With Covid restrictions, the crowd isn't as big (about a quarter of the square fills up). Also the entrance to the Basillica is free if you don't want to climb the dome (you must cover your arms and knees. I recommend in the Summer to bring a loose skirt or baggy trousers to wear on top of shorts so you don't have to boil for the rest of the day.)
Inside is definitely the most beautiful church I've ever seen, there are frescos and statues and ceiling paintings. There is also a "secret door" behind St Peter's statue holding the big X cross where you can visit St Peter's tomb and the other popes' tombs too. I went after seeing the Pope, so there was a bit of a crowd.
The shops in the Vatican are cheaper than the center of Rome, I did a fair bit of gift shopping around the area afterward (e.g. stands with beautiful jewelry for 1 euro, and the Vatican post in St Peter's square sells postage stamps for 1.15 a piece rather than 1.60 as I've seen in Rome. I was there also on a Monday morning around 10am and there was no one else, so I dropped my postcards in the box immediately after buying the stamps.)
I recommend you come on Sunday to see the Pope give a small speech from his window at 12pm (my and a fellow traveler tried to see him on Wednesday at 10 but according to one of the guards you only see him Sundays). Do come earlier to choose a spot, as people start arriving an hour before at least.
With Covid restrictions, the crowd isn't as big (about a quarter of the square fills up). Also the entrance to the Basillica is free if you don't want to climb the dome (you must cover your arms and knees. I recommend in the Summer to bring a loose skirt or baggy trousers to wear on top of shorts so you don't have to boil for the rest of the day.)
Inside is definitely the most beautiful church I've ever seen, there are frescos and statues and ceiling paintings. There is also a "secret door" behind St Peter's statue holding the big X cross where you can visit St Peter's tomb and the other popes' tombs too. I went after seeing the Pope, so there was a bit of a crowd.
The shops in the Vatican are cheaper than the center of Rome, I did a fair bit of gift shopping around the area afterward (e.g. stands with beautiful jewelry for 1 euro, and the Vatican post in St Peter's square sells postage stamps for 1.15 a piece rather than 1.60 as I've seen in Rome. I was there also on a Monday morning around 10am and there was no one else, so I dropped my postcards in the box immediately after buying the stamps.)
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grizzler56
Southampton, UK22 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We went here on 29sep 2020, we had booked a time for 10am using the omnia card we had bought online (worth buying) we got there at 9.30, hardly any tourists, we we escorted to main entrance straightaway, no waiting. We had bag scanned and temp taken, and then we were in, nothing can prepare you for the sight you get when you walk into the basilica, it is absolutely stunning, it is massive with so many things to look at (we were offered a free guide, but we just wandered around ourselves, with the omnia card you can get a guide you can download onto your phone, you tap the numbers on the little map and it gives you a spoken guide for where you are, handy.
You can go up the dome, which is 551 steps, it is €8 to go up, or €10 to get the lift( we paid €10 we thought it takes you most of the way,it skips 230 steps, you still have to walk up 321 steps) most of them are quite narrow, and some parts you are leaning to the side because of the dome, I have to say I found it quite hard, so if you have any medical issues give this a miss. You get a good view of Rome from top, but you can get a good view from castel sant’ Angelo or from pincio hill,having known now about how bad the steps were I wouldn’t have bothered
The basilica is one of the top places you should visit whilst in Rome, we were lucky we came at the moment as there were hardly any people around
You can go up the dome, which is 551 steps, it is €8 to go up, or €10 to get the lift( we paid €10 we thought it takes you most of the way,it skips 230 steps, you still have to walk up 321 steps) most of them are quite narrow, and some parts you are leaning to the side because of the dome, I have to say I found it quite hard, so if you have any medical issues give this a miss. You get a good view of Rome from top, but you can get a good view from castel sant’ Angelo or from pincio hill,having known now about how bad the steps were I wouldn’t have bothered
The basilica is one of the top places you should visit whilst in Rome, we were lucky we came at the moment as there were hardly any people around
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joey86
uk69 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
One of the most beautiful views in the Vatican, but the climb is not for the faint hearted. Entry to the church is free of charge but to climb the dome is €8, or €10 per person if you want to take the lift half way. You can only pay by cash on entry, but also be aware that there were signs to say that they do not accept the Roma tour passes or passes purchased through travel agents.
The climb is over 500steps, or just over 300steps if you take the lift option. The stairway becomes very narrow the higher you climb, and some of the stair case is winding and on a slant which can feel a bit weird. If you are claustrophobic then just be aware that approx the last 50steps are snug to say the least - not too much more than shoulder width room.
The views are absolutely stunning when you reach the top. It was well worth the climb as you won’t get views like this anywhere else in the Vatican.
The climb is over 500steps, or just over 300steps if you take the lift option. The stairway becomes very narrow the higher you climb, and some of the stair case is winding and on a slant which can feel a bit weird. If you are claustrophobic then just be aware that approx the last 50steps are snug to say the least - not too much more than shoulder width room.
The views are absolutely stunning when you reach the top. It was well worth the climb as you won’t get views like this anywhere else in the Vatican.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clivefield
Harare, Zimbabwe22 contributions
Aug 2019
The Basilica is quite literally breath-taking, both inside and out. Too many superlatives for words! The biggest Church, the most amazing paintings and sculptures. The Vatican Guards, the chiming bell, the cupola and the sheer beauty, proportion and scale of the Basilica defy description. Give yourself a full day to explore the cavernous Basicila - it is massive and absolutely overflowing with art and stunning architecture and visual spectacles to quietly savour. And also try to climb the cupola if you can. It is an experience you will never forget. I also recommend you sit in the square in the late afternoon in front of the Basilica for 2 hours and watch the light change as the daylight fades and the night falls and the lights come on on the Basilica. Rome has so many unique and iconic sights, but St Peters Basilica tops them all.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael U
Las Vegas, NV47,996 contributions
Jan 2020
Although technically not the Cathedral of Rome, St. Peter's Basilica is arguably one of the finest churches in the world. As the spiritual center of Vatican City this stunning structure harbors not only stunning art but architectural contributions from Raphael and Michelangelo. Capable of holding up to 20,000 worshippers, and free to visit, look for a separate entrance from the Vatican Museums, and for those physically fit enough do consider the supplementary $$$ to ascend to the Cupola di San Pietro.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morrittaja
Helsinki, Finland46 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This place is huge! So many halls art (sculptures, paintings and architecture) to marvel at. Be sure to pay the entrance fee of 8 or 10 euros to go up to the cupola and see Rome from up high!
10€ gets you into the elevator line that gets you about 150 steps closer to the top. Unfortunately some 350 steps wait for your demise after that. Can't pay your way to the top here!
8€ on the other hand buys you express line straight to the first steps!
Be aware that this trip to the top takes physique and takes you to pretty confined spaces you can't turn around from. Not for the faint of heart (both figuratively and literally). The way to the cupola goes through the upper level of church interior first. This is the level the elevators stop. Don't worry about this! There's still plenty of stairs to climb from there in the outside!
This is my second favourite sight in Rome right after Coliseum!
10€ gets you into the elevator line that gets you about 150 steps closer to the top. Unfortunately some 350 steps wait for your demise after that. Can't pay your way to the top here!
8€ on the other hand buys you express line straight to the first steps!
Be aware that this trip to the top takes physique and takes you to pretty confined spaces you can't turn around from. Not for the faint of heart (both figuratively and literally). The way to the cupola goes through the upper level of church interior first. This is the level the elevators stop. Don't worry about this! There's still plenty of stairs to climb from there in the outside!
This is my second favourite sight in Rome right after Coliseum!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smokie24
Stafford, UK135 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited the basilica without a tour. It means queuing but although the queue was quite lengthy (due to security) it did move reasonably quickly.
It was awesome to see the Square whilst queuing, a sight so familiar from news broadcasts.
The basilica itself is beautiful - floors, ceilings, altars and chapels. The height is impressive and the building is so large that it did not feel crowded. Further, there are areas where visitors can choose to pray or sit quietly, where photographs are not allowed.
Definitely to be recommended. The view out over the square on leaving is also iconic, even without the crowds!
It was awesome to see the Square whilst queuing, a sight so familiar from news broadcasts.
The basilica itself is beautiful - floors, ceilings, altars and chapels. The height is impressive and the building is so large that it did not feel crowded. Further, there are areas where visitors can choose to pray or sit quietly, where photographs are not allowed.
Definitely to be recommended. The view out over the square on leaving is also iconic, even without the crowds!
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Come fanno i gruppi in pellegrinaggio a Roma a farsi citare e salutare dal Papa durante l'Angelus domenicale? A chi ci si deve rivolgere?
Written August 16, 2024
Buongiorno, mi spiace, ma non so proprio.
Written September 7, 2024
We went the day when the Vatican Museum was free and everybody queued for this. And we were there right at the dot when they opened.
Written July 19, 2024
Can I bring a tripod into St Peter's Basilica? I will not use it inside but I need to carry it with me since I need it for a photo tour just after we visit the basilica. TIA
Written April 9, 2024
¿Qué se ve desde donde te deja el ascensor en la capilla? ¿Hay algún mirador?
Written March 17, 2024
Chiedo gentilmente a che ora è opportuno mettersi in coda per entrare nella Basilica all’orario di apertura, ossia alle 7. Grazie infinite.
Written August 5, 2023
You can que at anytime during the day but the ques get very long the later the day.
Arrive at 08.30 and there will be no que and it is nice and quiet
Written August 6, 2023
Can I buy in advance the tickets to the cupola without a tour online? If so, can someone direct me because all my searches pop upp with tours.
Written July 23, 2023
Entering St Peter Basilica is free (in fact Vatican City is free to admit) though you need to purchase a ticket to enter the chapel/dome and you can get the tickets there on the spot.
Written August 1, 2023
When is the best time to climb the dome? I am going end of July and although I am fit and healthy, I am concerned about the heat exhaustion and feeling claustrophobic. Does it get quieter/more comfortable at certain times of day? If so, when?
Written June 30, 2023
My husband and I are due to visit at the end of July. I wondered what attire could he wear to be respectful but also still stay cool? Are knee length shorts permitted? Or do they have to be full length trousers?
Written June 30, 2023
Can I wear shorts in and around the Vatican, also can a woman have here knees and shoulders I show? How strict are they with this in the summer? Thanks
Written June 25, 2023
Recommend we follow the dress code for the religious sentiments and to avoid a situation where entry is refused.
Written July 3, 2023
Is the Vatican the same as St. Peter’s basilica?
Written May 10, 2023
It's in the same complex as the Vatican
Written May 13, 2023
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