Think St. Peter’s Basilica is just for the religiously inclined? Think again! For lovers of art, history, and breathtaking architecture, St. Peter’s Basilica is an absolute must-see destination in Rome. This monumental church is not only home to some of the world’s greatest masterpieces, but it is a masterpiece in itself. Prepare to be awestruck by its sheer beauty and rich history. Here’s your essential guide on how to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and make the most of your experience.
Planning your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome? Keep this guide handy as you explore Vatican City. For deeper insights, explore our detailed St. Peter’s Basilica guide, discover top basilica tours for an unforgettable journey, and learn how to conquer the dome climb.
St. Peter’s Basilica: Why You Should Visit
When you’re in Rome, a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the most significant Catholic Church in the world, is non-negotiable. Standing as the most important of Rome’s four major basilicas, St. Peter’s has rightfully earned its prestigious title.
However, you don’t need to be a person of faith to appreciate its magnificence. This Renaissance marvel is a wonder of the world that will leave you speechless. It houses an incredible collection of art and tells a captivating historical narrative.
Discover some fascinating facts about St. Peter’s Basilica. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, from navigating tickets and tours to creating an itinerary of the must-see treasures within. Let’s dive into what you need to know:
Planning Your Visit: Essential Information
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Hours:
- April to September: 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM
- October to March: 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM
- Important Note: Closed on Wednesday mornings for the Papal Audience. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
St. Peter’s Dome Climb Hours:
- April to September: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- October to March: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Important Note: Dome climb also closed on Wednesday mornings for the Papal Audience.
Tickets: You can purchase dome climb tickets directly at the entrance to the dome. Wondering if it’s worth it? Find out if a dome climb is worth your time.
St Peter’s Basilica Tickets:
The incredible news is that entry to St. Peter’s Basilica itself is free! However, keep in mind that this free entry does not include access to the Sistine Chapel, which requires a separate ticket and entrance through the Vatican Museums.
For climbing the dome, there is a charge: €8 if you choose to take the stairs, or €10 if you prefer the elevator for part of the ascent. We highly recommend opting for the elevator to conserve energy for exploring the basilica and the rest of Rome. Get all the details on how to climb St. Peter’s Dome.
St. Peter’s Dress Code: Respectful Attire is Key
To enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you must adhere to the Vatican’s dress code. This is a sacred site, and modesty is expected. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Try to avoid wearing shorts, short dresses, and skirts.
We understand that Rome can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months. A practical tip is to bring a light scarf or shawl that you can easily wrap around yourself when needed to meet the dress code requirements.
Hats are not permitted inside the basilica, and neither is food or metal tools such as knives and scissors. Security checks are in place, including metal detectors, so be mindful of what you bring with you.
Visiting the Vatican with Kids: Family-Friendly Tips
If you’re planning a Vatican visit with children, you’re in luck! The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are welcoming to families with kids and strollers.
Throughout the Vatican complex, you’ll find conveniently located restrooms equipped with changing tables, as well as designated areas to sit and take a break. There’s even a private room available for mothers who need a quiet space for nursing. For a more personalized and engaging experience tailored to younger visitors, consider our family-friendly Vatican tour.
How Much Time to Spend at St. Peter’s Basilica
Ideal Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Even if you are not particularly religious, stepping inside St. Peter’s Basilica is an experience that is likely to leave you in awe. The interior is simply breathtaking – and even more impressive when you grasp the sheer scale of it.
The basilica is designed with such perfect proportions that it’s easy to underestimate its size. You might be surprised to learn that the ceiling soaring above you reaches a height of 150 feet (50 meters)! The visitor flow is well-managed with barriers that guide you through the basilica. A recommended itinerary is to begin a counter-clockwise walk around the perimeter of this magnificent church, allowing you to take in all the key sights at your own pace.
Getting to St. Peter’s Basilica: Transportation Options
St. Peter’s Basilica is conveniently located in Piazza San Pietro within Vatican City, making it easily accessible. Depending on your preference and where you are in Rome, you can choose to travel by metro, bus, taxi, or even enjoy a walk.
How To Take the Metro To St. Peter’s Basilica
Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes
The closest metro station to St. Peter’s Basilica is Ottaviano. This station is on the A-line (orange line) of the Rome Metro. If you are starting your journey near popular spots like the Spanish Steps (Spagna) or Termini Train Station, be sure to board the A-line train heading towards Battistini and get off at the Ottaviano stop.
From the Ottaviano metro station, the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is a pleasant ten-minute walk. You can catch the A-line from numerous other stations across Rome; just consult the Rome Metro schedule to plan your route. Metro tickets can be purchased at the stations or from authorized corner stores, but not directly from the train operator.
Pro Tip: If you have a timed event scheduled, such as a Vatican Tour, always factor in an extra 10 to 20 minutes for travel. This buffer will help you avoid rushing and even allows for a quick and delightful Italian espresso to start your day right.
How To Take the Bus To St. Peter’s Basilica
Travel Time: About 20 minutes from Termini Train Station.
If you are starting from Termini train station, exit the station and look for bus number 64.
The bus journey will take roughly 20 minutes, and your stop is the final one on the route: P.za Stazione S. Pietro. From the bus stop, St. Peter’s Basilica is approximately a 10-minute walk.
Alternatively, you can take bus number 81 from the Colosseum area (the bus stop is located just outside the Colosseo metro station on the B-line – blue line). The 81 bus route terminates at Piazza Risorgimento, from which it’s also about a 10-minute walk to St. Peter’s Basilica.
How To Take a Taxi To St. Peter’s Basilica
Travel Time: Variable, depending on your starting point
A taxi ride to St. Peter’s Basilica should typically cost no more than €20 if you are departing from the historic center of Rome. When you get into the taxi, simply tell the driver “St. Peter’s Basilica” (Basilica di San Pietro in Italian).
In Rome, the most common way to get a taxi is to go to a designated taxi stand. You can find these taxi stands near all major tourist attractions and key areas. If you are not near a taxi stand, you can always ask a café or restaurant to call a taxi for you – a perfect excuse to enjoy a coffee and pastry while you wait!
Walking To St. Peter’s Basilica
Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes from Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori.
If you are staying in the vicinity of Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori, and the weather is pleasant, walking to St. Peter’s Basilica is a delightful option. The Prati neighborhood is also within easy walking distance of the Vatican.
In fact, you can walk to St. Peter’s Basilica from almost anywhere in central Rome. However, keep in mind that Rome is a city best explored on foot, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking throughout your visit. Walking to the Vatican can be quite tiring before you even begin exploring St. Peter’s, which requires a lot of standing and walking inside. We generally recommend using public transportation to arrive at the Vatican to conserve your energy for exploring.
Pro Tip: A useful travel tip for using your phone’s map is to set your route while you have Wi-Fi access and then switch your phone to airplane mode. GPS will still function in airplane mode, showing your location. While it won’t provide real-time rerouting, it’s an excellent way to navigate without using data, especially when traveling internationally.
Visit St Peter’s Basilica with an Expert
Want to explore more? Learn how to climb St. Peter’s Dome.
17 Top Things To See at St. Peter’s Basilica
As you might expect from the most significant church in Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica is filled with incredible art and historical treasures. For a more detailed exploration with descriptions of each, check out our guide to the top things to see in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Here’s a quick checklist to guide you through the must-see highlights within the basilica, presented in reverse order of their listing in the original article, culminating in the most significant:
- La Navicella Mosaic by Giotto
- The Fountains in St. Peter’s Square
- The Pillars
- The Ceiling
- St. Peter’s Square
- The Dome
- Statue of St. Peter
- Tomb of Innocent XI
- Holy Mass
- St. Peter’s Throne
- La Porta Santa (Holy Door)
- The Paintings (or Mosaics)
- The Obelisk
- Loggia Delle Benedizioni (Loggia of the Blessings or Central Balcony)
- Pietá
- Baldacchino
- High Altar (Tomb of St. Peter)
St. Peter’s Basilica Tour Options
Choosing a guided tour offers significant advantages, especially when visiting major sites like St. Peter’s Basilica. Beyond insightful explanations and local knowledge, tours can often provide special access, enhancing your overall experience.
If you plan to visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica independently, note that exiting the Vatican Museums and then re-entering St. Peter’s Basilica involves a considerable amount of extra walking, as you need to go back around to the basilica’s entrance.
However, a guided tour often grants you direct access from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. This not only saves time and energy but provides a smoother, more efficient visit. Here are some of our recommended Vatican tours that include St. Peter’s Basilica:
Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts (2.5 hours)
This tour takes you on a journey from the highest point of St. Peter’s Basilica to its depths. Meet your guide right at the basilica and ascend to the top of the dome before the crowds peak. After enjoying the panoramic views, you’ll explore the church with a guided tour, followed by a descent into the fascinating Papal Crypts below.
See tour itinerary, pricing, and more details
St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour (5 hours)
This comprehensive tour starts with a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome, followed by a guided exploration of the basilica itself. Your guide will then lead you through the Vatican Museums, showcasing its artistic treasures, including the world-renowned Sistine Chapel.
See tour itinerary, pricing, and more details
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums (7 hours)
Can you truly experience the best of Rome in just one day? Absolutely! This expertly curated tour makes it effortless. Join local guides to discover iconic sites including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon in a single, memorable day. Skip-the-line access and transportation are included for a stress-free experience.
See tour itinerary, pricing, and more details
Explore St. Peter’s Basilica and other Vatican Tours
Looking for more tour options? Discover our recommendations for the best Vatican tours to take and why they are worth it.
St. Peter’s Facts and History
St. Peter: From Apostle to Martyr
St. Peter’s connection to Rome began during the reign of Emperor Nero around A.D. 64, a turbulent period for Christians. Emperor Nero, seeking a scapegoat for the devastating fire that consumed a large part of Rome, falsely blamed the Christian community, then considered a radical cult.
This marked the start of a brutal persecution of Christians in Rome, during which, according to Christian tradition, both St. Peter and St. Paul, among countless others, were martyred.
Peter initially attempted to flee Rome, aware of the dangers he faced. However, it is said that Christ appeared to him, urging him to return to the city and fulfill his destiny. According to religious accounts, St. Peter was crucified upside down under Nero’s orders and buried in Rome in A.D. 64. This event is central to the establishment of Rome as a key site in Christian history.
A pivotal moment in Peter’s life came when Jesus declared, “You are the rock upon which I will build my Church.” At that time, Peter was known as Simon, but Jesus renamed him Peter, derived from the Greek word “petra,” meaning rock.
Constantine’s Basilica: The First St. Peter’s
Emperor Constantine, after his victory over Maxentius in A.D. 312, played a crucial role in the history of Christianity by legalizing it throughout the Roman Empire. He then undertook the ambitious project of constructing a grand church directly over what was believed to be St. Peter’s tomb. Constantine’s mother, St. Helen, was a devout Christian, and this project likely held profound significance for her.
Constantine’s St. Peter’s Basilica marked the early beginnings of the Vatican’s establishment and stood on the same site as the current basilica. Following the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, which Constantine issued to legalize Christianity, construction began on the church. For Constantine, Jesus would have been a figure in the relatively recent past, comparable to how George Washington is in American history today.
The original basilica built by Constantine served for over a millennium, from the mid-fourth century A.D. (the 300s) until 1506. The present basilica was constructed over Constantine’s original structure, and while Constantine’s basilica no longer exists in its entirety, foundational elements from the original building are still part of the current basilica, making parts of the foundation nearly 1700 years old!
The Basilica We See Today
In the 16th century, Pope Julius II decided that a new, more magnificent basilica was needed and commissioned Donato Bramante to design the St. Peter’s Basilica we know today. After Bramante’s death, the designs were further developed by Raphael, and subsequently, the project involved nearly every leading Italian artist of the era, from Michelangelo to the Moderno family and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The construction of St. Peter’s Basilica took an astounding 120 years, a remarkable feat considering the scale and complexity of the structure. Even after this period, work continued on various elements, with the last fountain designed by Bernini not completed until 1675.
Where to Eat Nearby
Understandably, there are no dining facilities inside St. Peter’s Basilica itself, with the exception of a small bar if you climb to the dome. However, the area surrounding the Vatican offers a variety of excellent dining options for lunch and beyond. For a comprehensive list, explore our guide to the best places to eat near the Vatican. Here are a few quick recommendations:
St. Peter’s Dome Bar: €€ | Refreshments – Yes, you can get coffee with a view from the top of St. Peter’s Dome! This small bar’s opening hours can be a bit unpredictable, but if it’s open during your visit, it’s worth stopping for a coffee or a drink while you soak in the incredible panorama.
Near The Vatican:
Hostaria Dino e Toni: € | Roman Restaurant – This family-run, authentic Roman restaurant has managed to stay wonderfully un-touristy. Expect delicious, genuine Roman cuisine, friendly (if sometimes direct!) service, and they might even choose your dishes for you! Perfect for pizza, pasta, and classic appetizers.
200 Gradi: €€ | Sandwich Shop – If you have a busy day of sightseeing planned after your Vatican visit, 200 Gradi is an ideal stop. They offer a fantastic selection of tasty, generously filled sandwiches that are perfect for taking away or enjoying at a table inside. Great quality and very reasonably priced.
La Zanzara: €€ | Bistro – Offering a more stylish and modern dining experience, La Zanzara puts a contemporary twist on Italian classics. With a French bistro ambiance but distinctly Italian food, it’s a great spot for a cocktail and a relaxed sit-down lunch.
Book St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Tours
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