St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes: Guided Tour + Dome Access

Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica on a guided walking tour

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Highlights

Meet your guide in St. Peter's Square and start your tour climbing to the top of the dome of the Basilica. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floor and get the chance to take an exclusive close look at the mosaics of the dome. Go even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond it. From here, descend directly into the Basilica and avoid the long lines at its entrance. Marvel at the colorful marble, golden ceilings, and impressive mosaics. Get guided through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassical art by Canova and Bernini, among others. Get emotional in front of the Pietà of Michelangelo and appreciate its expressive power and delicate beauty. Go further down into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes. Finish the tour in St. Peter’s Square and soak up its majestic architecture.

What is included?

Access to St. Peter's Basilica
Access to the Vatican Grottoes
Entry to St. Peter’s Dome
Guided tour
Headset to hear the guide

What is not included?

Access to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Skip-the-line service
Guided tour of the Dome

What is there to know?

Live guide: English, French, German, Italian, pt, Spanish

The visit is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge; however, please note that the security check lines at the entrance cannot be skipped and may take between 15 and 120 minutes

Meet your guide at the meeting point at Largo del Colonnato 5, outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide
Look for the yellow sign with the TOURIKS logo
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled time
Bring your own wired headphones
To access the Basilica, please consider that from June to the end of August there could be long lines
PLEASE NOTE: In case the grottoes or areas of the Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. The duration and quality of the tour remains unchanged

Not wheelchair-accessible
Tour subject to weather and liturgical events
320 steps to climb up the dome
Pets are not allowed

Please note that there's a mandatory security check at the Dome’s ticket office and the St. Peter’s Basilica (waiting times may occur)
Large bags and backpacks aren't allowed
Knees and shoulders must be covered
No hats or sunglasses
Low-cut or sleeveless tops or shorts aren't allowed
No clothing with rips, tears, or transparent material
Strollers are not allowed inside the Basilica
In case of delay, there'll be no refund
There are 320 steps to climb up the dome