Vatican City Guide (2): St Peter’s Basilica

Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican is one of the world’s most magnificent churches, renowned for its impressive dome, grand architecture, and rich history.

Inside, visitors can admire beautiful Renaissance artworks and experience the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church.

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The Entrance and Security Check

  • The entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is on the right side of St. Peter’s Square when facing the basilica.
  • Security Check at St. Peter’s Basilica: All visitors must pass through a security check before entering. There is a regular security line (in the square) for visitors entering the basilica. The security checkpoints are located on the right side of St. Peter’s Square when facing the basilica. During busy periods, security checks can create long lines and slower visitor flow. The waiting line is outside in the square, so during summer it can be hot and crowded.
  • Separate access is available for visitors who have a reserved Dome ticket, a reserved guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, a reserved official audio guide for St. Peter’s Basilica or Saint Peter’s Digital Experience. A special entrance is located near Porta Santa Anna, outside the square. If you are facing the basilica, it is behind the right colonnade of pillars.

Practical Information

  • St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour, Digital Audioguide, Saint Peter’s Digital Experience and the ticlets for the Dome can be booked online through the official St. Peter’s Basilica website.
  • Allowed are small bags, small backpacks and plastic water bottles.
  • Avoid bringing metal water bottles, large backpacks, suitcases, and sharp objects.

Exit

  • The EXIT is on the left side of the basilica.
    IMPORTANT: once you leave through the exit and pass near the Swiss Guard area, you cannot return directly to the basilica. If you want to enter the basilica again, you will need to go through security again.

Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

The Dome has a separate ticket that can be purchased: online through the official St. Peter’s Basilica website or at the Dome ticket office inside the portico of the basilica. After security, follow the signs for “Dome.”

How to Get to the Top?

There are two options to the same panoramic viewpoint:

  • Stairs only: 551 steps to reach the top of the Dome. Stairs option requires climbing the entire route and is more physically demanding.
  • Elevator to the terrace level. From there, you continue by climbing 320 steps to reach the top. The elevator does not go all the way to the viewpoint. The final part of the climb is narrow and curved inside the Dome. Elevator option saves the first part of the climb, takes you to the terrace level, and is recommended if you want to reduce the physical effort, especially in summer. Keep in mind that the elevator can have longer waiting times during peak hours, as many visitors choose this option.

IMPORTANT: The climb is physically demanding and includes narrow passages and steep sections. It is not recommended for visitors who have serious heart conditions, have difficulty with intense physical effort, suffer from claustrophobia, or have mobility difficulties or problems with steep stairs. The final section inside the Dome can feel challenging because the staircase becomes narrow and curved.

Facilities at the Dome: At the terrace level you will find restrooms, a small souvenir shop, and a refreshment area.

After visiting the Dome, you return to the terrace level and can continue exploring the basilica.

Vatican Grottoes (Grotte Vaticane)

The Vatican Grottoes are located underneath St. Peter’s Basilica and contain the tombs of many popes, including the tomb of St. Peter. The visit is free.

The entrance is inside the basilica, near the main altar area. Follow the signs for: Grotte Vaticane. The stairs leading down are located inside one of the pillars supporting the Dome.

Practical Information Around St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Vatican Post Office can be found on St. Peter’s Square and near the exit area, after visiting the basilica. Many visitors stop here to send postcards with the Vatican City postmark.
  • Restrooms can be found:
    • Around the Vatican: Piazza della Città Leonina and large souvenir shops around the Vatican — many of the larger stores have restrooms available for customers.
    • Inside the Vatican City: at Peter’s Basilica — under the basilica, behind the glass doors, before the stairs leading to the entrance of the basilica, and at St Peter’s Dome — on the terrace at the level where the elevator takes you.
  •  Drinking Water Fountains
    • Around the Vatican: Fontana di Pio IV — near the Cavalleggeri bus stop, and Fontane delle Tiare — behind the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, when facing the basilica.
    • Inside the Vatican City: at Peter’s Square — drinking fountains are available when they are operating.

IMPORTANT: Bring a plastic water bottle, especially during warmer months.

Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash