Italy Rome Saint Peter's Basilica Entry Tickets

Yes, entry to the main basilica is free. However, pre-booked skip the line tickets are strongly recommended to avoid the often lengthy security queues at St Peter's Square. Dome access requires a separate paid ticket. The Vatican Grottoes beneath the basilica floor are also free to visit.

From 1 June 2026 Saint Peter's Basilica has new extended hours and is open daily from 07:00 to 20:00 with last entry at 19:15. Before June 2026 summer hours run from 07:00 to 18:00 and winter hours from 07:00 to 17:00. Always check the official basilica website for the most current times before your visit.

Yes, Saint Peter's Basilica is a wonderful experience for families of all ages. Entry is free and children are welcome. The vast scale and extraordinary decoration tend to captivate young visitors. Parents should note the strict dress code which applies to children as well and the physical demands of the dome climb if planning to ascend with young children.

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the basilica itself. Add 45 minutes to 1 hour for the dome climb and a further 30 minutes for the Vatican Grottoes. A comprehensive visit including all areas typically takes 3 hours. Arriving early in the morning gives you the most time and the quietest experience.

Yes. Dome access requires a separate ticket. You can climb 320 steps to reach the drum level just below the dome itself and then a further 231 narrower steps to the lantern at the very top. Alternatively a lift carries you to the drum level reducing the climb to 320 steps. The views from the top across Vatican City and Rome are extraordinary.

The Pieta is Michelangelo's masterpiece sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble when Michelangelo was just 24 years old, it is housed in the first chapel on the right as you enter the basilica and is protected behind glass following an attack in 1972. It is widely considered one of the greatest works of art ever created.

Saint Peter's Basilica is located in Vatican City, accessible via Metro Line A to Ottaviano station which is approximately a 10-minute walk from St Peter's Square. Bus lines 23, 40, 62, and 64 also stop nearby. The basilica is also a pleasant walk along the Tiber from Castel Sant'Angelo.

Modest dress is strictly required. Shoulders must be covered and knees must be covered for both men and women. Visitors in shorts, sleeveless tops, or short skirts will be refused entry at the security checkpoint. Lightweight scarves or wraps are easy to carry and are sufficient to meet the requirement.