ST. PETER’S BASILICA TICKETS
Learn the history and secrets that make St. Peter’s Basilica so special
St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano)
Major Papal Basilica, central site for Catholic worship, pilgrimage, and ceremonies
St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most renowned and important churches in the world. It is considered one of the holiest Catholic shrines and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The basilica was primarily designed by some of the greatest architects of the time, including Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The construction of the current basilica began in 1506 and was completed in 1626, replacing the old St. Peter’s Basilica which dated back to the 4th century. The church is built over what is believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first Pope.
St. Peter’s Basilica is famous for its grand dome, designed by Michelangelo, which dominates the skyline of Rome. Inside, it houses numerous artistic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin (a large bronze canopy over the papal altar).
The basilica can accommodate tens of thousands of people and regularly hosts important liturgical ceremonies led by the Pope. It is also a major pilgrimage site and attracts millions of visitors each year due to its religious, historical, and artistic significance.
HOW CAN I ACCESS ST. PETER’S BASILICA?
The St. Peter’s Basilica has different kind of entrances. Although, a mandatory security check control has to be attended before the entrance.
Entrance
- To avoid waiting too much in line, you can book a ticket with a useful audioguide.
Some information about the experience:
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Christianity and a universal symbol of spirituality. Follow the directions of the Digital Audio Guide to discover this extraordinary place and its history. Admire every detail of its priceless works of art, from Bernini’s Baldachin to Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Dome, beneath which lies the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Church.
The booking includes:
- Access on the selected day and time
- Independent visit without a guide
- Route inside the Basilica with the Digital Audio Guide
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
- Type: Independent Visit.
- Starting Point: The visit begins after the security and access checks (follow the video tutorial).
- Follow the instructions of the Digital Audio Guide to begin your discovery of the Basilica.
You will be provided with access QR Codes within 24 hours of the experience. The QR Codes are mandatory.
Time: The ticket is valid for a specific time slot. Please ensure you arrive within the time indicated on your booking to guarantee access, also considering the time for security checks.
Minimum Age: Recommended for children aged 6 and over. Children and teenagers up to 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility: Animals are not allowed. Please note that there is currently no cloakroom service available inside St. Peter’s Basilica, so we suggest you travel light and bring only small backpacks or personal bags.
Accessibility for People with Disabilities, Pregnant Women, Wheelchairs: For people with disabilities and pregnant women, there is a privileged entrance to the Basilica, equipped with a ramp for access to the security checks and entrance to the Basilica.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation of the visit by the visitor, no refund is provided. The booking is nominative, non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be modified. Date changes are not allowed.
Cancellations due to unforeseen closures: Within 24 hours of the date of use, visitors may be informed of any cancellations due to events or commitments communicated by the Governorate of Vatican City.
Dress Code: Clothing must be appropriate for the sacred place: long trousers for men, and skirts below the knee or trousers for women. Covered shoulders are required for everyone.
Not Allowed: It is forbidden to make phone calls, smoke, eat and drink, or bring animals or bulky objects.
Useful Information: Maintain a respectful and quiet attitude. Set your mobile phone to silent mode.
The Digital Audio Guide can only be used on smartphones (using your own earphones) with the following operating systems: iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, Windows 10 Mobile, Ubuntu Touch. Supported web browsers are: Safari, Google Chrome, Huawei Browser, Microsoft Edge, Blink/Chrome optimized for Ubuntu. It does not work on tablets and tablet PCs. Therefore, before proceeding with the purchase of the booking service, please verify that you have devices with the characteristics listed above.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUDIO GUIDE:
Attention
The Digital Audio Guide can be activated on one device only for each ticket code received. We invite you to share the activation code with each participant by forwarding the received QR Code.
Important
Remember to activate the Digital Audio Guide before arriving inside St. Peter’s Basilica to ensure uninterrupted listening even when you are in areas of the Basilica with poor connection.
Activation Instructions
Click on the link or scan the QR Code to access the language selection page.
Select your language to access the activation
How to download the St. Peter’s Basilica Audioguide
How to enter St. Peter’s Basilica with Priority Tickets
The Basilica is not only a place of worship but also a monumental symbol of the Catholic Church’s history, authority, and artistic legacy.
- For this reason, you can gather a complete knowledge about the St. Peter’s Basilica booking a guided tour.
A Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome offers several benefits that can really enhance your visit. Here are some of the main advantages:
- Access to Hidden Gems:
With our expert guide you can also access special areas, such as the Vatican Grottoes. On request, is possible to book the entrance to the excavations under the Basilica or request the optional access to Michelangelo’s Dome. - Expert Insight & Historical Context:
Our guides are qualified experts who will provide you with in-depth background on the Basilica’s rich history, architecture and religious significance.
You will discover Michelangelo’s Dome, Bernini’s Baldachin and St. Peter’s Tomb in a way that goes far beyond what can be found on signs or audio guides. - Spiritual and Cultural Context:
For many, St. Peter’s is not just an architectural marvel, but a spiritual site. Guides can provide insight into the religious practices, Catholic rituals, and papal history that shape the St. Peter’s Basilica’s identity. - Interactive Experience:
You can ask questions and engage in discussion, which helps make the visit more personal and meaningful. - Efficient Use of Time:
With a guide, you’re likely to see more in less time and won’t wander around aimlessly trying to interpret what you’re seeing.
Finally, you must dress appropriately, covering your knees and shoulders.