visit st peter's vatican

Papal Basilica of Sain Peter

• The Altar of the Confessio
• The Cathedra of Saint Peter
• The Tomb of Saint Peter
• The Necropolis
• The Vatican Grottoes
• The Basilica
• The Chapter of Saint Peter
• The Fabric of Saint Peter
• The Vicariate
• The Sacristy
• The Basilica Archives
• Participate

Services for pilgrims

Exhibitions.

• Services for people with disabilities
• Zero Emissions
• The Baldachin
• Scientific research and state of conservation
• The restoration operations
• Restoration of metallic surfaces (bronze and iron)
• Restoration of stone surfaces
• Restoration of wooden structures
• Provisional works
• Collaboration between the Fabric of St. Peter's and Knights of Columbus
• The restoration team
• Entering the Basilica
• Opening hours and times of celebrations
• Photo gallery
• Video mapping

Saint Peter's

Experience the Basilica

Info and opening hours

The pilgrimage of the Diocese of Liège

H.Em. Card. Gambetti celebrates the Mass of the Franciscan Family

Mass of the Diocese of Treviso in the Basilica

Spiritual elevations for the 500th anniversary of the birth of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Holy Week Hours

Holy Thursday Mass and Adoration in St Peter's Basilica

On the 27th of March in the Basilica the Holy Mass for employees in preparation for Easter

Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter's Square

At the Altar of the Cathedra the funeral of H.Em. Card. Cordes

Dress policy.

Please note that certain dress code rules must be observed when entering the Basilica:

- long or below-knee trousers;

- skirts below knee length;

- covered shoulders for all visitors.

Holy Masses

Send your prayer

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• Visiting the Vatican

Visiting the Vatican - Top tips you need to know!

By Elyssa Bernard

November 21, 2023

Planning on visiting the Vatican when you come to Rome?

Here's everything you need to know!

Visiting the Vatican - everything you need to know

Here is what you really need to know about visiting the Vatican:

• When to go ? (what time of year and time of day)
• What to see ? (St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums, and much more!)
• Which should you visit first, the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) or Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• How to skip the lines for Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• How to get tickets/skip the line to the Vatican museums ?
• Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel ? 
• Can you see the Sistine Chapel without crowds ?
• How do you visit the Vatican Gardens ?
• How do you visit St Peter's tomb ?
• How to plan all your Vatican visits for your trip ?
• How to get to the Vatican ?
• Where to eat near the Vatican ?

The first time I came to Rome as an adult, I missed seeing the Sistine Chapel because I had no idea the Vatican Museums closed at 2pm (long before smartphones and Google, ahem.) 

It must have been a Free Sunday, when the Vatican Museums are open and free but with reduced hours.

Now that I live here, I go often to Saint Peter's Basilica , Saint Peter's Square , and the Vatican Museums .

I also helped thousands of our guests plan their visits in the 17 years we ran our B&B .

Based on years of first-hand experience, I know how to tell you what to do and what not to do.

You can avoid a stressful visit to the Vatican by reading my tips first!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT VISITING VATICAN CITY

• You don't need a passport.
• Vatican City is a separate state from Italy, with just over 500 residents.
• The two main places to visit are Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (where the Sistine Chapel is.)
• The pope is head of Vatican City.
• The pope's church is not Saint Peter's Basilica. It is Saint John in Lateran.
• You can visit the Vatican, and you can stay nearby, but you cannot sleep inside the Vatican.

Visiting the Vatican - When to go

• There really is no "best day" for visiting Vatican City, i.e. when there are fewer people. The Vatican is Rome's most popular tourist destination and is pretty much always busy. You might consider Tuesday or Thursday as your best bets. Dates around a weekend can be a bit busier, and on Wednesday there is (usually) the Papal Audience , meaning even more crowds.
• In the mornings, many tour groups show up, including those offering early skip-the-line access. Also, people in general come early to try to "beat the line," so you may find the Vatican Museums much more crowded in the early morning than you expect, and  slightly less crowded in mid-afternoon.
• St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums tend to be even more crowded on Saturdays , when Rome fills up with weekend visitors.
• The Vatican Museum is closed Sundays, except for the last Sunday of every month , when they are free . This is the most crowded day you can imagine for visiting the Vatican Museums .
• On Wednesdays (except for  July , when the pope generally takes a break ), the pope holds an audience at St Peter's Basilica . In warmer months, it will be in Saint Peter's Square . In colder months, or if it's raining , it will be in an auditorium-type hall just to the left of the basilica. This means that the whole area will be packed due to all the people who attend the papal audience , many of whom visit the Vatican Museums after the audience.
• If you do visit Vatican City on a Wednesday , know that St Peter's Basilica will be closed until the papal audience is over (around 12-1pm.)
• As for time of year, winter low season months are best if you want to be more relaxed and find smaller crowds . This means most of December ( except  December 8 , and Christmas through the Epiphany, January 6 ), January and February . Believe it or not, it's just as crowded at to visit Vatican City between Christmas and January 6 as it is during summer.
• Here's  how and when to include visiting the Vatican in a 3-day itinerary in Rome .

IMPORTANT TIP :

To visit St Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, you must be properly dressed : no bare knees, midriffs or shoulders.

Sandals and jeans are fine.

Be careful when wearing knee-length shorts and skirts; the opinions of the Vatican guards as to what is acceptable may vary.

You may wish to bring a sarong or wear the kinds of shorts that have attachable legs, such as hiking trousers .

In a pinch, you will find plenty of vendors just outside the Vatican, who sell t-shirts or scarves.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Visiting the Vatican - What to see?

The main things to see when visiting the Vatican are  Saint Peter’s Basilica  and the  Vatican Museums .

You can see one and not the other, although v isiting both in a single day is very do-able.

Looking for Michelangelo's masterpieces?

Michelangelo’s Pietà is inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums.

Just try not to plan any other big visit like another museum or archeological site like the Coloseum  for the day you visit the Vatican, as you will be pretty exhausted.

Do you really want to visit the Vatican and Colosseum in one day? Here's how!

Or take the stress out of it by taking this "Rome in a Day" Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center.

To get the most out of your visit to the Colosseum, take a VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.

St Peter's Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica  is a Renaissance-era church and by many standards, the world’s largest. 

The Vatican is a basilica but not a cathedral, as it does not have its own bishop.

The main cathedral of the “Bishop of Rome”, as the pope is called, is San Giovanni in Laterano , or Saint John in Lateran .

But the pope is head of Vatican City , where he resides.

It's a little confusing isn't it?

Anyway, just think of the Vatican as a huge church, with a lot to see inside.

Click here to read more about what exactly the Vatican is.

Click here to visit my dedicated page all about Saint Peter's Basilica and its history, and things to see and do there.

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St Peter's Dome

It's very much worth  visiting the basilica's dome , but you should know it can get a little crowded up there, and there are a LOT of steps.

The first level is 231 steps, but there is an elevator option. ( Someone in a wheelchair or with walking difficulties can take the lift to this first level.)

The second portion is another 320 steps, with no elevator option.

The dome gets narrower as you go up, so you will be climbing this part single file, and with the roof slanting over your head.

I say this as someone with a close relative with vertigo: you may want to avoid climbing the dome at the Vatican if you suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia.

But if none of that is an issue, then do it!

You'll love the views from up there, both of the church and of the surrounding city.

Visit my dedicated page all about Saint Peter's dome and how to climb it.

Michelangelo’s Pieta

My favorite piece of art inside of  St Peter's Basilica  is Michelangelo’s Pietà .

Actually, it may be my favorite piece of art in the world.

An exaggeration?

I can't help it...just look at it:

It’s on your right as soon as you walk inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

When I visited it with my mom, she cried, saying “look at her face, it’s just about a mother’s love for her child."

Unfortunately, someone wielding an axe once attacked it, and it’s now behind glass.

But you can still see it very well.

And take note of Mary’s face.

It’s really special when you see it in person.

Michelangelo Tidbit :

This was one of Michelangelo’s first major works.

He made it when he was only 22.

He was not sure people would know he did it, so he snuck in late one night and carved his name (Michelangelo Buonarroti) on Mary’s sash.

The Pietà is the only sculpture Michelangelo ever signed (or needed to sign.)

Vatican Grottoes - The Tombs of the Popes

Inside Saint Peter's Basilica, you can go down one level and see the area where some of the popes are buried.

Saint Peter is said to be entombed just underneath the church .

This is why many popes are also buried here. 

It's quite interesting to visit the popes' tombs , called the Vatican Grottoes   - there is a lot of history down there.

Don't worry, it's not dark or claustrophobic.

On the contrary, it's a huge open space full of light and lots to see (no photos allowed.)

To visit the Vatican Grottoes, get up close to Bernini's Baldachin and look for the entrance nearby.

It's free to visit the Vatican Grottoes.

You should make sure you are done visiting the basilica or have a plan to go back up, because the normal route through the grottoes has you exit the basilica entirely.

Not to be confused with St. Peter's tomb

When people talk about visiting the Vatican grottoes, they are referring to a place where you can see the tombs of many popes (as I wrote above.)

But this is not the same as visiting the  Vatican Necropolis , where St. Peter is said to be buried.

A  visit to Saint Peter’s tomb , also referred to as a scavi  visit, is a special and wonderful thing to do, and I highly recommend it. (" Scavi " means "excavations".)

It is a delicate archeological site, and they only take 250 people in per day, in 12-person tours at a time, so you must  book way in advance . (No photos allowed.)

NEW FOR 2024!

The archeological area of the Vatican Necropolis of Via Triumphalis is now open for visitors.

This is an ancient Roman burial site that is within the Vatican walls and before now was very difficult to get access to.

You can only enter as part of an official Vatican tour group, and tickets need to be purchased through the official website .

This is an entirely separate visit, so you will not have access to either St Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

Click here to watch my YouTube video about it and see what it's like!

The Vatican Museums

The second major site to visit at the Vatican is the Vatican Museums.

This is the part about Vatican City that will take most of your time and energy.

The Vatican Museum contains the world’s largest private art collection (and just imagine that much of the art they own is not even on display!)

They are called "museums" and not just singular "museum" because the museums were started in 1506 and have been added to many times over the centuries.

They now occupy many different buildings all connected to on another.

That's one reason there is so much to see!

You will see a lot of art inside the Vatican Museums, including paintings, sculptures, ancient artifacts, and much more.

I think the number one thing people want to see when they visit is the Sistine Chapel.

For more about the Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel, visit my dedicated pages:

• Visiting the Sistine Chapel
• Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel
• Visiting the Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museums Must Sees
• Vatican Museums Tickets
• Vatican Museums Tours
• Vatican Secret Rooms

More things you will see at the Vatican:

Besides the two main sites - the museums (Sistine Chapel) and the basilica, there are more things you will see when you visit Vatican City.

Look for these as you walk around:

St. Peter's Square

It would be easy to take Saint Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro in Italian, for granted.

After all, if you're beelining to get into the basilica, you might be focused on the security queues and wondering how long you will have to wait.

But St. Peter's Square, also called Vatican Square, is worth visiting and enjoying by itself.

It's the only part of Vatican City you can visit without any tickets or queuing.

If you have very limited time , you may even decide that this is about as much as you want to see of Vatican City, since everything else involves queues and/or tickets plus an involved visit inside.

Click here to visit my page all about St. Peter's Square, its history, and what to see.

The Swiss Guard

You might spy one or more of the Swiss Guard at the gate to Vatican City.

The Swiss Guard wear different outfits depending on their duties, but they are all dressed in costumes originally designed in the early 1500s (although not by Michelangelo, an urban myth.)

The Swiss Guard have a specific duty to guard the pope's life and Saint Peter's Basilica.

They are the world's smallest army and they are very well trained.

You will not see the Swiss Guard at the Vatican Museums.

There, you will see Vatican Museums guards who dress in more modern attire.

The Leonine Walls

In the 9th century, Pope Leo IV had defensive walls built around Vatican City following the sacking by raiders of Old St. Peter's Basilica in 846.

You can still see those walls today in and around the Vatican, especially if you visit the Vatican Gardens .

You can also see parts of these walls surrounding Saint Peter's Square on the side where the security gates are, and along the way from the Vatican to nearby Castel Sant'Angelo .

Click here to read a more detailed yet brief history of the Vatican.

For more Vatican history, check out these dedicated pages:

The Vatican Post Office

Don't miss a visit to the Vatican Post Office if you want to mail any postcards. 

It's easier and more efficient than going to the Italian Post Office, and your mail will get there faster!

There is also a Vatican mailbox up on the roof ( Saint Peter's Dome ), and usually another post office in Saint Peter's Square .

More sites you can visit in Vatican City

Besides Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, there are some more sites you can visit in Vatican City.

You have to pay for these (and for the scavi and gardens, you must book in advance.)

You will find more details about each one on their respective dedicated pages:

• Saint Peter's Tomb (Vatican Necropolis or Scavi )
• Saint Peter's Dome
• Vatican Gardens

Which to see first - The Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter's Basilica?

If you book a tour of the Vatican, usually this means taking a guided tour of the Vatican Museums , which ends with the Sistine Chapel .

Some tours include taking the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel into St Peters Basilica.

There has been some back and forth recently about whether the shortcut is available or not, but for now, it is once again the case that  you can only take the shortcut  from the Sistine Chapel to  St Peter's Basilica  if you are on a tour that  INCLUDES  the basilica.

The Vatican can, and does, change their mind frequently on this matter, so if it is important to you to be able to take this shortcut, I recommend booking a tour that ends in St Peter's Basilica to be on the safe side.

If you are on a tour that ends in the Basilica the decision is made for you.

But if you are taking a Vatican Museums tour that does not include the Basilica, or if you are visiting the Vatican Museums on your own, you'll have to decide what order to visit the museums and the basilica in, assuming you want to visit both on the same day, which many people do.

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How long does it take to visit the Vatican Museums?

To  visit the Vatican Museums  (where the Sistine Chapel is),  you need a purchase a ticket  (unless you  come on the Free Sunday .)

Once inside, even if you go quickly, you will need about 2 hours for this this visit.

If you are not able to take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to Saint Peter's basilica, you will exit the museums where you entered them.

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from Saint Peter's Square and the entrance to the basilica.

Click here to see a map of Vatican City and how far apart the entrances of the Museums and the Basilica are  (it opens in a new window.)

St Peter's Basilica Shortcut

You can only take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica if you are on a tour that INCLUDES the basilica.

The shortcut is open from 9:30 am - 5 or 5:30PM, and it's ONLY accessible to tour companies or private guides that you book OUTSIDE the Vatican Museums website.

The Vatican Museums does not have any ticket or tour that includes the shortcut.

This means that you won't have access to the shortcut during the  KeyMaster tour , the  Extra Time tour , or any other tour that does not specifically include the basilica.

If you book any tour of the Vatican Museums, you can check the details to see if it finishes in the  Sistine Chapel  or the basilica.

Click here to view a map of Vatican City  (it will open in a new page.)

How long does it take to visit Saint Peter's Basilica?

A visit inside Saint Peter's Basilica could take anywhere from 1-2 hours, not including the time you spend in line waiting to go through security (assuming you go through security in the front and do not take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel.)

To visit Saint Peter's Basilica, you do not need (nor can you buy) tickets, as it's free to go inside.

But you do have to wait in the line for security, which is airport-style - there is an x-ray machine to put your items in and you will walk through a metal detector.

And that can cause the queues to get pretty long.

Lately, the lines to get into Saint Peter's Basilica have been so long, they are looping back again around the square.

Wondering which tour to take of the Vatican Museums?

Visit my page about Vatican Museum tours to find out all the options!

If you book a Vatican Museums tour that does not allow you access to the Basilica, and/or you want to visit the Basilica separately, even on a different day, I'd suggest getting to Saint Peter's Basilica when it opens at 7 AM (if you want to avoid the line).

The lines are longest from about 10 AM - 5 PM, and in high season can be long throughout the day, even from 7 AM until closing!

Skipping the lines at Saint Peter's Basilica

The easiest way to skip the lines at Saint Peter's Basilica is to visit it using the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel (which currently is only available on booked museum tours that end in Saint Peter's Basilica).

There has been some back and forth recently about whether the shortcut is available or not, but for now, it is once again the case that  you can only take the shortcut  from  the Sistine Chapel to  St Peter's Basilica  if you are on a tour that  INCLUDES  the basilica.

As of now, you cannot do this  unless you are on a tour .

If you only plan to visit Saint Peter's Basilica , and not the museums, or you decide to visit these two sites separately, you can avoid the queues by following the tips in my video above:

• Come when it opens at 7 AM
• Come in Low Season
• Book a visit to Saint Peter's tomb
• Use the Pilgrims' entrance - reserved for prayer or attending mass or confession

Wondering where the bathrooms are at the Vatican?

Find out here .

Brief History of Vatican City eBook

The history of the Vatican stretches back thousands of years, and to know everything about this incredible micro-state would take a lifetime to learn.

With this eBook, discover the brief history of Vatican City - where it got its name, who built the basilica, where the Popes are buried and more!

Topics covered include:

• Details about the Vatican's origin , going back to the time of Ancient Rome
• The role important artists such as Michelangelo played in the creation of the Vatican as we know it today 
• How the Vatican came to be an independent city state within the boundaries of Rome

What else is included in this Brief History of Vatican City e-book?

• 50+ pages of information covering all areas of the Vatican's history
• Dozens of stunning and original photos showcasing the Vatican
• Insightful diagrams and drawings to help illustrate the more detailed elements of the Vatican's history
• + much more!

Look inside:

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Skipping the line to get into the Vatican Museums

This may be the number 1 question I get about visiting Rome - How to skip the line for the Vatican Museums?

It's quite simple:

• You can pre-purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums through the Vatican's website . This means that you will not have to stand in the line waiting to buy tickets. You will, however, have to wait in a very short line of others like you, who have pre-booked tickets and have to pick them up. (The tickets you purchase in advance are more of a voucher, and they must be converted into physical paper tickets to enter the museums.) You also still need to go through security as everyone does. So you do not entirely skip the line, but your line will be much shorter.
• You can pre-purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums through a ticket reseller . There is usually a small surcharge for this but it can be worth it due to 1) Ease of use and/or 2) the possibility of finding tickets available here when tickets are not available on the Vatican Museums' website.
• You can purchase an Omnia Pass  or Turbo Pass .  These will also get you a tour with a guide from the Vatican Museums, as above. It’s not as simple as it sounds and you will need to be careful to understand what you are getting into. Click here to go to my page about the Roma Pass and Omnia Pass  or to this page about other Rome City Passes for more details about these passes.
• You can  book a tour of the Vatican Museums , either with a tour company or with the Vatican Museums themselves.  Your entry tickets are included in the tour, so you only have to go through the security line.
• If you book a visit to the Vatican Gardens , skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums are included!
• I do not recommend this at all, but if you have not booked tickets, and they are sold out online, and you find yourself arriving at the Vatican Museums, you will ALWAYS find touts selling you a skip-the-line ticket or tour. I don't recommend it because you cannot be sure they are legit, and if they are, you have no idea what kind of tour you are getting. I also just can't stand, in principle, to be so bombarded by these guys every time I am within a mile of Vatican City. But it can be a good option if it's your last recourse and the lines are crazy long. Just be aware that  only licensed tour guides may give tours inside Vatican City .

Visiting the Vatican Museums with a Guide

Most Vatican City tourism consists primarily of a visit inside the Vatican Museums, which always includes  the Sistine Chapel .

Some tours also include a visit or even a tour inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

You may expect a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Basilica to last roughly three hours total.

To find out about the many different kinds of tours you can book, visit my page about Vatican Museum Tours , which breaks down your options between group tours, early access tours, semi-private tours and more.

Can you just see the Sistine Chapel?

No, you cannot just see the Sistine Chapel .

To see the Sistine Chapel , you must go through the entire Vatican Museums, which can take at least 2 hours if you tour it and see the highlights .

The Sistine Chapel is at the very end. 

That said, if you are interested in an "Express Tour" of the Sistine Chapel, you can book this tour that skips the line then beelines to the Sistine Chapel and finishes in Saint Peter's Basilica .

This tour is only 1 hour and 45 minutes and does not include a tour of the rest of the Vatican Museums.

You do still have to walk through them, but the focus of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica.

(If you are really pressed for time, you could peel off once you get to the basilica and just not finish the tour.)

is it worth taking the time to explore the museums?

I really do believe that visiting the Vatican museums  is absolutely worth doing in its entirety, even if you really only wanted to see the Sistine Chapel.

The  rest of the museums   are truly wonderful.

You have the Raphael rooms, the maps gallery, the floor-to-ceiling tapestries, papal apartments, Etruscan art, and  so much more.

Click here to visit my page about the top 10 Vatican Museums must-sees.

I highly suggest  taking a tour  to visit the museums. 

They will take care of getting your tickets.

But if you go your own without a tour, you could get the audio guide, or follow my instructions here for the best way to visit the Vatican Museums .

And you will have to book your tickets on your own .

If you are heading to the Vatican in the morning, as I said above, I suggest you visit Saint Peter’s Basilica first, and the museums later, because the queues for Saint Peter's Basilica have gotten so long (sometimes it's a 1-2 hour wait to get in!)

If you decide to go to the Vatican Museums first, just make sure to leave enough time to stand in line to visit Saint Peter's so that you get inside while there is still some daylight, so you can enjoy the sun coming through all the stained glass.

Here's a great Vatican Highlights Tour with St. Peter’s Dome Climb

Can you see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds?

Perhaps the easiest way to see the Sistine Chapel with fewer crowds is to come in really low season .

But we hardly have a low season anymore in Rome, and even when we do, somehow the Vatican is always still crowded.

So how can you see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds?

It is possible!

With the below tours, you will have a VIP, exclusive experience, and you'll get to enjoy the Sistine Chapel almost alone :

Open the Vatican Museums with the Key Master

On this exclusive tour with Walks of Italy , you will have true VIP access to the Vatican museums - literally accompanying the guard who opens all the doors to get the museums ready for visits.

You will accompany the Vatican Museums Key Master as you walk through the museums, turning on the lights, even inside the Sistine Chapel!

Watch my video to see what it's like:

How to plan all your Vatican trips during your stay

The typical way of visiting the Vatican is to spend half a day seeing the  Vatican Museums  and  Saint Peter's Basilica .

These are both easy to fit into a typical  3-day visit to Rome .

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

I have found that often when people can get tickets to special things at the Vatican, like St Peters tomb (the Vatican Necropolis, or scavi ), the Papal Audience , or the Vatican Gardens , they often want to also visit the Vatican Museums on the same day.

Here's my advice for visiting Vatican City when you want to see more than just the Vatican Museums:

Including the Papal Audience

How to visit the vatican museums and attend the papal audience.

Papal Audience tickets  are not difficult to come by, and since it's "in the morning", many visitors assume it would be a good idea to go to the Vatican Museums right after the audience.

I don't agree.

If you are really short on time, then, you CAN go to the Vatican Museums after the Papal Audience.

It's just that this is going to make for a pretty exhausting day.

To go to the Papal audience, you need to get there by 8am to get a decent spot, let alone a seat.

The audience begins around 9:30 AM and finishes around noon.

You'll probably want to grab at least a snack or lunch somewhere in there .

This means going inside the museums from about 2 PM once you have made your way to the Vatican Museum entrance.

If you also visit St. Peter's Basilica after the museums (which is typical), that is a 3-4 hour visit.

And a very long day. (Also, if you want to climb the dome , you likely won't get there in time.)

My suggestion?

If you can break these visits up over two days, I would.

Attend the Papal Audience and then go inside Saint Peter's Basilica (and climb the dome if you want.)

Then on a separate day, visit the Vatican Museums and see the Sistine Chapel.

Including a visit to the Scavi (St Peter's tomb)

How to visit the vatican museums and also take a scavi tour.

At the end of the  scavi  tour (St. Peter's tomb), you wind up inside  Saint Peter's basilica .

So you will already see that.

You could also  climb St. Peter's dome  if you have time and energy.

Visiting the Vatican Museums takes easily 2.5 - 3 hours, and that does not include the time it takes GETTING there once you leave the basilica.

If you are coming to the museums from St. Peter's basilica, you need to factor in about 15-20 minutes' walk to the Vatican museums entrance.

This is after you've already done a 1.5 hour scavi tour, and spent time walking around one of the largest churches in the world.

So as you can see, adding the Vatican Museums makes it a pretty exhausting day.

If you need to do it all in one day, make sure to book your scavi tour first, then book your museums visit with at least 4 hours between visits.

Break this up over two days.

Book the scavi tour.

You have no control over when they will grant you tickets, so if you are lucky enough to get them, you can then book other things around that. 

Plan to see St. Peter's basilica (and climb the dome) on this day.

Then, book your Vatican Museums visit for another day. 

HOW TO VISIT ST PETERS TOMB, THE VATICAN MUSEUMS (SISTINE CHAPEL), AND ATTEND THE PAPAL AUDIENCE

You are definitely going to need two days.

First book the scavi visit  which is never on a Wednesday mornings anyway (the Papal Audience is on Wednesdays.)

Plan to  visit St Peter's Basilica  after that, since you will come out into the basilica after the tour anyway.

If you want to  climb St Peter's dome , you will do it on this day.

This is a pretty long and full day by itself.

Then, once you get your  Papal Audience tickets , book your tickets or tour of the Vatican Museums for after the audience (even if I said above I discourage doing all this in one day, at least if you don't include the basilica it's a little less tiring).

This will be a very full and long day also.

Ready to plan your trip?

Including a visit to the Vatican Gardens

If you want to visit the vatican gardens and visit the scavi (st. peter's tomb).

TWO Vatican Gardens

On this page, I'm referring to the gardens inside Vatican City , i.e. directly behind Saint Peter's Basilica.

There are ALSO papal gardens at the Pope's summer residence, the Apostolic palace at Castel Gandolfo.

To learn more about the gardens at Castel Gandolfo and how to visit them (it's easy!), visit my dedicated page here.

If you are able to get tickets to St. Peter's tomb ( scavi ) and also the Vatican Gardens , congratulations!

Here's how to include visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's basilica as well.

First book the scavi visit .

Then book the Vatican Gardens tour on a different day, and plan to visit the Vatican Museums right after the gardens, as it's included in your ticket price with the gardens.

Visit St. Peter's Basilica after the scavi, again, on a different day from the Gardens/Museums.

If you want to do it all - visit the Vatican Museums, vatican gardens, papal audience, scavi tour and st peter's basilica and dome

How you plan your days fitting in these visits will depend on two things  - the Papal audience , which is always Wednesday morning 10am - 12pm (although you need to get there by no later than 8am); and the time of your scavi booking (which depends on the scavi office - you cannot control this).

Once you get those two bookings, the next difficult booking to get is for the Vatican Gardens . 

So book that one around the Papal Audience and scavi tour.

Note that tours of the Vatican Gardens are at 9am or 11am.

They are also not held on the morning of the Papal Audience.

I'd suggest you spread this over 3 days.

Or, to fit this into two (intense) days, try to do the scavi tour after the Papal audience, if you can get scavi tickets for the afternoon.

Then book the Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums , and St. Peter's Basilica on a separate day.

(And climb St. Peter's dome once you are inside St. Peter's basilica if you like.)

How to Get to Vatican City

You have several options for how to get to the Vatican.

But the most important factor to consider is what you are visiting first.

Click here to see a Google map showing where the different entrances are for the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter's Square, and the scavi entrance . It will open in a new window.

How to get to the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums entrance is on Viale Vaticano .

If you plan to take a taxi , just tell the driver "Vatican Museums".

Visiting the Vatican Museums and arriving by Metro

Otherwise, the most common way to get there is by Metro.

Rome's metro red line A has two stops, equidistant from the entrance to the museums (about a 10-12 minute walk): Ottaviano and Cipro .

The Ottaviano metro stop is the first one you will come to if you are coming from Rome's center.

When you emerge from the metro station, you just need to follow the crowd towards Vatican City.

Once you see Michelangelo's bastions (walls), follow them to the right and you will come to the entrance of the Vatican Museums.

If you are visiting the Vatican museums from the opposite direction, or if you forget to get off at Ottaviano, or, better yet, if you want to get off at the next stop to get some fabulous pizza by the slice from Bonci's Pizzarium, then you will get off at Cipro stop. 

However, from this stop, you cannot see the same stream of people, nor can you immediately see the Vatican City walls, so you will need to navigate a little bit to find the walls.

Once you see the walls, follow them until you come to the entrance.

Visiting the Vatican Museums and Arriving by Bus

Another option for arriving at the entrance of the Vatican museums is to take a bus or buses.

Many buses will get you pretty close to the entrance of the Vatican museums.

These include the 492, 49, 23, and the 81.

How to Get to Saint Peter's Basilica and Square

The entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is on Saint Peter's Square .

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Vatican Museums, so if you are not visiting the Vatican Museums (or not visiting them first), and want to go directly to the basilica, you can still take the metro, but make sure to get off at Ottaviano, not Cipro.

From Ottaviano metro stop, St. Peter's Square is about a 10-15 minute walk .

Follow the crowds, but at the walls, do not make a right towards the museums, just keep going straight. 

Buses that arrive closest to St. Peter's Square include the 40 and the 64.

How to get to the Scavi/St Peter's Tomb

If you are visiting the Vatican for an appointment to see St. Peter's tomb, the fastest and easiest way to arrive is by taxi .

They can drop you right in front of the entrance where you need to go, which is at the Swiss Guard, to the left of the basilica as you face it.

If you take a bus, get the 64, as it drops you about a block away.

To take the metro , make sure to get off at Ottaviano, and give yourself about 20 minutes' walking time from there to get the the entrance of St. Peter's tomb.

Where to Eat Near the Vatican

There is no place to eat inside St Peter's Basilica or in St Peter's Square (there is a tiny snack bar on the roof of the basilica, which you can only access if you climb the dome .)

There are some cafés and fast-food options inside the Vatican Museums.

There are also fun dining options you can book, and combine with your visit to the Museums.

Otherwise, visit my page about lots of options for eating breakfast, lunch, dinner and aperitivo near the Vatican . 

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St. Peter’s Basilica

Tickets sell out fast in Rome: check availability now »

Visit the Pope’s church in the Vatican City .

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the biggest churches in the world and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope or examine the breathtaking art and architecture, this holy site is unmissable.

• Admire the realism of Michelangelo’s sculpture ‘ La Pietà ’.
• Be stunned by Bernini ’s Baldacchino – a bronze canopy over the High Altar, built over the tomb of St. Peter.
• Marvel at the Cupola designed by Michelangelo – one of the largest domes in the world.

Tickets & Prices

St. Peter’s Basilica is not just any old church, it’s the most important one in the world for the Catholic church. Its impressive history, priceless works of art, and jaw-dropping architecture are all best discovered with a guided tour.

Discover which St. Peter’s Basilica ticket best suits your needs.

• Guided Tour – Tour the famous building with a guide.
• St. Peter’s Guided Tour: Basilica, St. Peter’s Square & Papal Grottoes – Guided tour of the Basilica, St. Peter’s Square & Papal Grottoes.
• Dome Climb with Guide – Climb the dome of the Basilica and get optional time in the crypts.
• Rome Tourist Card (bestseller) – See the best of Rome with this popular combi-ticket. Includes access to The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica (official guided tour), and more…
• The Vatican City Pass – Explore the best of the Vatican City. Includes access to St. Peter’s Basilica (official guided tour), Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (last-minute tickets), and more…

A few things to keep in mind:

• Live guides are available in English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish.
• Children between the ages of 7-17 (with a valid photo ID) get a discounted ticket.
• You have free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.
• Select your date and time slot online and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. ​​
• Tickets are sent via email which you can then show either printed out or in digital form.
• You will meet your guide at the welcome desk in the atrium of the basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour Tickets

Learn about the wonders of the world’s largest church on this 1-hour guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official Vatican guide, and enjoy unlimited free time after the tour to explore the Basilica at your own pace.

Rome Tourist Card

Get this nifty card and enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official live guide.

With the same pass, you can also enjoy visiting other famous Roman attractions, such as skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel ; an audio guide to the Pantheon ; and priority entrance to the Colosseum , Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill .

Important Ticket Information:

• Includes a headset so you can always hear your guide.
• Select your visit dates online and receive tickets by email. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated time.
• Free time afterward to explore the basilica at your own pace.

The Vatican City Pass

Discover the holiest country in the world with this handy pass . Book your visit dates online and receive tickets by email. Valid for three days from the starting date.

What’s included:

• Skip-the-line access to the collections of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official Vatican guide.
• Rome: City Audio Guide App with over 130 hotspots to discover.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting St. Peter’s.

• There is no such thing as skipping the line. Only the Pope himself has that privilege. 
• Security lines are long. Everyone has to go through metal detectors before going in. There’s no way to speed it up.
• It gets hot in summer in St Peter’s Square. Go for a morning tour if you can. Bring a hat and an umbrella. It can get pretty brutal waiting in the square to go through the metal detectors. 
• There is a dress code. Despite the heat, rules stipulate no bare shoulders and no overly exposed legs. Staff will check before you enter. Your guide will let you know if you’re OK.
• St Peter’s Tomb is behind a glass screen. There’s conflicting information on the internet about this. Basically, you will see it, but you can’t get up close to it, that’s all. 

Getting There

This guide assumes you have pre-booked a guided tour. I used the Tiquets App, which comes with very helpful instructions and a map showing you the precise location of your meeting point.

That said – I get it. You have a lot on. There’s a lot to see. You’re still tired from your trip, so allow me to break it down. Rome is amazing, but we’re not exactly working with a grid system here. The GPS on your phone will definitely have a meltdown or two, so best to sharpen up those orienteering skills. 

Let’s Get Started

My tour was arranged by a local tour operator called Touriks (partnered with Tiqets). I booked a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, which included the Dome Climb. 

The meeting point (on Largo del Colonnato, just outside St Peter’s Square) is used by many other tour operators too, so it’s quite likely that if you book a guided tour, you’ll be meeting there too. 

Public Transport

• Bus: 40 – Traspontina/Conciliazione

64 – Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro

32, 81, 982 – Piazza del Risorgimento

492, 990 – Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni

• Tram: 19 – Piazza del Risorgimento
• Train: San Pietro
• Metro – closest station, Ottaviano. 10-minute walk.

From Ottaviano Metro, take the Via Ottaviano exit and walk all the way down Via Ottaviano until you arrive at Piazza del Risorgimento (a big oval-shaped piazza in the middle of a thoroughfare). 

On the way, you’ll pass the gourmet food store Castroni on your right (which is how you’ll also know you’re going in the right direction). 

Cross over to Piazza del Risorgimento and continue straight on to Via di Porta Angelica. 

Keep going until the end of the street. On your left, you will see a fountain, this is where the short street Largo del Colonnato begins (veering to your right). Follow it all the way down until you see a gift shop called Galleria San Pietro. You will have the colonnades of St Peter’s Square on your right-hand side. 

The exact address of the meeting point is Largo del Colonnato 5. You can see the tiny number 5 on the wall. (Or 5 Largo del Colonnato if that makes more sense in your head). It’s the address of a popular and well-stocked gift shop called Galleria San Pietro. 

Largo, in this context, means plaza/street . Kind of something in between. (It also means ‘wide’ in more everyday contexts). 

Street numbers are placed at the end of the street names in Italian. 

Finally, Colonnato means colonnade. So Largo del Colonnato 5 in English would be 5, Colonnade Street (and not column no. 5). 

If your tour happens to be with local tour operator Touriks, you will find friendly multilingual ground staff holding yellow labels like these opposite the gift shop Galleria San Pietro. 

Go over, introduce yourself, and you will be assigned to a group. You will then be instructed to wait at a designated spot for your guide, who will hand out your radio sets and earpieces. 

• Top Tip: I used my own earphones – if you choose to as well, you’ll need the old-fashioned kind with a jack. Bluetooth earphones won’t work. Otherwise, earphones will be provided. 

Our guide was a giant Roman called Marco, with charming English and thoughtful touches like pausing for bathroom breaks and water whenever possible in and around the basilica.

He kept us entertained in the midday heat with non-stop history and trivia. 

When I went (in late May,) all in all, it took around forty minutes from the time I started queuing up to when I physically entered the church. In peak season, you can expect to wait at least an hour.

St Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican City, which is a different country. Therefore you have to go through security just like at the airport. You won’t, however, need to show your passport. 

Security is manned by Italian Police under the colonnades in the shade. Once you’ve gone through this, you’re in a different country, and you will be in the hands of the Swiss Guard (Vatican City Police). 

A Swiss Guard. If there’s any trouble, he’s your man.

The imposing entrance to St Peter’s Basilica. It gets pretty busy. 

What Not To Miss At The Basilica

There are countless things to see and take in, but here are the standout moments from my tour. Our guide Marco was fantastic, but the great thing about guided tours is that no two are ever the same. Even with the same guide. 

The first thing that will strike you as you enter the basilica is the immense scale of the place. 

The central hall leading up to Bernini’s bronze canopy and the Altar of the Chair of St Peter behind.

La Pieta – Michelangelo

The first stop on any tour is always La Pieta , completed by Michelangelo in 1499. 

In 1972 an extremely mentally unwell person, under delusions of being Jesus Christ, brutally attacked this beautiful sculpture with a hammer. It was painstakingly restored and has been housed behind a bulletproof acrylic screen ever since.

An anachronistic portrayal of Mary (who looks far too young to have a 33-year-old son, the age that Jesus died); some art historians argue that her face is actually a rendering of Michelangelo’s own mother, who died when he was just a boy. 

Take a moment to appreciate the heartbreaking realism of her facial expression. 

Ancient Bronze Statue of Saint Peter (Thirteenth Century)

Catholic tradition has pilgrims kiss and touch the right foot of Saint Peter when they visit the church. This has been going on since the 1300s, so you’ll understand why his right foot is now visibly worn down. 

He’s had a break from all the foot kissing since the pandemic for obvious reasons. When I visited in May 2023, he was still cordoned off. But take a second to notice the worn-down foot.

Baldacchino di San Pietro – 1634

This enormous bronze canopy, standing at 20 meters (66 feet), was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1634. Its precise location marks Saint Peter’s tomb.

Michelangelo, referred to as ‘The Divine’ even in his own lifetime, does, in fairness, live up to the hype. But do some groundwork on Bernini. You’ll be hearing his name a lot too. 

Tomb of Pope Alexander II by Bernini – 1678.

Bernini. See. There he is again. There’s a lot of hype about St Peter’s Tomb – but honestly, I don’t know why the Tomb of Pope Alexander doesn’t get more press. It is absolutely wild. 

Pope Alexander sits atop a doorway in prayer above the figure of death seen here as a gilded bronze skeleton holding an hourglass draped in fabric (actually painstakingly carved jasper). 

There are also four statues representing the Virtues. But look out for the Virtue of Truth on your right. She’s got her foot on a globe, with a thorn coming out of England stuck in her big toe. 

This represented the Pope’s ongoing battle with the Church of England (the thorn in Pope Alexander’s side) 

Seriously, there’s a lot going on. It’s a wild, wild ride. 

Papal Grottoes

No pictures were allowed down there, so I obeyed the rules. 

You’ll see St Peter’s Tomb from behind a screen. 

Unless you have a passion for this kind of thing, I think it’s the most overrated part of the tour. Maybe if it wasn’t for all the Bernini and the Michelangelo, I’d have been more impressed. But as it stands, papal tombs and old crypts don’t really do it for me. 

The elevator rides up to the interior of the dome to see the mosaics.

If you’ve opted for the Tour of Basilica + Dome Climb, it will be included in your guided tour. 

However, it’s only possible to buy the elevator tickets on the day. So you’ll have to line up with your guide and wait for them to get all your tickets and then go back inside again and line up for the elevator (there’s only one). This is going to be the most tedious part of the tour….but it will be worth it. 

You’ve waited in longer lines at theme parks. You’re going to see something amazing, I promise. Keep the faith. 

The elevator takes you to the roof of the Basilica. It’s pretty exciting already up here though you won’t be able to see much yet. 

There’s a gift shop and bathrooms up here in case you need a mini pit-stop before seeing the inside of the dome up close and bracing yourself for the demanding Dome Climb.

Prepare to be wowed. 

The interior of the main dome (cupola) depicts the saints and is awesome in the literal sense of the word. 

Details of the mosaics you can literally reach out and touch. Above, detail from floral decoration. Below is one of the keys of Saint Peter. 

I give you keys. Translation of Latin inscription all in mosaics.

From the viewing balcony, which loops around the interior of the dome, you really get a sense of the scale of this place. Visitors down below, antlike and indistinguishable. 

• Next: Time to climb.

It’s not just the amount of steps. It’s that the stairwell gets extremely narrow at various points, and then as you ascend the dome, there’s a point when the walls start to cave in slightly, and you find yourself having to bend over to the side as you climb to accommodate the curve of the dome. 

However, if you’re not claustrophobic, then you will be rewarded when you get to the top.

Breathtaking view. Literally. The Dome Climb is a rewarding workout. 

Fittingly, by the time we made it to the top of the Dome, the heavens were about to open. That said, even though the sky was grey, it was still mesmeric and beautiful. Somehow I found it more pleasing with grey skies. Perhaps after all that visual stimuli from the dome mosaics. 

The sky matched the general colour palette of the city from up high; the buildings’ pastels and creams and the charcoal cobblestones of St Peter’s Square and the Via della Conciliazione straight ahead.

Recommended Souvenirs And Gift Shops 

There is a gift shop on the roof by the cupola after you take the lift and before you go in again to see the mosaics. 

• Vatican City stamps – once a unique selling point because technically, Vatican City is a separate country. Despite being quite a Boomer thing to flaunt, a lot of tour guides still have it as part of their repartee. I actually think it makes for a nice souvenir for the right person.

If interested, head to the Vatican Museums Information Point, located at the exit of St Peter’s on the right of the square (if you have the Basilica behind you). 

Best for Bibles, pope biographies, postcards, and stamps. You can also send your postcards from here. 

If it’s figurines to add to your (or your nana’s) Nativity Set, try Galleria San Pietro (the meeting point for the tour). Also good if you’re looking for a generic Rome sweatshirt or T-shirt. 

You’ll find a more traditional scene here. I love this store at number 129 for religious icon art on papyrus. It just feels very much stuck in time. Opposite is another store (Turella Adriana) selling religious artifacts if rosary beads or icons of the Virgin Mary are what you’re looking for.

If you have a penchant for Catholic religious artifacts verging on the kitsch (I totally do), it’s worth having a little wander around Borgo Pio, Galleria San Pietro, and countless other souvenir stores along the Via della Conciliazione. 

Beware of inflated prices – the holiness of the location won’t necessarily mean honesty in prices. But if you shop around, you might just walk away with something memorable. 

And finally ….

We need to talk about the ‘hot priests’.

Now in its 20th year of publication, the ‘ hot priest calendar ‘  (not its official name) is officially a classic Roman souvenir.

Since 2023 saw the release of its 20th-anniversary edition, they have been selling like hotcakes (priests).  Photographed by Piero Pazzi, It’s not ironic, and it’s not even affiliated with the Vatican. 

It’s just a guy who likes taking very good black-and-white pictures of priests who are, objectively speaking, not bad to look at.

Make of that what you will, and if it appeals, good luck finding one. (You’ll find them dotted around most kiosks and souvenir shops in the historical centre and near St Peter’s). 

Nearby Attractions 

Castel sant’angelo – 10 minute walk.

Formerly the site of Emperor Hadrian’s tomb and erected around AD 134, subsequent emperors and popes converted it into a fortress and then a castle. It’s now a museum, housing two millennia of history, and has pretty nice views from the top. 

The bridge adorned with angels leading up to it is dreamy, especially at dusk. 

If going in feels like too much, the surroundings are still worth spending time in. There’s a library / outdoor bar on the right as you walk along the river called Bibliobar, which has a subtle Parisian vibe to it.

Food and Drink

8 minute walk away:

• Il Sorpasso – Via Properzio, 31/33, 00193 

Stylish yet relaxed wine bar with a great wine selection (without being pretentious about it). All are available at reasonable prices. Enjoy their Italian ham and cheese boards (and advice on the correct order in which to eat the cheese.). Good mix of ex-pat and local clientele. A nice place to observe the Prati people. 

15 minute walk away:

• Argot (Prati) – Via Alessandro Farnese 2, 00192 (Closest Metro Lepanto on the A line).

After taking a leisurely stroll down the shopping street Via Cola di Rienzo from Piazza del Risorgimento, try Argot, where you’ll find above average cocktails and food. It’s trendy but friendly. Cocktails are a bit on the pricey side but not your run of the mill. All made by people who know their stuff. 

7 minute walk away:

• Morrison’s – Piazza del Risorgimento, 16, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

If you fancy a pint (and maybe a burger to go with it), look no further than Morrison’s. You can expect slightly better than ‘pub grub’ ; and their lunch specials, in particular, are surprisingly decent, with traditional Italian on offer in addition to your pub food classics.  

And for an ‘Irish’ pub, not too gimmicky at all. 

Did You Know That: 4 Interesting Facts 

• The basilica was named for St. Peter, the leader of Jesus’ 12 disciples. He was sentenced to death by Emperor Nero and crucified upside down.
• The location for the basilica was not chosen at random. It was built on the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion.
• In 1950 human remains were found, underneath the altar, dating back to the 1st century CE. It’s widely believed that they belong to St. Peter himself.
• The Holy Door (Porta Sancta) is only opened every 25 years by the pope. The last time was in the year 2000.
• The original basilica was built in the 4th century under the command of the emperor Constantine, known for making Christianity the main religion of the Roman Empire.
• It stood for 1200 years before being demolished and replaced by Pope Julius II in 1506.
• It took around 120 years to complete the construction, and many prominent artists and architects worked on it. Donato Bramante created the original design but died in 1514.
• Raphael and Antonio da Sangallo continued to work on the project, but little progress was made.
• It wasn’t until Michelangelo took over in 1547 that real progress was made. He simplified Bramante’s original plans and designed the impressive dome, the greatest architectural achievement of his life. Sadly, he didn’t live to see it built.
• Carlo Maderno took over the project in 1605. He’s responsible for lengthening the nave and designing the magnificent facade.
• The last major artist to leave his mark on the basilica was Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who added the final additions, such as the Baldacchino and St. Peter’s Chair.
• Today, the basilica remains the most important building in Christendom and receives millions of visitors a year from both pilgrims and tourists alike.

St. Peter’s Basilica is famous for being one of the biggest and most important churches in the world for the Catholic church.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, however, you can expect cues of up to 2 hours. We recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets to avoid the wait.

The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are different buildings and are not connected to one another, though they are both located in the Vatican City.

Address: St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro , 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City · view larger map

Visiting St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican: all you need to know

All you need to know for visiting St Peter’s basilica inside: entrance rules, dress code, what to expect, best tours, St Peter’s basilica interior highlights.

St Peter’s Basilica is unique in the world and a special place to visit while in Rome , no matter what religious beliefs you hold.

The basilica is a work of art.

Both the outside and the inside have been carved by the expert eyes and hands of some of the most important architects and artists in the history of Rome and the treasures contained in its tall naves add to the marvel this basilica elicits in its visitors.

A working church, the basilica is a tourist attraction, a monument , a masterpiece and a unique religious site.

This is all you need to know to plan a visit!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

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Table of Contents

St Peter basilica: where it is, how to get there

St Peter Basilica is in Saint Peter’s Square , Vatican City , a state within the State in Rome city center.

It is part of the vast Vatican complex and lies close to the banks of the river Tiber, close to Castel Sant’Angelo and the residential area of Prati.

The basilica opens onto Piazza San Pietro and can be easily reached on foot or by bus/tram/metro.

The closest bus lines are: 40 , 64, 62, 19 (tram), 49, 32, 982, 492, 990, 81

The tram 19 stops at Piazza Risorgimento, less than 5 mins walk from the basilica

Metro A stops at Ottaviano – San Pietro, a few minutes walk away from Piazza San Pietro itself.

You can find all my tips for using public transport in Rome here.

If getting to the basilica on foot, you can walk from the Tiber to the basilica following monumental Via della Conciliazione or you can get there from Piazza Risorgimento/Borgo (on its right side) or Piazza Sant’Uffizio (left side).

Via della Conciliazione is a large road built during Fascist times and works as a sort of grand entrance to the main square.

The basilica is right at the end of it so you find yourself walking straight towards it. Despite the Vatican being an independent state ) there is no border control.

An interesting fact : the fascist reconfiguration of many areas of Rome meant the destruction of residential areas and the displacement of many. Some of the displaces were moved to the Garbatella Area , which is far from the Vatican but worth a visit!

The area of Borgo is very different as it is made of residential streets with now homes, restaurants and hotels.

Walking here gives an idea of how the area would have been before Via della Conciliazione was built.

Both places have merit and while I prefer the small streets of Borgo, the view of the basilica from the Tiber is pretty impressive!

St peter’s Basilica hours: opening times

The basilica is open from 7.00 am to 18.30 (6.30 pm) between the 1st of October and the 31st of March

7.00 am to 19.00 (7.00 pm) from the 1st of April to the 30th of September.

Access to its main floor is free and, currently, for individuals only (large groups are not admitted for health reasons).

Saint Peter Basilica interior: tickets and tours

Saint Peter Basilica is a working church and you do not need tickets nor advance booking for visiting.

Other areas of the basilica however are ticketed, namely the dome, the Vatican treasure, St Peter’s tomb and the necropolis.

You can choose between several ticket options, guided and self-guided.

These are some by my favorite tour provider , GetYourGuide (they have great tours and excellent cancellation options on most of them):

• St Peter Basilica reserved entrance: self-guided with audioguide (entry ticket)
• Saint Peter Basilica guided tour
• St Peter basilica guided tour with dome climb
• Necropolis and St Peter’s Basilica guided tour

Entering and Visiting St Peter’s Basilica: practical tips

Entrance to the basilica is organised following a one way system.

You access from the door to the right and leave from that to the left.

No re-entry is allowed but inside the basilica, there is free of movement so this system allows for social distancing in the busy entry/exit areas but doesn’t infringe on your visit.

To access, you need to join the line at the start of the colonnade, on the right, and you will have two checks: one for temperature (this is new for 2020) and one for security, when you will have to pass bags into the x-ray machine.

The line tends to be long and both these steps are compulsory some wait is inevitable.

Once you are inside the basilica, you can visit in your own time.

Please be advised that face coverings are currently compulsory during the visit.

Hand gel is available in several locations and free to use.

What to wear when visiting St Peter’s basilica inside

St Peter Basilica is known for a strict dress code and indeed, there are some rules about the most suitable attire. You can find our full guide to the Vatican dress code here, but here are some quick tips.

Sings at the door specify some of the no-nos for men and women:

NO short skirts

NO sleeveless tops

This is a good starting point but really, other items can also put you in trouble.

Even if not specified, in practice very revealing tops, tops with a very low cut, or that leave you belly or back exposed may result in admittance to be denied.

How much this is applied varies and I was surprised to see during my last visit the dress code didn’t seem to be applied at all.

Whatever the reason for that may have been on the day, in many instances before I had seen people turned away so my advice is: in doubt, dress conservatively.

Even if it may not be strictly needed, it will be appreciated by those who come to the basilica as a sacred place. 

The basilica doesn’t offer cover ups so if you are planning on covering with a shawl or similar, I recommend you bring your own.

The basilica is vast and you will find yourself standing and walking a good bit.

I recommend you wear comfortable shoes that can support you for a few hours.

You can find my tips on how to dress in Rome and my recommended shoes for Rome sightseeing here .

What to see in St Peter’s basilica

There is so much to see in St peter’s basilica I approach this paragraph with caution: I cannot possibly cover all the treasures you will find in San Pietro here, I would need a full art catalogue to do so!

However, I can pinpoint some of the highlights for me and some of the things I believe you should not miss and make St Peter’s basilica’s interior the marvel it is

Michelangelo’s Pieta (statue)

The Pieta by Michelangelo is right close to the entrance to the basilica, you will find it on your right as you come it.

It is protected by a see-though glass wall and it is breathtakingly beautiful, without a doubt one of the most beautiful statues in Rome and Italy in genera.

Many visitors first notice how much smaller it is than many photos suggest: the Pieta’ is life-size, an incredible idea that makes the whole scene even more touching!

The statue was made in 1498-99, it is made of white Carrara marble and it is one of the first works by Michelangelo.

It was commissioned by the French Cardinal Jean Bilhères de Lagraulas and was originally placed in the Chapel of Santa Petronilla, near the transept of the old basilica, then move to the church of Santa Maria della Febbre, still in the Vatican.

Finally, it found a home in the current chapel in the mid-VIII century.

St Peter’s statue

Along the main nave, to the right, sits an ancient and wonderful statue of St Peter.

Made of bronze, the statue represents St Peter sitting on a marble throne and with the right hand lifted in a Greek blessing gesture (only two fingers are up) and keys in the left.

The statue said to be the work of Arnolfo di Cambio and to be dating back to the XIII century although the exact dating and origin of the sculpture has been the object of many studies and exact dating and attribution is unsure.

The statue is now cordoned off but if you see it from up close, you will see that one its foot has been consumed: this is because the faithful used to kiss it in a sign of devotion!

Fun fact : every 29 th of June, the day celebrating St Peter and St Paul, patron Saints of Rome , the statue gets dressed in a Papal shawl and tiara.

The baldachin

The baldachin that frames the main altar is likely to be one of the first things you notice in the church, if not the very first one, despite being all the way at the end of the central nave, as far as it gets from the basilica’s entrance.

Colossal and imposing, it has four columns that shoot towards the ceiling of the church in a spiral fashion and it just stops on your tracks with its height and magnificence, even if you are not a fan of Baroque architecture!

The baldachin was made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1624/1633 and it is the most important bronze monument of the baroque.

Many even consider is a manifesto of the whole baroque movement.

It is 28 meters tall and sits just above St Peter’s tomb.

From the distance, it is easy to underestimate how big the baldachin truly is.

Its dimension makes it fit perfectly inside the massive perimeter of the basilica but as you find yourself under it, you can appreciate how immense this work it and the level of details on each of the columns!

It is said the the baldachin received mixed reaction however, in centuries to come it also had big admirers such as d’Annunzio who, in the Elegie Romane, wrote “ Sorgono scintillando per l’ombra le quattro colonne che nel pagano bronzo torge il Bernini a spire “.

The Apse and St Peter’s cathedra

Behind the baldachin, in the basilica’s apse, you will find the cathedra of St Peter’s, or St Peter’s throne.

The throne is said to have been used by Peter himself however, the one we can currently see in the church dates back to the IX century and was given to the Pope as a gift by the King of France Carlo il Calvo (Charles II).

The throne is now surrounded by an eye-catching, very elaborate golden bronze sculpture by Bernini, who built it in 1656-1665 that make the throne look as if it was levitating mid-air.

At its bottom, we find statues of the 4 church fathers (Sant’Agostino, Sant’Ambrogio, Sant’Anastasio and San Giovanni Crisostomo) and, at the top, we can admire golden clouds, rays, and angels as well as a colored glass window with the dove representing the holy spirit.

Chapels and statues, the Holy Sacrament chapel

St Peter’s Basilica has many chapels and statues, some accessible and some currently cordoned off.

Among the many worth seeing, we can highlight the tomb of Pio VII by Thorvaldsen, the tomb of Innocenzo III by Pollaiolo, the monument to Clemente XIII by Canova.

One chapel worth a special mention is the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, now closed by a gate designed by Bernini.

The chapel was originally designed to be a sacristy but took its function in 1638 and has kept it ever since.

The chapel is elaborate and elegant and contains a marble altar and Bernini’s ciborium , with incredible blue lapislazuli.

The central corridor

As you enter the church you will notice that part of it is cordoned off, forming a central corridor closed to visitors.

If you get close, you will notice why the corridor is interesting: it marks the relative size of other churches around the world, to highlight how much bigger St Peter is!

This is one of the most fun things to show kids when visiting the basilica!

Saint Peter’s Treasure

To the left-hand side of the Basilica, you will find the entrance to the treasure (ticketed).

The treasure can be worth seeing however, even if you are not interested in it, I recommend you venture up to its entrance.

Here, as well as interesting architectural spaces and volumes, you will find a carving of all the Popes buried in the church from St Peter on.

It makes quite an impression as the Popes are many but not that many if you think how far back the history of the church brings us!

What else to see in and near Saint Peter’s basilica

St Peter basilica is inside Vatican city, close to several other attractions.

While you should avoid packing in too much into your day here, it is possible to add other attractions to your visit.

Some to consider are:

St Peter’s dome : part of the basilica but only accessible with specific tickets, the dome is wonderful to visit f you don’t fear heights, do not have issues with small places (it’s a claustrophobic person nightmare!) and if you are reasonably fit.

You will be climbing lots of steps!

If you are up for the challenge, the dome will reward you with incredible views!

Vatican Gardens : just to the back of the basilica, they are accessible by tour only (guided / with audio guide).

The visit takes 45 mins/2 hours depending on the tour chosen. You can find all the info and our review of our Vatican Gardens visit here.

St Peter’s Squar e: the square is just outside the basilica and is a work of art in itself.

Designed by Bernini, it is important for the stunning colonnade, the beautiful fountains it hosts, its obelisk and the touching monument to the refugees, now on its left-hand side.

The square is also an incredible vantage point to admire the façade of the basilica itself.

Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel . The Vatican museums and Sistine chapel are right beside the basilica and are, in normal times, connected to it (Sistine chapel to the church, not the opposite).

They are one of the great museums of the world and are more than worth a visit however, be warned: they are huge!

If planning on seeing them, I recommend you go there first and leave the basilica for the end of your trip.

While technically possible, seeing the museums, the Basilica and the gardens on the same day is possible, adding the Vatican gardens on the same day may prove too tiring.

Evaluate energy well before committing. In case, opt for the gardens bus tour, you will be happy to be sitting down!

I hope you enjoyed this article and found my tips for visiting St Peter’s basilica useful.

Safe travel planning!

A visit to San Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican is one of our top ten things to do in Rome .

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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• Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica, located in the Vatican City, is considered one of the Catholic Church’s holiest temples and an important pilgrimage site .

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom and one of the largest churches in the world. Besides, it's where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round.

The construction of the new basilica began in 1506 when the old basilica had been torn down and was finished in 1626. It was consecrated on 18 November 1626 . Several renowned architects designed the temple, highlighting the works of Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno.

The basilica was called St Peter’s after one of Jesus’s twelve disciples known as Saint Peter , who became one of the founders of the Catholic Church and was executed in Rome and buried where the Basilica now stands.

Inside the Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica can accommodate 20,000 people . It measures 190 m (624 ft) long and the central nave is 46 m (150 ft) tall. The dome stands 136 m (447ft) tall.

Inside, visitors will find extremely impressive pieces of art, including St. Peter’s Baldachin, a large bronze baldachin designed by Bernini, The Pietà, a sculpture by Michelangelo, and the statue of St Peter on his throne. St Peter has his right foot worn down due to the touches of the devoted.

One of the most impressive parts of the Basilica is its incredible dome. Its design was started by Michelangelo and continued by Giacomo Della Porta. Carlo Maderno finished the dome in 1614.

This dome has served as inspiration for many other cathedrals and buildings, for example, the Capitol in Washington and St Paul’s Cathedral in London .

Visiting St Peter’s Basilica

Visiting St Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience when staying in Rome. Visitors mustn’t miss out on climbing to the top of the dome , where a stunning view of St Peter’s Square , and if the day is clear of most of the city, awaits them.

Climbing to the top might prove to be a little oppressive for some, as the last part of the ascent is a narrow and steep spiral staircase.

Taking a Tour

If you want to visit the Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, with a local guide and skip lines that can sometimes last 4 hours - we recommend reserving a guided tour of the Vatican . You'll see all the essential sights , and save time which you can use to enjoy the city.

Piazza San Pietro . Vatican City.

October – March: 7 am - 6:30 pm April – September: 7 am – 7 pm The dome opens at 8 am and closes one hour before the Basilica.

The entrance to the Basilica is free . Climbing to the top of the Dome : Lift to the terrace plus 320 steps: € 8 ( US$ 8.50) Climbing 551 steps by foot: € 6 ( US$ 6.40)

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb € 41 ( US$ 43.50)

Metro station: Ottaviano , line A (red)

Nearby places

Sistine Chapel (95 m) Vatican City (201 m) St. Peter's Square (205 m) Vatican Museums (521 m) Castel Sant'Angelo (970 m)

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How to Visit Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

The Second-Largest Church in the World

As one of the most important churches of the Catholic faith and the second-largest church in the world, Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the top sights to see in Vatican City  and in all of Rome . With its impressive dome, the focal point of Rome's cityscape, and its ornate interior, Saint Peter's is, without a doubt, pleasing to the eye. For many, it is the highlight of a visit to Rome, and with good reason.

Both the exterior and interior of the basilica were designed to overwhelm, and they succeed in doing so. The massive, oval-shaped Piazza San Pietro ( Saint Peter's Square ) serves as a monumental entrance to the vast basilica, with its soaring ceilings and intricately detailed marble, stone, mosaic and gilded ornamentation at every turn.

The church draws millions of visitors each year, including those who are drawn for religious reasons as well as those interested in its historical, artistic and architectural significance. It is also the resting place of many former popes including John Paul II and Saint Peter, Christendom's first pope and the founder of the Catholic Church. 

Pilgrims also flock to Saint Peter's during religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, as the pope performs special masses at the basilica during these times. He gives blessings at Christmas and Easter, as well as his first blessing when he is elected, from the balcony of the central window above the entrances to the atrium.

Saint Peter in Rome

Christian theology holds that Peter was a fisherman from Galilee who became one of the 12 Apostles of Christ and continued to promote the teachings of Jesus after his death by crucifixion. Peter, along with the Apostle Paul, journeyed to Rome and built up a congregation of followers of Christ. Fearing persecution for his teachings, Peter allegedly fled Rome, only to encounter a vision of Jesus as he was on his way out of the city.

This convinced him to turn back to Rome and face his inevitable martyrdom.  Both Peter and Paul were executed by order of Roman Emperor Nero, sometime after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD but before Nero's own death by suicide in 68 AD. Saint Peter was crucified upside down, allegedly at his own request.

Peter was martyred at the Circus of Nero, a site for tournaments and games on the western side of the Tiber River. He was buried nearby, in a cemetery used for Christian martyrs. His tomb soon became a site of veneration, with other Christian tombs built around it, as the faithful sought to be interred near Saint Peter. For Catholics, Peter's role as an Apostle, and his teachings and martyrdom in Rome earned him the title of the first Bishop of Rome or the first Catholic Pope.

Saint Peter's Basilica History

In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine, Rome's first Christian emperor, oversaw the construction of a basilica on the burial site of Saint Peter. Now referred to as Old Saint Peter's Basilica, this church stood for more than 1,000 years and was the burial place of almost every pope, from Peter himself through to the popes of the 1400s.

In a dire state of disrepair by the 15th century, the basilica underwent a series of modifications under several different popes. When Pope Julius II, who reigned from 1503 to 1513, took oversight of renovation, he aimed to create the greatest church in all of Christendom. He had the original 4th-century church destroyed and ordered the construction of an ambitious, magnificent new basilica in its place.

Bramante made the first plans for the main dome of Saint Peter's. Inspired by the dome of the Pantheon, his plan called for a Greek cross (with 4 arms of equal length) supporting a central dome. After Julius II died in 1513, artist Raphael was put in charge of the design. Using the form of the Latin cross, his plans extended the nave (the part where worshipers gather) and added small chapels on either side of it.

Raphael died in 1520, and various conflicts in Rome and the Italian peninsula stalled progress on the basilica. Finally, in 1547, Pope Paul III installed Michelangelo, already considered a master architect and artist, to complete the project. His design used Bramante's original Greek cross plan and includes the massive dome, which remains the largest in the world and one of the greatest achievements of Renaissance architecture. 

Michelangelo died in 1564, his project only partially complete. Subsequent architects honored his designs to complete the dome. The elongated nave, the facade and the portico (the vaulted entrance) were the contributions of Carlo Maderno, under the direction of Pope Paul V. Construction of "New Saint Peter's"—the basilica we see today—was completed in 1626, more than 120 years after its outset.

Is Saint Peter's the Most Important Church in Rome? 

While many think of Saint Peter's as the mother church of Catholicism, that distinction actually belongs to Saint John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano), the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and therefore the most hallowed church for Roman Catholics. Yet because of its history, relics, proximity to the Papal residence in Vatican City and its sheer size, Saint Peter's is the church that attracts droves of tourists and faithful. In addition to Saint Peter's and Saint John Lateran, the other 2 Papal Churches in Rome are the  Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore  and  Saint Paul Outside the Walls .

Highlights of a Visit to Saint Peter's

To examine every tomb and monument, read every inscription (assuming you can read Latin), and admire every priceless reliquary in Saint Peter's would take days, if not weeks. If you have just a couple of hours to devote to a visit, look for these highlights:

• The Nave.  Upon entering the basilica, you'll be astounded by the dimensions of the nave, the long, main part of the cathedral where worshipers are seated during mass. It's more than 600 feet long (nearly the length of 2 soccer fields) and almost 90 feet wide, and richly embellished on every surface.
• The Pieta.  Rivaling David as Michelangelo's best-known sculpture, this poignant portrayal of Mary holding the body of the dead Christ is in the first chapel on the right, as you enter the basilica. The artist carved the work when he was just 24 years old.
• Bronze Statue of Saint Peter.  Near the right pier or massive support for the transept, stands a bronze statue of Saint Peter, thought to date to the 1200s. His right foot has been worn shiny and smooth by centuries of worshipers who rub or even kiss it as they pass. 
• The Baldacchino.  The massive canopy, the work of sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, was crafted from bronze taken from the Pantheon. It covers the basilica's main altar, where only the pope is permitted to say mass. The altar is built over the tomb of Saint Peter and is the symbolic and spiritual heart of the basilica.
• The Dome.  Ringed by 16 windows and inscribed with letters more than 6 feet tall, Michelangelo's dome, which he never saw completed, is nearly 400 feet tall from its floor to its lantern, or cupola.
• Monument to Alexander VII.  Of the many magnificent papal tombs in Saint Peter's, Bernini's monument to Pope Alexander VII is perhaps the most haunting. A pious pope prays while a skeletal figure of Death emerges from beneath a blanket carved from jasper stone. He holds an hourglass, as a reminder to the pope (and to onlookers) that his time has passed.
• Sacristy and Treasury Museum.  To view some of the many treasures of the Vatican, including crosses, papal vestments (clothing), jewels and reliquaries, visit the Sacristy and Treasury Museum. It costs 5 euro for adults and 3 euro for children 12 and under.
• Vatican Grottoes.  As you exit the basilica, follow signs for the Vatican Grottoes and Cupola (dome). The underground grottoes contain the tombs of dozens of popes, including John Paul II. An elaborate gilded altar is built over what is considered to be the tomb of Saint Peter. The main altar and Baldacchino are directly above this spot. Entrance to the grottoes is free.
• Climbing to the Cupola.  If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 551 steps (or just 320 if you take the elevator part way) to the cupola, or the top of Saint Peter's dome, to be rewarded with stunning views of Rome. It costs 10 euro if you take the elevator or 8 euro if you climb the entire way.

Saint Peter's Basilica Visiting Information

Even when there aren't papal audiences or other special events happening, the basilica is almost always crowded. The best time to visit without crowds is usually in the early morning, from 7 to 9 am. 

• Information: The basilica opens at 7 am and closes at 7 pm in the summer and 6:30 pm in the winter. Before you go, it's a good idea to check the  Saint Peter's Basilica website  for current hours and other information.
• Location:  Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter's Square). To arrive by public transportation, take the Metropolitana Line A to the Ottaviano “San Pietro” stop.
• Admission:  It's free to enter the basilica and the grottoes, with fees (see above) for the sacristy and treasury museum, and the climb to the cupola. The cupola is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm April to September, and to 5:00 pm October to March. The sacristy and treasury museum are open from 9 am to 6:15 pm April to September and to 5:15 pm October to March.
• Dress code:  Visitors who are not dressed in the appropriate attire will not be allowed entry into the basilica. Refrain from wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts when you're visiting Saint Peter's and/or bring a shawl or other cover-up. Those rules go for all visitors, male or female.

What to See Near Saint Peter's Basilica

Visitors often visit Saint Peter's Basilica and the  Vatican Museums , including the Sistine Chapel , on the same day. Castel Sant'Angelo , at various times in history a mausoleum, a fortress, a prison and now, a museum, is also close to Vatican City.

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Visiting the Vatican in Rome 2024: A Detailed Guide to Help you Plan Your Visit

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments

If you are planning to visit Rome, then we think a trip to the Vatican is a must. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and one we have been lucky enough to visit several times over the past 20 years.

There is a huge amount to see and do at the Vatican, as well as many options for visiting and purchasing tickets for the various attractions at the Vatican.

It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how to visit, as well as what to see and do when you visit the Vatican.

In this guide we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to plan your visit, from the best time to visit, to how to skip the lines, to the highlights you must not miss when you visit.

We’ll also tell you the best places to get Vatican tickets, share some of our favourite guided tours, share practical information for your visit, and much more. Once you’re finished reading, you’ll be fully prepared for your Vatican visit!

Let’s start with an overview of the Vatican.

What is the Vatican?

The Vatican, or Vatican City, is an independent city-state found within the city of Rome, Italy. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is home to and ruled by the Pope.

Vatican City is also the location of a number of popular attractions, including the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Sistine Chapel. It is both a pilgrimage site for Catholics as well as a place that appeals to all types of visitors interested in the architecture and world-class art that is found within the museums and churches here.

It’s worth noting that when people talk about “the Vatican”, they are normally referring to either Vatican City or the Vatican Museums within, which can be a bit confusing.

For clarity, this guide will cover all the attractions inside Vatican City which includes the Vatican Museums.

An Overview of the Vatican

The Vatican (formally the Vatican City State) was established in 1929 at the signing of the Lateran Treaty, which helped resolve a long-running issue concerning the power of the Pope in Italy.

It is named after Vatican Hill, where it is located, which is one of the traditional seven hills of Rome. The name “Vatican” dates back to Roman times.

Vatican City is 49 hectares (121 acres) in size, with a population of under 500 people.

The Vatican is ruled by and home to the Pope, who is both the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church. The Pope lives in the Papal Apartments in the Apostolic Palace, also known as the Vatican Palace and the Palace of Sixtus V in honor of the Pope who oversaw the majority of its construction.

As well as the Papal Apartments, the huge Apostolic Palace is also home to the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Library, the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Borgia Apartments.

The other main sight in the Vatican is St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and an architectural masterpiece, and the square in front is also very impressive.

About half of Vatican City is taken up by the Vatican Gardens, a large private garden area which is home to a number of buildings such as the Vatican Radio building and the Palace of the Governorate.

Many areas of the Vatican, such as the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, are open to the public and can be visited. Other areas, such as the private apartments of the Pope, are not open to visitors. In this guide we’ll cover all the areas of the Vatican and your options for visiting them.

Where is the Vatican?

The Vatican, or Vatican City, is within the city of Rome, Italy. In fact, Rome entirely surrounds the Vatican City. It is located to the west of the Tiber River. You can see it on Google Maps here .

How to get to the Vatican

Found in Rome, the Vatican is relatively easy to get to. Just bear in mind that the Vatican covers an area of around 49 hectares (121 acres), so you will want to plan accordingly depending on which part of the Vatican you wish to visit.

For example, the access to the Vatican Museums is at the north side of Vatican City ( here on Google Maps ), whilst St. Peter’s Basilica is towards the south of the city ( here on Google Maps ).

There are a number of options for reaching the Vatican. These include walking, the metro, taking a public bus, taxi, or the hop on hop off sightseeing bus.

First, it is relatively easy to walk here. From Piazza Navona for example it is 20 minutes’ walk to St. Peter’s Basilica, or 30 minutes’ walk to the Vatican Museums entrance.

The closest metro station to the Vatican is Ottaviano, which is a 7-minute walk to the Vatican Museums entrance or a 10-minute walk to St. Peter’s Basilica. Ottaviano is on the red line, which connects you to locations such as the Spanish Steps and Rome’s Termini station (where you can transfer to the blue line for the Colosseum for example).

Numerous public bus routes also pass by the Vatican from all over the city. It is also easy to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app to get to the Vatican. Just be sure to specify exactly where you intend to go in the Vatican so they can drop you at the closest drop-off point.

Finally, a number of hop on hop off buses in Rome include the Vatican as one of their stops, so if you are using one of these services this is also an option.

If you have an attraction pass such as the Omnia Vatican and Rome Card , many of these include either a public transit card or sightseeing bus that you could use to visit the Vatican.

Vatican Opening Times

The Vatican is a country but here are no gates or security controls to cross from Rome to Vatican City, and you probably won’t even notice when you do. So you can visit it whenever you want although most indoor attractions are only open during the daytime.

A number of the attractions within the city-state do have specific opening times, which are as follows.

Vatican Museum Opening Times

The Vatican Museum is usually open as follows:

• Monday – Saturday 8am – 7pm (last entry at 5pm)

From 1st March 2024, there are extended opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, until 8pm (final entry 6pm).

The Vatican Museum is closed on Sundays with the exception of the last Sunday of the month when it is open from 9am – 2pm (last entry 12.30pm). On these days entry is free.

In addition, the Vatican Museum is also closed on the following days in 2024:

1st & 6th January, 19th March, 1st April, 1st May, 29th June, 14th & 15th August, 1st November, 8th, 25th and 26th December.

For more information on opening times and closing times, see the official website here . Note that there are multiple sites with information on the Vatican Museums, but the only official site is https://www.museivaticani.va/ .

St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Times

St. Peter’s Basilica is usually open as follows:

• 1st October – 31st March: 7am – 6.30pm
• 1st April – 30th September: 7am – 7pm

Note that this is a working church and mass is regularly celebrated here. Access is normally not restricted during these times but you should be aware when it is going on and behave respectfully.

In addition, when the Pope is in Rome there is normally a Papal Audience held on a Wednesday. This is normally held in St. Peter’s Square outside of St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning from around 9am. On these days, access to St. Peter’s Basilica is normally not allowed until the audience is complete. See more about attending a Papal Audience in that section of this guide.

For more information on opening times and visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, see the official webpage from the Vatican here .

What to see and do at the Vatican

There is a huge amount to see and do at the Vatican, at least enough to spend at least half a day here if not a whole day.

Here are the main sights you can take in when you visit Vatican City.

Vatican Museums

A definite highlight when visiting Vatican City are the Vatican Museums. These are found within the Apostolic Palace, and are the main public museum of the Vatican City.

The collection, which includes a rather staggering 70,000 pieces (of which around 20,000 are on display at any one time), was founded in the early 16th century.

Today, the collection spans seven kilometers across a number of galleries. and includes paintings, sculptures, religious artifacts, and tapestries. Art from some of the world’s greatest artists is on display, including Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini, Van Gogh, and Picasso. It’s one of the most visited museums in the world.

As you will have noticed, the Vatican Museums are plural. This is because this is not just one museum. In fact, there are 26 museums listed as being contained with the Vatican Museums complex.

However, as a visitor you will likely just feel like you are visiting one giant museum that spans numerous galleries rather than 26 museums. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering what to see, see the section of this guide covering our highlights of the Vatican Museums.

The Vatican Museums require a ticket, and you can see more about buying a ticket in our guide to tickets for the Vatican City sights elsewhere in this guide. You can buy a ticket on site, but the lines are very long and we highly recommend booking a ticket in advance.

If you have a limited time or are wanting to see the highlights in around 3 hours or less, we highly recommend considering a guided tour such as this one or this one .

We took tours on our first two visits to the Vatican and found them very helpful in seeing and learning about the most important pieces and rooms without being too overwhelmed. They all include a visit to the Sistine Chapel as well.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, or Capella Sistina , is a chapel located within the Apostolic Palace. It was built in the 15th century and named after Pope Sixtus IV. It is best known for the frescoes within, notably those done by Michelangelo (the ceiling and Last Judgement above the altar), which are often considered to be some of the best artistic work to come out of the Renaissance period.

The Sistine Chapel is also known as being where Popes are selected, in a process known as the Papal Conclave.

The Sistine Chapel has been drawing visitors for over 500 years, since Michelangelo completed his masterpieces, and is still a major attraction today.

The Sistine Chapel is found within the Apostolic Palace, and can only be visited when you visit the Vatican Museums. So to all intents and purposes it is a part of the Vatican Museums. However, it is technically separate, hence why tickets are sold as being for both the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. But all Vatican Museums tickets include entrance to both.

Entry to the Sistine Chapel is included as part of a Vatican Museums ticket, and you can also book tours which give you early access such as the Pristine Sistine tour and the more exclusive Key Master tour .

St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the most visually spectacular buildings in the Vatican is the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, more commonly known as St. Peter’s Basilica.

Its famous dome can be seen from around Rome, and a visit to this church is a must when visiting the Vatican.

Construction began in 1506, and the church was consecrated in 1626. It replaced the fourth century Old St. Peter’s Basilica, which was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine.

St. Peter’s Basilica is impressive for a number of reasons. First, for it’s incredible size. By volume, it is the largest church in the world and it has a footprint of almost six acres.

Second, its design. It was built during the Italian Renaissance period, with help from famous artists, designers, and architects such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. It is widely regarded as one of the foremost examples of Renaissance architecture in the world.

Third, the interior. This is filled with priceless artworks from Renaissance masters, including Bernini and Michelangelo.

Finally, St. Peter’s Basilica has enormous significance to members of the Catholic faith. Whilst it is not the mother church of the Catholic faith, it is still regarded as one of the most important of Catholic shrines. 91 popes are buried here, and it is widely believed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter himself, the head of the apostles.

Suffice to say, we think a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica is a must when you visit the Vatican. Entry is free and you do not need a ticket to visit, although you can book a tour like this or this .

There’s also the option to visit the dome for a small extra fee. As with any holy place in Italy, it is important to adhere to the dress code as otherwise entry may be denied.

See our sections in this guide on dress code, tickets and tours for more information. This guide also has a detailed section covering the highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica that you won’t want to miss when you visit.

• St. Peter’s Square

Directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica is St. Peter’s Square, a large plaza whose current design was created by Bernini in the mid 17th century.

The center of the plaza is dominated by a 25.5 meter (84ft) high ancient Egyptian obelisk which was brought from the city of Alexandria in Roman times and placed in its current location in 1586.

The plaza is surrounded and almost entirely enclosed by a series of massive Doric colonnades, four deep, with the design aiming to enclose and embrace visitors in the arms of the Mother Church.

There are also a pair of fountains in the plaza on either side of the obelisk, one designed by Bernini, and an earlier one designed by Maderno.

Overall, St. Peter’s Square is a hugely impressive foreground to St. Peter’s Basilica. It is also here where Papal Audiences are most regularly held, which was one of the reasons it was designed as it is, in order to hold large crowds and provide a good view of the Pope to visitors.

St. Peter’s Square is free to visit and open all the time. During Papal Audiences it can get very busy and some sections will be closed off.

• Vatican Gardens

Around half of the Vatican City is taken up by the Gardens of Vatican City, which date back to medieval times when the area was largely used for orchards and vineyards.

However, the more formal landscaped gardens that are visible today largely date to the beginning of the 16th century. Despite taking up a large part of the Vatican and being filled with beautiful sculptures and fountains, the gardens were not open to the public until 2014.

Today, it is only possible to visit the gardens as part of a guided tour. You can get a view of part of the gardens from various points whilst touring the Vatican Museums and from the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican Grottoes

The present-day St. Peter’s Basilica, as previously described, was built atop a fourth century building known as the Basilica of Constantine.

That basilica was in turn built upon a Roman-era cemetery, or Necropolis, which we will cover in a separate section as it is visited separately. Rome, as you will quickly learn when you visit, is a city of many layers!

Construction of the new St. Peter’s Basilica did not completely destroy the old Basilica, which can still be visited today.

The parts of the Constantine Basilica which can be visited are generally known as the Vatican Grottoes, or Vatican Caves. It’s not quite an accurate name because what you are actually visiting is the original basilica, but that’s the name that is used.

The Vatican Grottoes are also sometimes called the Vatican Crypt and Catacombs.

Within the Vatican Grottoes you can see the ancient basilica, complete with chapels, funerary monuments and artworks. This is also where a great many popes are buried , along with some European Royalty, as they wanted to be near the final resting place of St. Peter.

Just note that St. Peter’s tomb is not actually in the Vatican Grottoes, it is in the Vatican Necropolis, which is below the Grottoes and accessed separately on a special tour. See the next section for details of that.

Access to the Vatican Grottoes is free, although tours which include it are available, like this one . The entrance to the Vatican Grottoes is inside St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s near the high altar at the Pier of St. Andrew. Note that there may be a line to visit the grottoes, and photography is not allowed in the grottoes.

• Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis (literally, city of the dead) dates from the Roman Empire, and was built here because Roman law at the time decreed that the dead must be buried outside the city walls.

Much of the Vatican City was built on top of the Roman Necropolis, and it can be accessed in a number of different ways, depending on what you want to see.

The two main parts of the Necropolis that will be of interest to visitors are the Necropolis containing the tomb of St. Peter, the the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis. We’ll cover visiting both of these.

Vatican Necropolis and The Tomb of St. Peter (Scavi)

In the 1940s, the Vatican set out to find the tomb of St. Peter, the apostle for whom St. Peter’s Basilica is named. He, along with many other Christians of the time, was martyred at the Circus of Nero.

This Circus was found essentially where the present-day St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square are situated.

There was a widely held belief that St. Peter was buried near the location of his martyrdom, and so the Vatican set out to discover this grave.

A number of mausoleums were discovered as part of the extensive Necropolis which is buried beneath the Vatican, and in 1968 the Pope announced that the tomb of Saint Peter had officially been discovered directly beneath the Vatican Grottoes and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Today, the area of the Necropolis underneath St. Peter’s Basilica is now widely known as the Scavi , which means excavation in Italian. It can be visited as part of a special guided tour.

The tour takes you under the Basilica (and the grottoes) and essentially back in time to an ancient Roman cemetery where you see the old mausoleums, as well as what is believed to be the final resting place of St. Peter.

Normally, as you exit the tour you also go through the Vatican Grottoes and then up into St. Peter’s Basilica itself, which is handy as it skips what can be lengthy lines to get into the Basilica.

This tour has very limited availability, and needs to be booked in advance. See the ticket section of this guide for information on how to book Vatican Necropolis tickets.

It is definitely a unique experience if you have the extra time, however there are only 250 spaces per day so you will want to book as far in advance as you can if this is of interest. We really enjoyed this tour when we did it and think it is well worth doing.

Note that to get access to the Necropolis tour you need to go to the far left of St. Peter’s Basilica as you face it, the entrance is in the columns to the left. It’s approximately here on Google Maps .

You have to go through security and you will need a printed copy of your ticket. If in doubt, I advise arriving early and asking a Swiss Guard for directions.

Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis

The other Necropolis that you can visit in the Vatican City is the Necropolis of the Via Trimphalis , which was discovered in 2003 and only fully opened to visitors in November 2023.

Note this is different from the visit to the Vatican Necropolis below St. Peter’s Basilica, although it is likely part of the same ancient Necropolis site.

Visiting the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis requires a separate ticket purchase and they are not always available, check the official ticket site for options.

The entry to the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis can be found in the walls of the Vatican Museum as you walk up towards the Vatican Museum entry, near Piazza Risogimento. The exact location is here on Google Maps .

Attend a Papal Audience

As the Vatican is home to the Pope, one reason many people come to visit is to actually see him. The best way to do that is to attend a Papal Audience, also known as a General Audience.

This isn’t a mass, instead, it’s basically an audience with the Pope. He normally gives a speech and says some prayers, and often gives out blessings.

The Papal Audience is free to attend, and is held on Wednesdays when the Pope is in residence. It is held either in front of St. Peter’s Basilica (during warmer times of year), or in the Paul VI audience hall (normally in the winter months and in times of bad weather).

It is absolutely vital that you get a ticket for the Papal Audience, as you cannot just show up. Tickets are free, and we have a detailed guide to getting them in the ticketing section of this guide.

The Papal Audience starts at 9am, however you will have to go through security, and seating is on a first come first served basis. There are also capacity limits, so even if you have a ticket, once the venue is full admission is closed.

As such, we recommend arriving between 7am and 7.30am to be sure of a good seat. In the busier summer months, it is recommended to arrive even earlier if you want a good view.

Note, you can also catch a glimpse of the Pope during the Sunday Blessing, or Angelus. When the Pope is in Rome he appears at his Papal Palace window at noon for around 15 minutes to bless those in St. Peter’s Square.

All you have to do is show up, no tickets are required for this event. It will be quite busy and it’s going to be a brief, distant view, but it is an option as well.

Attend Mass

Another popular option when visiting the Vatican is to attend mass.

The best place to do so is at St. Peter’s Basilica, where services are held multiple times a day. You can see the full schedule of services on this page . These services do not require booking, you just need to show up at the Basilica.

Depending on when you visit Rome, there is also the possibility to attend a Papal Mass, which is a mass led by the Pope. These are also known as Liturgical Celebrations.

A Papal Mass is a less regular event than a Papal Audience, normally held to celebrate a special event such as Christmas or Easter. They are held either inside St. Peter’s Basilica or on St. Peter’s Square. They may also be held in one of the other basilicas in Rome (you can see a list of these here ).

As with a Papal Audience, you need a ticket for a Papal Mass. These are also free.

The procedure for booking a Papal Mass is the same as for booking a Papal Audience. You can check when there are Papal Masses on this Vatican page for 2024 .

Note this page is normally updated around a month in advance, however for particularly popular masses (Easter and Christmas specifically) you will want to book as far in advance as possible. The dates may not be shown on the calendar, but there is normally a mass held on Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and on Christmas Eve.

Use the Post Office

The Vatican, as already mentioned, is a country unto itself. That means it has all the things you would expect to find in a country, including its own postal system .

There is a post office open to all found on St. Peter’s Square, and there is also one near the giftshop just before you exit the Vatican Museums.

If you are looking to send a postcard or mail from your trip, we think doing so from the Vatican post office is a great idea. Jess always send a postcard from the Vatican to her grandmother.

The stamps and postage mark are obviously unique, and in our experience anyway, the mail service is much more effective than the Italian postal system! Our international postcards mailed from the Vatican arrived weeks before the ones we mailed from Italy!

For everything you need to know about using the post office, including where to find them, buying stamps and more, see our detailed guide to the Vatican Post Office . You can find out more about the Vatican post office, including opening hours and tariffs, on the official website .

Highlights of the Vatican Museums

With 20,000 objects on display, you could literally spend weeks exploring the Vatican Museums collection. However, as you probably don’t have weeks, we’d recommend focusing on some of the highlights for your first visit.

Whilst there are countless highlights to choose from, and you can of course make your own selection, we’d recommend at least seeing the following when you visit. We would also recommend visiting the official site which has a list of masterpieces in each of the main museums.

We’d also honestly recommend taking a guided tour like one of these if you can, because there is so much to see and understand here, and a good guide can really bring what you are seeing to life.

See more on tours in the section on tours in this guide.

Below are some of our favourite parts of the Vatican Museums. These are all accessible with a standard ticket. There are other areas of the Vatican that we love that require a special ticket, like the Bramante staircase, but we wanted to focus on the general access areas for the highlights.

If you would like to plan a route before you visit, we suggest downloading the free Vatican Map from the official Vatican website here . This map is also available for free from the Vatican ticket office.

The Sistine Chapel is definitely one of the highlights of a visit to the Vatican Museums. This chapel, named for Pope Sixtux IV who had it commissioned, is world famous for its incredible frescoes.

The most famous of these frescoes are those painted on the ceiling, and the one above the altar. They were both created by the Renaissance master Michelangelo.

The frescoes on the ceiling depict the creation of Earth as told in the Book of Genesis. This story is told in nine panels, starting with The Separation of Light from Darkness and finishing with the Drunkenness of Noah . Perhaps the most famous of these is the Creation of Adam panel, which depicts God giving life to Adam.

The frescos above the altar depict the Last Judgement, essentially the Second Coming of Christ and the separation of sinners from the saved.

There is of course more to the Sistine Chapel than the incredible frescoes by Michaelangelo. The other walls are also all decorated, with artwork from Boticellii, Perugino and Ghirlandaio to name but a few. As you would expect, these also depict various religious scenes.

A visit to the Sistine Chapel is a must when visiting the Vatican. It is not a huge space but it does tend to get fairly crowded as the day goes on.

This is also one of the few places in the Vatican Museums where photography is strictly prohibited. We have seen people escorted out for violating this rule, so we’d suggest just enjoying the incredible art on display, and then if you want a memento, buy a postcard on your way out from the Vatican Gift Shop.

If you want a special experience of the Sistine Chapel with fewer people, then we recommend taking an early access tour.

We have done both the Pristine Sistine tour and the Key Master tour (see our Key Master Tour review here ), both of which get you into the Sistine Chapel earlier than normal for a more peaceful experience.

Gallery of Maps

One of my personal favourite attractions in the Vatican Museums is the Gallery of Maps , or Galleria delle carte geografiche.  This is located on the west side of the Belvedere Courtyard.

The Gallery of Maps is essentially a 120 metre long, six metre wide corridor. On the walls, 40 maps depict the main regions and cities of the Italian Peninsula.

These date from the 1580s and were painted by the friar and geographer Ignazio Dante at the request of Pope Gregory XIII.

He wanted to be able to “travel” to the different Italian states on the Italian peninsula (Italy was not a single country at that point) without actually have to leave the Vatican, and the incredibly detailed maps allowed him to do so.

A visit to the Gallery of Maps is always a highlight of our time in the Vatican Museums, and one we highly recommend.

The Borgia Apartment

The Borgia Apartment ( Appartamento Borgia ) is a series of six rooms in the Vatican Museums which were commissioned by Pope Alexander VI in the late 15th century. He was from the Borgia family, hence the name given to the apartments.

Alexander VI engaged the Italian painter Pinturicchio to decorate the six rooms with frescoes, which feature a range of subjects, from Old and New Testament scenes through to depictions of the planets.

Some of the frescoes also references notable events of the time, including what is believed to be one of the first depictions of a Native American in Europe. The frescoes were painted around the time that Columbus returned from the New World, and “The Resurrection” in the Room of Liberal Arts contains these depictions.

Alexander’s legacy as Pope was somewhat tarnished by his various affairs. In fact, the word Borgia became a common term for a lack of morals, corruption and nepotism.

After his fairly gruesome death (believed to be poisoning), the Borgia Apartments were sealed, and only re-opened and restored in the 19th century by Pope Leo XIII.

Today, the six apartments feature the original frescoes which have been restored. They also house part of the Vatican’s collection of contemporary art. They can now all be visited as part of a visit to the Vatican Museums.

Raphael’s Rooms

There are four rooms in the Vatican Museums which are together known as the Stanze di Raffaello , or Raphael’s Rooms .

These rooms were originally intended to be an apartment for Pope Julius II, with some suspecting the idea was to outdo the Borgia Apartment of Alexander VI.

Whatever the reason, he commissioned Raphael to create the frescoes in the early 16th century, starting with the library.

Unfortunately, Julius II died before they were completed, and in fact Raphael himself died in 1520 before all four rooms were completed in 1524.

However, Raphael did complete the majority of the work, with his students finishing the rest after his death.

Our favourite of the rooms was the first to be completed, which features “The School of Athens”, “The Parnassus” and the “Disputa”.

The School of Athens in particular is a highlight, and is widely regarded as one of Raphael’s best works. It has incredible perspective and there’s even a sneaky appearance by the artist himself, staring out at the viewer.

It’s definitely worth taking a tour like one of these to get the most from these paintings as there is a lot to unpack in just these four rooms!

The Pinacoteca / Vatican Art Gallery

The Pinacoteca , or Vatican Art Gallery, has been the home of some of the Vatican Museum’s most impressive art since it opened in 1932.

It’s essentially a mini art museum inside the Vatican, and you have to ensure you include it on a visit.

Across 18 rooms you will find over 400 works from some of Italy’s most well-known artists including Raphael, Caravaggio, Tiziano, Titian, and Da Vinci, to name but a few.

The museum was purpose-built to provide the best viewing conditions of the collection, whilst preserving them for future generations. It’s arranged chronologically, so as you move through the rooms you are essentially taking a tour through time from the 12th century Medieval period right up to the 19th century.

Obviously, 400 paintings are a lot, and you could honestly spend a big chunk of your time in the Vatican just exploring the Pinacoteca. But if you wanted to hone in on some highlights, consider:

• Giotto’s “ Stefaneschi Polyptych ” (Room II)
• Raphael’s “ The Transfiguration of Christ ” (Room VIII)
• “The Last Supper Tapestry” (Room VIII)
• Leonardo Da Vinci’s “ St. Jerome in the Desert ” (Room IX)
• Tiziano’s “ Madonna and Child in Glory with Saints ” (Room X)
• Caravaggio’s “ Deposition from the Cross ” (Room XII)

Of course, there are highlights in every room. The Vatican Museum websites list their highlights by room on the official Pinacoteca website here .

The Pio Clementino Museum

The Pio Clementine Museum (Museo Pio Clementino) is home to a collection of classical sculpture, and is where some of the first objects in the Vatican Museums were displayed. Pope Julius II used this area of the Vatican in the early 16th century to display a collection of antique sculptures.

There are many highlights in the Pio Clementino Museum, but some stand out rooms and sculptures not to miss include the following.

The Octagonal Court

The Octagonal Court is a stunning courtyard found in the Pio Clementino Museum. Many of the objects on display here are still in exactly the same place they were back in the early 1500s, including the Belvedere Apollo and the statue of Laocoön and His Sons.

The Belvedere Apollo is definitely not to be missed when you visit the Octagonal Court. Depicting the Greek god Apollo, it dates from around 120AD, and is widely regarded as being one of the greatest ancient sculptures.

The statue of Laocoön and His Sons is another must-see marble statue in the Octagonal Court. This one depicts the Trojan Priest Laocoön and his sons being attacked by sea serpents. It is believed to date from around 200BC, and was put on display in the Octagonal Courtyard in 1506.

The Round Hall

The Round Hall , also known as the Round Room, is, as the name suggests, a circular room. It was designed int he 18th century in homage to the circular Pantheon.

It’s hard to miss the highlight of this room, which is a massive red porphyry basin which dates to Imperial Rome. Around this enormous basin are niches displaying huge statues.

There is of course more to see in the Pio Clementino Museum, including the Gallery of Statues and the Hall of Busts, the Hall of Muses, and much more.

Gregorian Egyptian Museum

When you enter St. Peter’s Square, you will instantly notice the giant Ancient Egyptian Obelisk sitting at the centre. It’s fair to say that Imperial Rome was pretty obsessed with and influenced by Egypt.

To learn more about the relationship between Ancient Rome and Egypt, you’ll want to visit the Gregorian Egyptian Museum (Museo Gregoriano Egizio) in the Vatican. Spread across six rooms, this museum has everything from stone tablets to artefacts relating to death. Definitely worth a visit for those with an interest in Egyptology.

Carriage Pavilion

Founded in 1973, the Carriage Museum ( Padiglione delle Carrozze ) is one of the newer museums you can visit at the Vatican. It can also be a bit tricky to find, but it is marked on the map.

As the name suggests, it’s home to various modes of transport used by Popes from carriages to motorcars known as the Popemobiles. It’s not well-known and so makes for a welcome escape from the crowds!

Momo’s Double Spiral Staircase

Even the exit from the Vatican is going to be a highlight of your visit. Once you have finished with the gift shop you are going to head down the stunning double-helix staircase designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

This is actually only one of two double-helix staircases in the Apostolic Palace. The other one was designed by Bramante in 1505. Both the original and the homage to the original by Momo are often referred to as the Bramante staircase, which can be a bit confusing.

The original Bramante staircase though is not normally open to the public.

Still, the 1932 version is absolutely stunning and you will definitely want to capture some images of it before and as you descend.

And now we are done with the highlights of the Vatican Museums! Let’s move on to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Highlights in St. Peter’s Basilica

As with the Vatican Museums, there is a lot to see and do in St. Peter’s Basilica. However, we do have some favourites that we recommend you include when you visit.

High Altar & Bernini’s Canopy (Baldachin)

The centrepiece of any church is normally the altar, and St. Peter’s Basilica is no exception. Whilst the basilica is home to at least 15 altars, the High Altar is naturally the most impressive.

This is situated directly underneath the dome of the basilica, and above what is said to be the resting place of St. Peter himself.

The most impressive part of the High Altar has to be the incredible sculpted bronze canopy (known as a Baldachin) designed by Bernini. This soars almost 100ft (30 metres) above the altar itself, with four helical columns presided over by four massive angels.

It’s hard to miss, and definitely something you will want to see in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Chair of St. Peter

The Chair of St. Peter, also known as the Throne of Saint Peter, is a wooden throne which is one of the more important relics in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The original wooden chair was believed to have belonged to St. Peter himself, and today it is displayed above the second major altar in the basilica, which is found in the apse of the basilica behind the main altar.

The chair is enclosed in a sculpted bronze encasing which was designed by Bernini, and which is itself an important artwork.

Michaelangelo’s Pietà

The Madonna della Pietà, often just referred to as La Pietà, is one of the many sculptures created by the Renaissance master Michaelangelo. It’s particularly noteworthy as it’s the only piece he ever signed.

It is also, of course, a masterpiece. The sculpture, which dates from the late 15th century, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus following his death. It is remarkably lifelike and beautifully detailed.

The Pieta is easy to find in Saint Peter’s Basilica, it is in the first chapel to the right as you enter the church.

The Vatican Grottoes (not to be confused with the Vatican Necropolis, both of which are under St. Peter’s Basilica) are where you will find the remains of the original 4th century Basilica. This stood until the 15th century, when the new Basilica was built.

You can visit the Vatican Grottoes for free as part of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, and it is well worth doing. This is where you can see sections of the original Basilica, as well as the graves of a great many Popes who were buried down here.

Access to the grottoes is near the high altar at the Pier of St. Andrew. Note that there may be a line to visit the grottoes, and photography is not allowed in the grottoes.

Pope Saint John Paul II’s grave

One of the most well-known Popes of the 20th century was Pope John Paul II, who because a Saint after his death. It is a popular place of pilgrimage, and can be found in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Pope was originally buried in the Vatican Grottoes, however, following his canonization in 2011 his remains were moved to the Chapel of St. Sebastian.

This can be found on the right of the central nave in the basilica (as you are looking at the High Altar from the entrance), and is next to the niche where you will find Michelangelo’s Pieta.

Pope Saint John Paul II’s grave is under the altar in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, and there is a marble slab marking his grave with the inscription IOANNES PAVLVS PP. II.

Statue of Saint Peter

At many pilgrimage locations around the world you will find some sort of item that pilgrims wish to touch, usually in order to receive a blessing.

In St. Peter’s Basilica, that item is the 13th century Statue of Saint Peter. This bronze statue features St. Peter sitting on a marble chair, holding the keys of heaven in one hand and giving a blessing with the other hand.

Touching (or kissing) the feet of the Saint is a very popular tradition that has likely been going on for hundreds of years. It’s quite easy to find the Statue of St. Peter, it is by a pillar in the centre of the nave near the High Altar. There will also likely be a line of people queuing up to touch the foot of the statue.

Tomb of Pope Alexander VII

I think it is fair to say that Bernini did quite a lot of work in and around St. Peter’s Basilica! His last great work, designed when he was 80, is the monumental tomb of Pope Alexander VII.

This was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII, who unfortunately died around 11 years before it was actually completed and unveiled in 1678.

The monument itself is created from marble and has six main figures, including Alexander himself. There are then four female statues representing four virtues, Charity, Truth, Prudence and Justice. The last statue features Death holding an hourglass to represent the passing of time and of course mortality.

The monument is found in the south transept of St. Peter’s Basilica.

My personal favourite activity at St. Peter’s Basilica is the climb to the top of the dome. This does have a small fee, which you can pay on site, but the experience is very much worth it.

The dome climb has you climbing from the bottom of St. Peter’s Basilica right to the very top of the dome, from where you will get excellent views across St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican, and most of Rome.

If you are not feeling fit enough to tackle the 500+ steps, you can pay a little bit more to take the elevator. However, this still requires climbing quite a few steps.

We actually prefer the steps over the elevator, not because of the sense of accomplishment, but because the route takes you up through some fascinating parts of the basilica that you otherwise wouldn’t get to see.

And yes, there is a definite sense of accomplishment when you see the view having done all the steps!

Note that you have to pay on site for the dome climb unless you book a tour like this which includes a dome climb. For a long time this was cash only, however the last time we visited they accepted cash and credit cards. When we visited it cost €8 to climb the steps and €10 to take the elevator. The entrance is to the left of the Basilica as you face the entrance, and is well signposted.

Planning your Vatican Visit

We’ll now cover some important information to help you plan you visit to the Vatican City attractions.

Options for how to visit the Vatican

You have a number of options for visiting the Vatican City attractions. These are as follows:

• Turn up on the day without any tickets and purchase tickets in person (not recommended except at the quietest times of year)
• Book tickets directly or via third-party sites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets
• Book a guided tour with a walking tour company
• Use a Rome attraction pass which includes some of the attractions in the Vatican City

How Long to Visit the Vatican For

As you have probably noted by now, there is a lot to do and see at the Vatican. We’d recommend spending at least four hours here, which will allow you to see the highlights of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as the main outdoor spaces like St. Peter’s Square.

However, there is plenty to see, so you could easily spend all day here, or even multiple days! But four hours would be our recommended minimum.

Most people do not have days to see everything within Vatican City. So here are some ideas for what to prioritize depending on how much time you have:

Suggested Half Day Vatican Itinerary

If you have half a day to visit the Vatican, we’d suggest the following highlights:

• St. Peter’s Basilica, including the High Altar, Pieta, Statue of St. Peter and Tomb of Pope Alexander VII
• Vatican Museums, to include the Pio Clementino Museum, Gallery of Maps, Borgia Apartment, Raphael Rooms, Momo’s Double Spiral Staircase, Sistine Chapel and Pinacoteca

We would recommend either booking a tour which includes the above attractions like this one  or  this one .

If you would prefer to be self-guided, then we recommend visiting St. Peter’s Basilica first at opening time, and then booking timed entry for the Vatican Museums at opening time. This will ensure you don’t get caught up in the lines for St. Peter’s Basilica, which get longer as the day progresses. You also won’t have to stand in the ticket line for the Vatican Museums.

Suggested Full Day Vatican Itinerary

If you have a full day to visit the Vatican sights then you can take your time and have more of a leisurely experience.

In this case we’d probably recommend something like the following:

• St. Peter’s Basilica, including the High Altar, Pieta, Statue of St. Peter, Tomb of Pope Alexander VII, the Grottes and Dome. You may also consider advance booking a Necropolis Tour.
• Break for lunch / coffee
• Vatican Museum, to include the Pio Clementino Museum, Gallery of Maps, Borgia Apartment, Raphael Rooms, Momo’s Double Spiral Staircase, Vatican Historical Museum, Sistine Chapel and Pinacoteca

Again, you could look at booking tours of both of these attractions. Timing wise, this will depend a little on the time of year you visit. In the summer months the Vatican Museums can get very hot, so you might want to do this in the morning and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the afternoon.

Tips for Pilgrims & Seeing the Religious Highlights

If you are visiting the Vatican as a pilgrim, then you will likely want to prioritize the religious highlights of the Vatican City.

Our recommended activities would be:

• Attending mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
• Attending a Papal Audience or Sunday Blessing if the Pope is in residence
• Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, including the Necropolis where St. Peter is buried
• Visiting the religious highlights in the Vatican Musuems, including the Vatican Historical Museum
• Visiting the museum gift shop which offers a number of religious items including rosaries and crucifixes.

You may also consider booking a specific tour which focuses more on the religious highlights and history of the Vatican attractions.

Can you Visit the Papal Apartments at the Vatican?

You cannot visit the private Papal Apartments where the current Pope lives. However, previous Popes have lived in different areas of the Apostolic Palace, and some of these areas can be visited as part of a visit to the Vatican Museums.

Two stand out locations in the Vatican Museum which were former Papal Apartments are the Raphael Rooms and the Borgia Apartments. These can both be visited as part of your Vatican Museums ticket.

Can You See the Pope at the Vatican?

When the Pope is in residence, it is possible to actually see him if you plan ahead.

The best option to see the Pope at the Vatican is to attend either a Papal Audience or a Papal Mass. These are free events, you just need to book a ticket.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Pope during the Sunday Blessing, or Angelus. When the Pope is in Rome he appears at his Papal Palace window at noon on a Sunday for around 15 minutes to bless those in St. Peter’s Square.

Where is Castel Gandolfo?

You may have heard of Castel Gandolfo, or the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo to give it its more formal name. This was long used as the Pope’s summer residence, but it is not found in Vatican City. It’s actually 16 miles (25 km) southeast of Rome, overlooking Lake Albano.

The Palace is a 135-acre complex of buildings and gardens, found in the town of Castel Gandolfo. The current Pope does not use it as his summer residence, but many previous Popes have.

The good news is that you can actually visit Castel Gandolfo and tour the Papal Palace and Gardens. You can either do this yourself, or you can book a tour from Rome which includes transport and access to the gardens and palace.

The Vatican Museums sell tickets for a tour which includes a tour of the Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens, a return train trip and a tour of the Palace and Gardens. Other companies also do tours, including this tour with Take Walks and these options on GetYourGuide.

Vatican Ticket Information

Below we’re going to cover everything you need to know regarding getting tickets for the Vatican City attractions. This will cover which attractions you need tickets for, how much tickets cost, where to get them and more!

Do You Need a Ticket for the Vatican?

You do not need a ticket to visit the Vatican City State.

However, many of attractions and activities do require visitors to have a ticket or to be part of a tour, which includes:

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• Papal Audience / Papal Mass
• St. Peter’s Basilica Dome

We recommend booking tickets in advance where possible to avoid disappointment.

How Much does it Cost to Visit the Vatican?

Prices for the attractions inside the Vatican City vary depending on exactly what you want to see. However, you can see an idea of prices for the attractions as follows.

Prices are correct as of January 2024.

Vatican Museums Ticket Price

There is an entry fee for the Vatican Museums. This is as follows:

• €20 if booked in person at the ticket office (not recommended due to the length of the lines!)
• €20 + €5 booking fee (€25 total) if booked on the official Vatican tickets website ( recommended option )
• From around €31 via a third-party site such as GetYourGuide ( check prices here ) or Tiqets ( see prices here ). Recommended option if the official site is sold out.

Note that if you buy a ticket from a third-party site our experience is that it is normally a voucher that needs to be exchanged for an actual ticket on entry. Instructions will be provided on purchase and there should be a specific entry line for holders of these tickets.

St. Peter’s Basilica Ticket Price

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, although there are some passes which include fast-track entry such as the Rome Tourist Card . Alternatively, you can book a guided tour which includes fast-track entry.

In busier months these can definitely be worth it as the lines for entry can be very long.

You can also pay for additional activities as follows:

• Sacristy & Treasury Museum of St. Peter’s Basilica (€5)
• Dome climb €8 (stairs), €10 (elevator)
• Official 1hr audioguide €5

Vatican Necropolis Ticket Price

The part of the Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter’s can only be visited on a guided tour. This costs €13 per person as of 2024. See the entry on the Vatican Necropolis for booking instructions.

Note the last time I booked this tour it included some discounts on St. Peter’s Basilica activities, including the museum, audio guide and dome entrance. These discounts were sent to me by e-mail after I booked the tour.

The Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis is a separate ticket. It includes a guided tour of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis lasting around 90 minutes, and ticket prices are €20 for adults in 2024. Tickets can be purchased online in advance from the official Vatican ticket site here .

Papal Audience / Papal Mass Ticket Price

Tickets for the Papal Audience and Papal Masses are free and there is no booking fee. See the section on tickets for the Papal Audience and Papal Mass for booking instructions.

Where to Buy Vatican Tickets

As covered above, some of the attractions in the Vatican require tickets. There are various options for purchasing tickets for these attractions, as follows.

Where to Buy Vatican Museums Tickets

Normally the first place you should check for tickets for the Vatican Museums is on the official website here . These tend to be the best value tickets and the website has a range of ticket options including basic entry tickets, guided tours, and tickets which include locations like the Vatican Gardens.

We also recommend checking ticket options on third-party sites, and we specifically recommend either GetYourGuide ( check prices here ) or Tiqets ( see prices here ).

Whilst prices on third party sites can be higher, they sometimes have more availability as well as more flexible cancellation policies (depending on the ticket type). So they are definitely worth checking.

Vatican Museum Tickets Sold Out? You still have options to visit the Vatican!

The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel are a very popular attraction, and they do have capacity limits. That means tickets can sell out, especially at busier times of year.

The good news is that even when tickets have sold out on the official site you still have options. These will be slightly more expensive, but often come with additional features.

First, check other ticket types on the official site here . Whilst the standard entry ticket might have sold out, other ticket types such as guided tours or tickets with access to other areas of the Vatican may have availability.

Next, check the options for Vatican entry on GetYourGuide . There are a range of options, including guided tours like this one which includes St. Peter’s Basilica. This can be a good way to get last minute entry to the Vatican and get a tour as well, which is our recommended way of seeing the Vatican Museums. GetYourGuide tickets also have a specific entry line.

Finally, check these tickets on Tiqets . They are pre-purchased so they do often have availability even if the official site is sold out.

Speaking of tours, our favourite walking tour operator in Italy is Take Walks. We’ve done walks with them all over the world, including a number of tours in the Vatican. You can see their Vatican tours here . Again, these might have availability even when entry tickets are sold out.

We hope that one of the above options will allow you to visit the Vatican Museums, even if you are looking for tickets at the last minute.

Where to Buy St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets

St. Peter’s Basilica is free, so there is no need to purchase tickets.

In previous years, there was the option to purchase a skip the line ticket, which allowed you to skip the often very long lines and get into the Basilica more quickly for a fee. This was discontinued in 2022 (although many sites still talk about it).

This ticket type is supposed to return. However, in the meantime, the only option for skipping the lines is to book a tour like this one .

Another option is to book a Vatican tour like this one which also include St. Peter’s Basilica. Some of the Take Walks tours also include St. Peter’s Basilica. You can see all their Rome tours here .

Where to Buy Vatican Necropolis Tickets

The only way to book Vatican Necropolis tickets is to e-mail the Vatican Scavi office at [email protected].

In the e-mail you need to provide the exact number of participants, their full names, language of the tour, the dates you are available to visit and your full contact information.

There is more information on the official website here , but the last time we checked it was a little out of date as it mentions faxing, when e-mail is actually the preferred option. When we have booked the tour we have always gotten a response within a day or two via e-mail.

Where to Buy Papal Audience and Papal Mass Tickets

Papal Audience and Papal Mass tickets are free, however you do need to arrange them in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.

The tickets are usually easy to come by (except at popular times like Easter), and you have a few options for getting them.

First, you will want to check there is an audience or mass on the date you wish to attend, which you can do on this Vatican page for 2024 . Note this page is normally updated around a month in advance.

Next, for advance bookings (recommended) and groups over 10, you need to contact the Prefecture of the Papal Household, which you can do as follows:

• by e-mail at [email protected]
• by fax on (+39) 06 698 85863
• by mail at: Prefecture of the Papal Household, 00120 Vatican City State

Include the number of tickets required, the event you wish to participate in, the date you wish to visit, your first and last name, and your e-mail address. You can see this information here on the official Vatican website where there is also a form you can download to make things easier.

If you book in advance, you will still need to collect your tickets in person at the Bronze Door in the Vatican (found under the right-hand colonnade in St Peter’s Square, here on Google Maps ), either the day before the event between 3pm and 7pm. or on the day from 7am. We would recommend collecting them the day before if possible.

It is also possible to obtain tickets when you are in Rome, just by going up to the Bronze Door and asking the Swiss Guards. These are of course subject to availability.

For more information on how to reserve tickets and attend a papal ceremony, see this page of the official Vatican website.

Can you Skip the Lines at the Vatican?

The various attractions at the Vatican have slightly different systems in place for access.

All the Vatican attractions have a security line, which cannot be skipped. However, there are different options for skipping the ticket lines, so we will go through these.

Vatican Museum Skip the Line Access

The main line you can skip at the Vatican is the ticket line. This line can be incredibly long on a busy day, and is definitely one you will want to try and skip.

The good news is that the Vatican Museum ticket line is easy to skip. You can skip this line by purchasing an advance ticket or booking a tour. Both of these include your entry ticket so you can skip the ticket line.

St. Peter’s Basilica Skip the Line Access

As of 2024 there is no fast-track entry for St. Peter’s Basilica. The only line is for security, but this can take a while on a busy day. We’d suggest getting here as early as possible to avoid this line.

The good news is that there are a few options for getting faster entry. Currently, these all involve booking a tour.

First, you can book a combined tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica like this . Group tours are able to use a special access corridor that leads from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, which entirely skips all the lines and saves you walking around the whole Vatican Museum building.

The disadvantage of this is that you don’t get the opportunity to explore the Vatican Museums at the end of your tour. Most tours which just cover the Vatican Museums end inside the Museum, so you can then go see any additional areas that the tour might have missed.

Another option is to just book a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica like this . Whilst these tours do still have to go through security, entry is normally quicker than the standard entry line.

Finally, you can book the Vatican Necropolis tour. This tour actually ends inside St. Peter’s Basilica, so you skip the main entry line.

Rome Passes that Include the Vatican

Another option for visiting the Vatican City attractions is to purchase an attraction pass which includes either entry or a guided tour of the attractions. There are a few to choose from, our suggestions to check out are:

• The Rome Tourist Card
• The Omnia Card
• The Omnia Vatican and Rome Card

The right card for you will depend on what other attractions you plan to visit during your time in Rome and the Vatican.

We’d recommend reading our guides to spending 1 day in Rome , 2 days in Rome and 3 days in Rome for some inspiration to help you decide what other attractions you would like to see.

When is the Vatican Free in 2024?

Visiting the Vatican City is always free. St. Peter’s Basilica is also free, although you can pay for a tour to skip the lines at busier times of year.

The Vatican Museums are normally free on the last Sunday of the month when it is open from 9am – 2pm (last entry 12.30pm). However, beware that the museums, which are normally busy anyway, can be super busy during free days.

Tours at the Vatican

We highly recommend taking a tour of the major Vatican attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. There is so much to see here, and having a guide can really help you navigate, see the major highlights, and really get a feel for what you are seeing.

Tours of the Vatican Museums

There are a lot of guided tours to choose from at the Vatican Museums. We’d recommend picking a tour that is at least 3 hours long as there is so much to see and a shorter tour might not cover enough.

We’ll go through some of our recommended tour options, although of course there are lots to choose from across a range of price points.

• The Pristine Sistine tour with Take Walks. It includes early entry, a smaller group, and it also includes St. Peter’s Basilica. We’ve done walks with Take Walks all around the world and always enjoyed their tours.
• Vatican Key Master Tour . Another tour with Take Walks, this is the most exclusive tour of the Vatican currently available. It basically has you walking through the Vatican and opening it up before anyone else is allowed inside. It’s an incredible experience, one of our favourite Vatican tours, but it’s not going to be for everyone. See our full Vatican Key Master Tour review to see if this tour might be right for you.
• This five hour tour covers many of the highlights of the Vatican Museums as well as St. Peter’s Basilica including the Dome.
• This is a shorter 3 hour tour which focuses on the highlights, and includes the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
• This private tour includes the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, and has the option for hotel pickup as well.
• Visiting the Vatican Museums with kids? Check out this private kid-friendly Vatican Museums tour

Of course, there are many more tours to choose from. You can see all the Take Walks Vatican tours here , as well as Vatican tours on GetYourGuide here and Viator here .

There are also full day tours of Rome which cover more than just the Vatican. If that’s of interest, we recommend this 1 day Best of Rome tour from Take Walks which includes the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Vatican Museums.

When it comes to picking the right tour, we recommend reading recent reviews and of course picking a tour that matches your budget.

Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica

As with the Vatican Museums, there’s a lot to see in St. Peter’s Basilica, and a tour can be a great way to do that.

Many of our recommended Vatican tours (see above) also include St. Peter’s Basilica, which can be a good option for visiting both locations. However, there are also tours which only visit the Basilica, which is what we’ll focus on in this section to avoid repeating ourselves!

• This tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Take Walks offers early entry, a dome climb and a visit to the crypt
• This tour of St. Peter’s Basilica includes the main areas of the Basilica as well as the Dome and Crypts
• This early morning tour of St. Peter’s Basilica will let you enjoy the Basilica with less crowds. It also includes a dome climb.

Again, there are plenty more tour options to choose from, including this selection on GetYourGuide and this selection on Viator .

Practicalities for Visiting the Vatican

Now we will go through some practicalities for visiting the Vatican, which covers all the things you need to think about when planning a visit.

Dress Code at the Vatican

Whilst the Vatican State does not have a dress code, the major attractions within it do. These are religious venues, and as such a dress code is strictly enforced.

We have seen many people turned away from entering these attractions because they didn’t dress appropriately. This is not unique to the Vatican, most religious sites across Rome & Italy have similar dress codes in place.

The good news is that the dress code is not hard to get right. Basically, everyone visiting the Vatican needs to have their knees covered and the shoulders, chest area, and upper arms covered. T-shirts are fine.

Men are also required to remove any hats. Women can continue to wear headwear.

Essentially, if you dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, you’ll be fine. You’ll want to avoid any short skirts, shorts, or dresses (they need to be knee length or longer). You’ll also want to avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops, crop tops, and low-cut shirts. Tops need to cover shoulders, cleavage, and midriff/belly. This applies for all visitors, including both men and women.

It is also worth noting that the dress code extends to include any visible personal objects or signs (including tattoos) that may offend Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, or common decency.

The Vatican is not specific about precisely what this means, but we’d advise against wearing any clothing which has explicit content, and if you feel you have body art which may offend, to consider covering it up.

You can learn more about the dress code requirements here .

We normally are appropriately dressed when travelling in Italy, but Jess always carries a travel wrap or travel scarf in her day bag just in case we forget or someone is being especially strict. A scarf or wrap is handy as it can be used to cover shoulders and chest or be tied around the waist.

Facilities at the Vatican

There are a number of toilets that are available for public use in the Vatican State. In St. Peter’s Square there are two toilets that are open to the public. There are also toilets inside St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

For food and drink, there are a number of food and drink options in the Vatican Museums, including self-service options and sit-down options.

You can bring your own snack food and soft drinks into the Vatican Museums, but be aware that you are not allowed to consume food or drink in the actual exhibition halls inside the Vatican Museum.

There are also a number of dining and cafe options around the Vatican area, including some of our favourite coffee shops in Rome and gelaterias in Rome .

Security at the Vatican

All the major attractions at the Vatican have security checks in place, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

There are fairly common-sense restrictions around what is not permitted inside. Items like knives, scissors and other metal tools are forbidden. Alcoholic beverages are also not permitted inside. All these items can however be stored in the Vatican Museums cloakroom which is a free service.

Weapons and hazardous materials are not permitted in Vatican attractions, and these cannot be stored at the Vatican Museums Cloak Room.

Accessibility at the Vatican

Despite being found in some very old buildings, the majority of attractions in the Vatican are set up to be as accessible as possible. Just be aware that parts of the outside are quite uneven, especially St. Peter’s Square which is cobbled, so care will need to be taken.

The Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire for those with mobility issues. Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are also permitted in most areas (with some exceptions). There are also lifts and ramps for access to most areas. Accessible toilets are also available.

There is a suggested itinerary for those with mobility issues which allows visitors to access the majority of the museum. You can see this on the accessibility page here .

The Vatican Museums also have special services for hearing impaired and both blind and partially sighted visitors. More information on these services can be found on the accessibility page .

St. Peter’s Basilica is also accessible via ramps and an elevator and the interior of the Basilica is flat. There are also accessible toilets near the entrance. However, the grotto and necropolis cannot be accessed by wheelchair users. There is an elevator to the dome area, however there are still some steps to the top of the dome making this not accessible.

If you are visiting the Vatican as a wheelchair user, this company offers wheelchair hire as well as wheelchair friendly guided tours of the main Vatican attractions.

Luggage storage Near the Vatican

Large bags, including rucksacks, suitcases, packages and containers are not allowed in the Vatican attractions. This also includes tripods, selfie-sticks umbrellas and any banners or signs. Walking sticks are permitted.

The Vatican Museums have a free cloakroom where these items can be left. St. Peter’s Basilica does not have a cloakroom, however there are a number of luggage storage options near the Vatican.

Tips for Visiting the Vatican

We have been lucky enough to visit the Vatican a number of times over the years, both as part of guided tours and on our own. From our experiences, we wanted to share some tips for visiting.

Plan your day in advance

You will definitely have an improved experience at the Vatican if you plan your activities in advance. That means booking any tours or tickets in advance.

The Vatican attractions, and especially the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, are amongst the most popular visitor attractions in the world. That means the queues can be long, and they can sell out.

It’s also important to check that the attractions you want to visit are going to be open on the days you plan to visit, and that events like a Papal Audience are not going to impact your visit.

Overall, having a plan for what you want to see and when, and booking any tickets, tours or passes in advance of your visit is going to make for a much more pleasant visit.

Consider a Guided Tour or Audio Guide

We highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Vatican attractions when you visit. A guide will be able to lead you to the highlights and help give you context and information about what you are seeing.

We’ve taken a number of tours of the Vatican, and our favourite tours have all been with Take Walks. Their guides really know their stuff, and their passion always shines through. That said, there are lots of tour operators running Vatican tours, so you should be able to find something that meets your requirements.

If you decide not to take a guided tour, then we recommend at least getting an audio guide. Both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica offer audioguides which are available just near the entrance for a small fee. These are well worth it in our opinion.

Dress and Pack Accordingly

First, you are going to want to ensure you adhere to the dress code for your visit to the various Vatican attractions, as already outlined in this section on what to wear in the Vatican.

The next thing you are definitely going to want to bring is a pair of comfortable shoes. You will be walking a great deal as you explore the Vatican, and a good pair of shoes will ensure your feet are comfortable throughout the day. Check out our guides to the best travel shoes for men and the best travel shoes for women to help you find the right shoes.

You will also want to bring some drinking water so you can stay hydrated, we always travel with a reusuable water bottle. A camera is of course also a must!

It is also a good idea to leave items such as large bags, luggage, food and drinks, knives, laser pointers, tripods, scissors, video cameras, etc. at your hotel if you don’t need them that day. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait in line to check them at the Cloakroom as they are not permitted inside the Vatican Museums.

Be Wary of on-site Touts at the Vatican

When you arrive at the Vatican it is very likely that you will be approached by official looking individuals offering you tours or tickets which might include fast-track entry. They may even try to tell you that you need to book a tour or a ticket with them in order to get entry.

Normally these folks are not affiliated with the Vatican. Instead, they are trying to sell guided tours or pre-bought fast-track tickets. These will generally be at inflated prices.

If you don’t pre-book a ticket for the Vatican Museums and find yourself in the long ticket lines, they will also attempt to persuade you to purchase a fast-track ticket, which will likely be tempting if the ticket line is stretching out of sight around the building.

Our recommendation is to skip the touts entirely, and to plan your tickets in advance. That way, when you are approached, you can just politely refuse their services. If you do happen to turn up at the Vatican without a ticket, I’d suggest finding a coffee shop or similar location with free WiFi and either checking the official website, or using a service like GetYourGuide or Tiqets to book a same day ticket.

Skip the Free Days, or Arrive Very Early

As mentioned previously, the Vatican Museums are free on some days of the year. Whilst these days can be a good way to see the museums without spending any money, they are also incredibly popular. The queues stretch for hours on the free days.

If you really want to visit the Vatican Museums on a free day, then I would advise arriving as early as possible so you don’t have to queue for as long.

Arrive Early

Regardless of whether or not you are visiting on a free day, you will want to arrive early for both St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

For St. Peter’s Basilica, which is free to visit, this is because the line for security tends to just get longer as the day progresses. The Basilica opens early, so if you can be here at opening time you will be able to skip that lengthy wait.

For the Vatican Museums, if you pre-book your ticket, you will be visiting with timed entry. We suggest booking your entry for as early in the day as possible, especially in the warmer months.

This is because the majority of the Vatican Museums are not air-conditioned, and it gets progressively hotter as the day goes by. If you arrive early, you will be able to explore with fewer people and at more manageable temperatures.

If you are taking a a guided tour, then we suggest booking a tour with early entry for the same reasons, but also so you can experience the museums with even fewer people.

Escape the Crowds at the Vatican.

Almost any time of year that you visit the Vatican it is going to be crowded, and it just seems to get busier as the day goes on. Between giant tour groups and security guards ushering you on, it can become a bit of an overwhelming experience.

The good news is that there are far less popular areas of the Vatican that are well worth visiting, where you can take a break from the crowds. Whilst the Map Room, Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms are nearly always crowded, locations like the Pinacoteca and Carriage Pavillion receive far fewer visitors.

If you want to really escape the crowds, head to the basement level where you’ll find the coin and stamp collection ( Museo Filatelico e Numismatico ). Sure, it might not have quite the headline status of the Sistine Chapel, but it is almost guaranteed to be a more peaceful experience!

Attractions Near the Vatican

Vatican City is home to a great many attractions, so you definitely won’t run out of things to do. However, if you are planning your time in Rome and want to see some other sights on the same day you might be wondering what other attractions are near the Vatican. Here are some ideas for nearby attractions, ordered by distance.

• Museum of Leonardo Da Vinci – this small museum is dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci’s life and works. There are no original artworks but it is interesting nonetheless. 5 minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square.
• Castel Sant’Angelo – a stunning 2nd century castle, 10 minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square
• Piazza Navona – one of Rome’s most famous squares, with a stunning Bernini waterfall as the centrepiece. 20 minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square
• Villa Farnesina – a beautiful Renaissance-era suburban villa, found in trendy Trastevere neighbourhood, 20 minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square
• Belvedere del Gianicolo – a popular viewpoint which overlooks the city of Rome. 25 minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square.

There are of course more sights all around Rome that you can visit, but this should give you some ideas of nearby attractions to consider.

Where to Stay Near the Vatican

There are a lot of accommodation options in Rome, across a wide range of budget and styles. Here, we’ll share some options for accommodation near the Vatican. These are ordered approximately by distance. Prices do vary, so you will want to compare before booking.

We’d recommend booking a hotel with air-conditioning if visiting in the summer especially as Rome can get very hot.

• Residenza Paolo VI – this well-rated four star hotel set in a converted monastery is just moments away from St. Peter’s Basilica. There are lovely views of both the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square from the Terrace, and it’s only 15 minutes’ walk from the Vatican Museums.
• Palazzo Cardinal Cesi – another well-rated four-star hotel just 150 yards from Saint Peter’s Square. The 15th century building has a courtyard garden and a selection of comfortable rooms to choose from.
• Elle Boutique Hotel -this four-star boutique hotel is around 500 yards from St. Peter’s Basilica with views of the Dome.
• Starhotels Michelangelo Rome – another well-review four-star hotel just 500 yards from St. Peter’s Basilica offering classically decorated rooms. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
• Tmark Hotel Vaticano – this four-star hotel is moments from the entrance to the Vatican Museums and about a 10 minute walk to St. Peter’s Square.
• Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House – this well reviewed hotel is just three minutes’ walk from the Vatican Museums and around 10 minutes from St. Peter’s Square
• Hotel Silla – this 2-star hotels offers great value accommodation just eight minutes walk from the Vatican Museums and 13 minutes from St. Peter’s Square. It’s also right next to Ottaviano metro station, for easy access to sights around Rome.
• Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá – this luxury 5* hotel is abouta 15 minute walk from St. Peter’s Square or 25 minutes to the Vatican Museums entrance. It’s also just 10 minutes from the trendy Trastevere region.

Of course, there are many more options. See the listings for accommodation near the Vatican on Booking.com here .

How to Find More Information on Visiting the Vatican?

There are a great many websites with information on visiting the Vatican (including this one!).

I have endeavored to make this site as accurate as possible based on our personal experience and knowledge from multiple visits to the Vatican over many years.

There are of course official sites for the Vatican which I would also recommend reading. These are:

• https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html – the official Vatican website, which has information on opening times and visiting, attending Papal Audiences , visiting St Peter’s Basilica and more. I’ll be honest, this site can be difficult to navigate and pages are not always available, but it’s the best place to start
• https://www.vaticanstate.va/it/ – the official Vatican State website, which has information on services, live webcams and history. Currently only in Italian as far as we can tell.
• https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html – the official Vatican Museums website, where you can purchase tickets, learn about the collection, take virtual tours, and plan your visit. Well worth visiting in advance of your trip to get some ideas for what to see.

Personally, I would suggest starting with the above sites when looking for information on visiting the Vatican and purchasing tickets. You can also see a list of official Vatican websites here .

If you have any questions, we’re also happy to answer them in the comments below.

Further Reading for Visiting Rome

That’s it for our guide to visiting the Vatican. We also wanted to share some more guides we’ve put together for Rome, based on our many visits to the city.

We’ve also visited many other parts of Italy, and we’ve included some of these posts below as well, as well as some other resources we think you’ll find useful.

• We have a guide to spending  1 day in Rome , as well as guides for  2 days in Rome  and  3 days in Rome , which should help you plan your time effectively. We also have a guide to  things to do in Rome  in general.
• You can’t visit Rome without trying gelato – the Italian version of ice cream. See all our favourite places to find the  best gelato in Rome
• Another popular Italian pastime is drinking coffee, particularly espresso! See some of the  best cafes to drink coffee in Rome
• We’ve taken a number of other walking tours in Rome. See our guide to our favourite  walking tours of Rome here , and our favourite Rome food tours here .
• We also have a full review of the Vatican VIP Key Master’s tour , which is one of the most exclusive tours of the Vatican you can take.
• We have a detailed guide to  visiting the Borghese Gallery in Rome  which is one of our favorite art museums in Rome.
• We also have a  guide to visiting the Colosseum , which has everything you need to know to plan your visit to this remarkable attraction
• Beyond Rome, we have a  guide to Florence , suggested  things to do in Milan , and tips for  a day in Venice
• We also have a detailed  10 day Italy itinerary  to help you plan a trip in this wonderful country
• If you’re planning on visiting Rome in summer, read our  tips for visiting a European city in summer  to stay sane
• If you’re looking for a physical (or Kindle!) guidebook, we recommend the latest edition of  Rick Steves Rome guide , which has lots of practical information to help you make the most of your stay

And that’s the end of guide to visiting the Vatican City and its attractions. We hope you found it useful. As always, if you have any questions or feedback on this post, let us know in the comments below!

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Alexander says

25th March 2023 at 1:56 pm

All your photos are simply awesome and your posts are speaking a lot of useful information. Thank you for sharing this article.

Laurence Norah says

25th March 2023 at 5:11 pm

Thanks Alexander!

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St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (Vatican)

Visit the 'basilica di san pietro' church in vatican city - tickets & tours.

Useful info, tours and tickets for visiting Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Discover 'Basilica di San Pietro', the most holiest church of Vatican City. Read how you can visit the Basilica, dome and papal tombs.

Since 1929, Vatican City has formed the spiritual centre of the Catholic church and it is also where the pope resides. Vatican City is an independent state measuring just 44 hectares and has its own security service, the ‘Swiss Guard’. This article is about visiting St. Peter's Basilica . If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel, read this useful article about the Sistine Chapel visit.

History St. Peter’s Basilica

The ‘Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano’ was built between 1506 and 1626 on the site of a church dating from the time of emperor Constantine the Great (324). According to tradition, this church contained the grave of Peter. Because building St. Peters Basilica took so long, several designers worked on it, including Bramante, Raphael, Antonio del Sangallo, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. Many of the detailed decorations in the Vatican Church are the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. One of the most impressive aspects of the Basilica are its dimensions – 136 metres high and 186x123 metres wide.

Sightseeing in St Peters Basilica

• A main attraction in Saint Peter's Basilica is ‘ La Pieta ’. This detailed 1499 artwork is the only work signed by Michelangelo and can be found in the first side chapel to the right. It is a statue of Mary holding the body of Jesus.
• The gigantic bronze baldachin by Bernini from 1633, placed over where Peter is believed to be buried. One story says that the cladding was made with bronze that came from the ceiling of the Pantheon .
• Another attraction is the bronze statue of Peter. The foot has worn away as a result of pilgrims kissing it. This statue stands at the base of one of four large columns that support the dome.
• The ’Cathedra di San Pietro’ from 1655 in the choir. This bronze-clad wooden chair has to be carried by four people. Tradition has it that Peter once sat on it.
• The tomb of Alexander VII Chigi (left nave) was also designed by Bernini. A gilded figure with an hourglass represents the passing of time and death that comes for us all.
• Using a separate entrance you can also visit the crypts with the 148 tombs (catacombs) of the popes.

Spectacular Dome of St. Peter

In addition, you can choose to climb the spectacular dome. 550 steps lead to a wonderful view of Rome and the Vatican. After passing security, you will find a ticket window on the right side of the Basilica. Here you can buy tickets for the dome. You can choose to walk all the steps, or go part of the way with a lift for some additional euros. The dome climb is also included in many guided tours , so you don't have to worry about your tickets and huge queues.

Necropolis of the Vatican

There are excavations of the old necropolis located under the Vatican. Every day, only a select group of 250 people are allowed to visit these excavations (‘scavi’) of the Roman burial site with the grave of the apostle Peter – Saint Peter. Not suitable for people who get claustrophobic ( More information about this tour can be found here ).

Saint Peter's Square & Papal Audience

The large square in the Vatican is known primarily from the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speeches by the Pope at Easter and Christmas. Weather permitting, and if he is in Rome, a service is held here every Wednesday by the Pope. If you would like to attend this audience of the Pope on Wednesday (you will find tickets for the Papal audience on this website ). The enormous square was designed in the 17th century by Bernini after being commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. The buildings around the elliptical shape symbolise the church's arms, welcoming the faithful into the Kingdom of Heaven. Tip: Are you visiting the square on a Sunday? At noon, the pope will give his blessing from the window of his study.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets & Tours

Other sights in vatican city.

• The Vatican museums with the Sistine Chapel: Read more about the Vatican Museums where you'll find all information about the museums of the Vatican and the Cappella Sistina.
• The Vatican gardens : Behind the Vatican museums, there are 23 hectares of Vatican Gardens , making up over 50 percent of the area of Vatican City. It is now possible to visit these gardens in a small, open bus. To visit the Vatican gardens you will need to book this Vatican tour .

Video: History of Vatican City

Where is st. peter's basilica in rome.

The Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City , the independent state located within the city of Rome Italy. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is home to the Pope and the administration of the Catholic Church. The Vatican Museums are located within the boundaries of Vatican City, just north of Saint Peter's Basilica . The main entrance to the Vatican Museums is located on Viale Vaticano , near St. Peter's Square.

FAQ Saint Peters Vatican Church Rome

Do i have to buy tickets for st. peter's basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica is free to visit. The queues in front of the basilica are huge, so you will be queued for more than an hour. You can avoid this by buying special skip the line tickets for St. Peter's Basilica. You will also need to purchase an entrance ticket to visit the dome.

Can I also visit the Sistine Chapel?

The Sistine Chapel is not located in St. Peter's Basilica, but in the adjacent Vatican Museums. Visiting this museum with the Sistine Chapel requires the purchase of tickets . The museum often has huge queues and can certainly be full in high season.

Can I book a guided tour?

On this website can your read more about booking guided tours.

Is there a dress code in St. Peter's Basilica?

Please wear appropriate clothing in the Vatican church that covers the shoulders and knees.

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St. Peter’s Basilica: A pristine chapel within the historic Vatican City

Experience the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica. From the Papal Altar to the Vatican Grottoes, explore the marvels within this architectural wonder.

Get insider tips for visiting St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Explore the Vatican's crown jewel and uncover its hidden gems

In the heart of Rome is a place that stands as a testament to the enduring power and influence of the Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, is a site of both religious significance and architectural grandeur. Let us embark on a journey to discover the captivating charm of this iconic basilica. The Basilica is housed within the famous Vatican city. Check out our Vatican City overview to get a sense of how St. Peter’s fits into the geography and history of the city.

Table of Contents

Historical Significance

The history of St. Peter’s Basilica is intertwined with that of Christianity itself. Located in Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, the basilica is named after Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and considered by Catholics to be the first pope. Legend has it that Saint Peter was crucified upside down in the first century AD, and this sacred site is said to be the final resting place of his remains.

The original St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed on this spot in the fourth century by Emperor Constantine, but it wasn’t until the Renaissance that the basilica took its present form. Pope Julius II commissioned the construction of the current basilica in the early 16th century, enlisting the talents of renowned architects such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Their collective vision and artistic brilliance would transform St. Peter’s into the awe-inspiring edifice we see today.

Architectural Marvel

As you approach St. Peter’s Basilica, the sheer scale of the structure becomes immediately apparent. The façade, with its colossal Corinthian columns and statues of Christ, John the Baptist, and eleven of the apostles, leaves a profound impression on all who behold it. The façade is flanked by two majestic bell towers, a remarkable feat of architectural harmony.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by the vastness of the basilica’s interior. The soaring dome, designed by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetics. Its grandeur is unmatched, and the oculus at its centre allows a cascade of divine light to pour in, creating a heavenly atmosphere within the basilica.

The interior is lavishly decorated with precious materials such as marble, stucco, and gold. The walls are adorned with numerous works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pieta, which depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus. This iconic sculpture exemplifies the Renaissance’s pursuit of perfection in form and emotion.

The history behind the allure of St. Peter’s Basilica

The baldacchino and the nave.

One of the most striking features of St. Peter’s Basilica is the Baldacchino, an enormous bronze canopy that stands over the high altar. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Baldacchino is a testament to Baroque artistry and craftsmanship. Its twisted columns and intricate details are nothing short of mesmerising.

The nave of the basilica is an imposing space, flanked by rows of colossal statues of saints and apostles. The design of the nave draws the eye towards the high altar and the majestic dome above, creating a sense of spiritual ascent.

The Papal Altar and Confession

The Papal Altar, situated directly beneath the Baldacchino, is the focal point of St. Peter’s Basilica. This is where the Pope presides over liturgical ceremonies and where countless pilgrims come to receive the sacraments. Beneath the Papal Altar lies the Confession, a space believed to be directly above the tomb of Saint Peter. Pilgrims often gather here to offer their prayers and seek solace in the presence of the apostle’s remains.

Chapels and Niche Altars

St. Peter’s Basilica is not just a single space but a labyrinthine wonder of chapels and niche altars, each dedicated to a different saint or aspect of Christian faith. The Chapel of the Madonna of Column, for instance, houses a revered 15th-century image of the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament showcases Bernini’s masterful work in transforming marble into ethereal drapery.

As you explore these various chapels and alcoves, you will encounter a treasure trove of artistic and religious marvels. The spectacular Vatican Museums are well worth a visit. We have various tours on offer that take in both the Vatican and the Vatican Museums . From mosaic-covered domes to intricate frescoes, each corner of the basilica offers a unique experience.

The Vatican Grottoes

Beneath the basilica lies another hidden world, the Vatican Grottoes. This subterranean complex houses the tombs of numerous popes, including the recently canonised Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII. Pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike can explore this sacred space to gain a deeper understanding of the Church’s past and its spiritual legacy.

The Dome and the Dome Climb

One of the most remarkable features of St. Peter’s Basilica is the dome, designed by Michelangelo. The ascent to the top of the dome provides a panoramic view of the Vatican City and the sprawling city of Rome beyond. The climb itself is an experience, with a narrow spiral staircase leading to the summit. The reward, however, is a breathtaking vista that spans the Tiber River, the Roman Forum , and the Colosseum.

Papal Audiences and Masses

St. Peter’s Basilica is not merely a tourist attraction; it is the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church. For those fortunate enough to visit during a papal audience or Mass, the experience can be deeply moving. The faithful gather in the vast square outside the basilica , awaiting the Pope’s address or participating in the solemnity of the Mass. Witnessing the Pope’s presence in this historic setting is a profound and unforgettable experience.

Where is St Peters Basilica

Visiting Tips

Before you embark on your journey to St. Peter’s Basilica, here are a few practical tips to enhance your visit:

Dress Modestly: As a place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts. It’s advisable to carry a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders if needed.

Security Checks: Be prepared for security checks when entering the basilica. This includes bag inspections and metal detectors.

Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the basilica’s history and significance. Knowledgeable guides can provide valuable insights and take you to hidden gems within the complex.

Timing: St. Peter’s Basilica can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid long queues, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Respectful Behaviour: Remember that St. Peter’s Basilica is a place of worship. Maintain a respectful demeanour, refrain from loud conversations, and turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent mode.

Photography: While photography is allowed, be mindful of the signs indicating restricted areas. Flash photography is typically not permitted inside the basilica.

Looking for restaurants near St. Peter’s Basilica ? Here are some suggestions curated by Tripadvisor

St. Peter’s Basilica stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the boundless creativity of human architecture and artistry. This iconic basilica is not merely a structure; it is a living testament to centuries of history and devotion.

From the grandeur of its façade to the heavenly beauty of its dome, from the solemnity of the Papal Altar to the intimacy of the Vatican Grottoes, St. Peter’s Basilica invites visitors to explore its profound spiritual and artistic treasures. It is a place where history, religion, and art converge to create an experience that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on all who enter its hallowed halls.

As you stand before the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, you are not just witnessing an architectural marvel; you are immersing yourself in a journey through the ages, a journey that takes you from the humble beginnings of Christianity to the grandeur of the Renaissance and beyond. It is a journey that will forever resonate in your heart and mind, an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the eternal city of Rome .

Here are the tours we recommend that include St Peters Basilica

Rome: Vatican Museums And St. Peter’s Basilica Private Tour St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour: Reserved Entrance Tour of Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with Ticket St. Peter’s Basilica Skip-the-line guided tour

This article is part of our series on Vatican City . Explore all the attractions of this fascinating City at the heart of Europe. It’s truly a must-visit if you’re a visitor to Rome.

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All about Vatican City Commonly Asked Rome Questions Rome Accommodation Rome Food and Drink Rome History and Culture Rome Neighbourhoods Rome Tours and Must-See Attractions Rome's Top Tours

Hey there, I’m Joyce , just one of the folks scribbling away over at VisitRome.com. My mission? Making your travel dreams a reality through some nifty words. Got a question or craving some travel tips? Hit me up at [email protected] . Let’s make your adventures legendary!

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Visits to the dome of St. Peter’s

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Climbing St Peter’s dome in the Vatican

Tickets for St. Peter’s Dome

Once you pass the security control and access the Basilica , you will finally see its architecture and magnificent works of art. From all the things you can do, we recommend one:  climb up to the dome in St Peter’s , the work of the genius, Michelangelo.

Short historical outline

The dome is the  symbol of the Church of Rome  and the “beacon” that draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the heart of Christianity. It was created by  Michelangelo  starting in 1546, during the papacy of Paul III, but it was interrupted upon Michelangelo’s death, at the height of the work.

15 years later, with Sixtus V, Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana were ordered to continue with the work for which they were given a lot of resources. As a result, after only 22 months, the work was finished, an event which was celebrated with a solemn mass and fireworks. In the following years, the facing and the lead lining were completed, and the golden bronze sphere, culminating in a cross, was placed.

What you will find – How to climb up St Peter’s Basilica’s dome

Once you enter the Basilica, walk forward a little and then look right: you will see the  sign “Cupola”.  Follow the sign until you reach the ticket office, together with a lift which goes up to the dome.

You have 2 options:

1. Climb all the way by foot (551 steps) 2. Take the lift and then climb the rest on foot (320 steps)

The decision is yours. Many consider that the small difference in price is worth it to avoid the initial exhausting section. In addition, there is not much to see.

If you take the lift, you will reach an  interior balcony  which is actually the base of the dome. Here you can stop calmly and look at the great dome, the beautiful mosaics or the beautiful perspectives of the inside of the Basilica from above.

From here, you can start to  climb the spiral staircase  which leads up to the upper area, or go down a few steps to  a terrace  where you will find bathrooms, water fountain, a souvenir shop and a café. From the terrace, you can see the Piazza and the upper statues.

If you climb the spiral staircase, hold your breath and prepare for a climb through a narrow space  only livened up by some small windows which provide views of the outside. The climb takes around 10 minutes.

Once at the top, the icing on the cake: the  spectacular 360º views  of St Peter’s Square , the Vatican Gardens and the city of Rome.

There is another staircase for the way back down. The experience can be done in an hour.

Practical information

From October 1st to March 31st – from 8:00 to 17:00 From April 1st to September 30th – from 8:00 to 18:00

More tours & tickets – The dome of St. Peter’s

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

The Best Vatican Tours & Tickets

The Vatican is the most popular attraction in Rome, hosting millions of visitors each year. Booking a small-group guided tour or skip-the-line access in advance is highly recommended.

Related links

Vatican museums guide The tomb of John Paul II

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How To See St. Peter’s Tomb in Vatican City

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: November 3, 2022

Rome is full of incredible things to visit, but if you want something really exclusive, there’s only one place to go: the Vatican Scavi. Also known as the Vatican City Necropolis, The Tomb of the Dead, or St. Peter’s Tomb, the Scavi is famous for being the final resting place of one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, Peter. Here’s how you can see St. Peter’s Tomb.

Pro Tip:  Planning your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our  guide to Vatican City  for more planning resources, our  top St. Peter’s Basilica tours  for a memorable trip, and  how to climb St. Peter’s Dome .

Visiting St. Peter’s Tomb: What We’ll Cover

If you want to see St. Peter’s Tomb, you’ll need to put a visit to the Vatican Scavi on your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about St. Peter’s Tomb, where to see it, and how to get tickets.

What is the Vatican Necropolis?

• Where is St. Peter’s Tomb?
• How to get tickets
• How long is the Scavi / Necropolis tour?
• What are the Vatican Grottoes?

First off, let’s define the Greek word Necropolis. “Necro” means dead, and “Polis” means city. Put them together and you have the City of the Dead—or what we would call a cemetery today.

In Ancient Roman times, the area across the river (where the Vatican is today) was not a very hospitable part of the city. It was mostly low-lying, which meant flooding and malaria. This is one of the reasons why it was a popular area for cemeteries (necropoli). Recent excavations have found dozens of Mausolea in the area.

The necropolis wasn’t always underground. Originally, it was an open-air cemetery with tombs and mausolea. The mausoleums unearthed were initially labeled with the Greek alphabet letters Φ (phi), Χ (chi), and Ψ (Psi). Later, they were marked with Latin letters.

Where is St. Peter’s Tomb?

In the 1940s, as they were expanding the underground area to bury the popes who had died, they found the ancient necropolis and a significant piece of ancient graffiti, which translated as “Peter is here.”

As the story goes, St. Peter was crucified in Rome in A.D. 64 on the orders of Emperor Nero. Then, when Constantine became the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity in the 4th century, he had a church built on the site of St. Peter’s grave—this was the original St. Peter’s Basilica. When Michelangelo designed the current Saint Peter’s Basilica, he centered the dome right over the spot where St. Peter’s grave was.

There is some debate as to whether the bones really are St. Peter’s. However, there are a few archaeologists today who are quite sure that bone fragments retrieved here belonged to the man himself.

If you search online for the Vatican Necropolis, you will often come across the word Scavi , which simply means excavations in Italian. After the above-mentioned excavations were complete, they decided to offer visits to the necropolis. As a result, the tour was called the Scavi Tour named after the excavations of the 1940s and this is where you’ll visit St. Peter’s Tomb.

How To Get Tickets To See St. Peter’s Tomb

The only way to get tickets for the Vatican Scavi is to email the Scavi Office directly, at [email protected]. You will need to provide the following in the email:

• The exact number of visitors (please remember that no children under 15 are allowed).
• The names and surnames of each visitor you need tickets for.
• Your preferred language for the tour.
• The dates you are available for a visit (the more you give, the more chance you have!).
• Your contact information.

It’s best to send the email as early as possible. In fact, the best time would be to send the email the moment you book your flights. It’s a VIP experience for a reason—only 250 people are allowed through each day! If you compare that to the 20,000 that visit the Vatican Museums, it’s an incredibly small number. Tickets are notoriously hard to get and tours get booked up months and months in advance.

Tickets are €13 per person. Concession tickets are not available, and when you receive confirmation of an available spot, you must pay for the tickets online within 10 days in order to secure them.

Popular Vatican Tours

Best Selling Tour

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. It enters the Vatican City & Museums an hour before the public opening and visits the Sistine Chapel as it opens. Admissions are included and our English-speaking guides do a wonderful job bringing the museums to life!

Top Rated Tour

Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tour with Papal Tombs

Get the most out of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica by joining a guided tour up to the top of the tallest dome in the world! Our tour includes all admissions including an elevator to the highest possible point and an English-speaking guide.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to Vatican City as you plan your trip.

How Long is the Scavi / Necropolis Tour?

The tour includes a maximum of 12 people and lasts around 90 minutes. While the guided tour only takes around 1.5 hours, be sure to factor in the time it will take you to find the entrance and show your tickets as you plan.

You’ll get to see the actual tomb of St. Peter and the bones of the dead Apostle at the end of the tour in the Vatican grottoes, underneath the Basilica. You are free to explore these for as long as you like before heading up to see the Basilica.

What Are The Vatican Grottoes?

The Vatican Grottoes is a vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica, which you’ll be able to see at the end of the Scavi tour. It contains the tombs and sarcophagi of many popes, as well as secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden.

There are also some incredible archaeological sights, such as the remaining columns from the original 4th-century basilica. The entrance is in the Pier of St. Andrew near the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, and it’s free to enter. However, there may well be a line. These grottoes form part of our Detailed Itinerary Vatican Tour .

This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. It enters the Vatican Museums an hour before the general public and visits the Sistine Chapel before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica. Our English-speaking guides will amaze you with how they bring the museums to life!

Exclusive Value

Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

You’ve heard about the crowds at the Vatican, but did you know that the museums are almost empty in the evening? This night tour of the Vatican is perfect for those who prefer to explore Rome later at night. You’ll have 2 hours of a guided tour to key areas in the Vatican, plus the Sistine Chapel. And you’re welcome to stay on your own until the museums close at 10 pm!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

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December 12, 2019

This was one of the most amazing experiences we had in an amazing trip to Rome. Well worth the effort to try to get tickets, we got those first and planned the rest of our trip around them

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Guide for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica: Key attractions & insider tips

St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Vatican City, has always captivated me with its magnificent architecture and historical significance. As the largest and most important Roman Catholic church in the world, this awe-inspiring sanctuary has always been a must-visit destination on my travel bucket list -especially after reading Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons .

Though technically separate, I considered this an extension of my Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel tour . It wasn’t just the impressive size that drew me to this architectural wonder; it’s the rich history, stunning artwork, and sheer beauty that made it such a remarkable and inspiring place to visit.

In this blog post, I will share my personal experience exploring this incredible monument and its stunning treasures that I discovered within the walls of St. Peter’s Basilica. You will discover how to get breathtaking views from the dome and the beautiful artworks and sculptures inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The blog also, includes insights from my guided tour through the Vatican Cathedral along with tips on when to visit, how to avoid the crowd, the tickets and where to book them.

Join me as we delve into the wonders of this iconic landmark, and I hope my journey inspires you to embark on your own unforgettable adventure to St. Peter’s Basilica!

Quick links for your tour of the Vatican Cathedral

Some of these links are likely to make your visit to the Vatican City and Museum easier and more enjoyable. Check them out.

• Booking.com  has several stay options in the Prati district of Rome – which is the closest that you can stay to Vatican City and museum.
• St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour – includes skip-the-line tickets
• Rome guided tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour
• St. Peter’s Basilica Tour with Dome and Papal Tombs
• Saint Peter’s Basilica Digital Audioguide
• Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb
• Viator.com is another website that offers good tours of St. Peter’s Basilica. One of them includes the Vatican Necropolis – which is accessible only to 250 people per day and includes the tomb of Saint Peter himself. You can book this Scavi tour of tomb of St. Peter and the Basilica .
• For any of your travel needs or general shopping, consider using  Amazon  through  this link.
• 1 History of St. Peter’s Basilica
• 2 Interesting Facts about St. Peter’s Basilica
• 3 Architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica
• 4.1 The Central Nave of St Peters Basilica, Rome
• 4.2 Baldachin – an unmissable attraction when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica
• 4.3 Chair of St. Peter
• 4.4.1 The Pieta – the iconic attraction of St. Peter’s Basilica
• 4.4.2 Bronze Statue of Saint Peter
• 4.4.3 The gigantic statue of St. Paul in the Vatican Square
• 4.5 Holy Door – not accessible during the non-Jubilee years
• 4.6 Vatican Grottoes underneath the St. Peter’s Basilica
• 4.7 St. Peter’s Tomb and the Vatican Necropolis
• 4.8 Treasury of St. Peter’s
• 4.9 The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
• 4.10 St. Peter’s Square
• 4.11 Pope’s Residence or the Lateran Palace 
• 5 Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica
• 6.1 What is the entrance fee for St. Peter’s Basilica?
• 6.2 What is the best way of getting to St. Peter’s Basilica from Rome?
• 6.3 Can you enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the Sistine Chapel?
• 6.4 When do the Holy doors of the Vatican Cathedral open next?
• 6.5 How much time should one spend visiting St. Peter’s Basilica?

History of St. Peter’s Basilica

The majestic St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was actually an enclave in Rome. The current structure actually replaced an aging St. Peter’s Basilica, which was constructed in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great . The early church housed the body of Saint Peter the Apostle , one of Jesus Christ’s disciples and the first Pope. When the Old St. Peter’s Basilica fell into a state of disrepair, a decision to build a new one.

The construction of the current St. Peter’s Basilica began on April 18, 1506, under the leadership of Pope Julius II . It was designed as a three-aisled Latin cross, featuring a grand dome at its crossing, directly above the high altar. This altar covers the revered shrine of St. Peter the Apostle, where his remains are believed to have been found.

The project was an ambitious and lengthy one, taking more than a century to complete , with the beautiful dome designed by Michelangelo in 1546 as one of its crowning achievements. Standing at a majestic 452 feet in height, this dome has become a defining feature of St. Peter’s Basilica.

On November 18, 1626, the magnificence of the new basilica was finally unveiled, showcasing the architectural prowess and artistic talents of individuals like Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Since then, St. Peter’s Basilica has stood as the jewel of the Vatican and an important pilgrimage site for believers worldwide.

With this rich history in mind, I am sure you will add visiting St Peters Basilica to your list of must-see destinations in Rome . From the soaring dome to the sacred altar and the breathtaking art, this remarkable basilica has something to leave everyone in awe!

Interesting Facts about St. Peter’s Basilica

If the history of this Vatican Cathedral is not enough for you to be fascinated, then here are some incredible facts that enhance its allure. To be honest, some of these I did not even know till I finally went visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. Check them out –

• St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world! With a length of 218 meters and a height of 136 meters, its size is truly awe-inspiring. The ceiling alone is 150 feet above the ground, adorned with a stunning gold coffered design. The entire structure dominates the skyline of Rome’s city center (not just the Vatican City, you can see it from Rome)
• St. Peter’s Basilica is not actually a cathedral! Despite popular belief, St. Peter’s Basilica is not a cathedral because it is not the main church of the diocese. It is, however, the main church of the Vatican City and a significant place for Catholics worldwide.
• The Stadium of Nero, where St. Peter was martyred, lies under the Basilica . After St. Peter’s crucifixion, his body was buried in a nearby necropolis. As a true testament to his legacy, this incredible basilica was built over his tomb, turning the once-pagan site into a symbol of Christian faith.
• One of the most thrilling experiences for any visitor is to climb the St. Peter’s Basilica dome . Designed by Michelangelo, the dome offers magnificent views of the Vatican City and Rome. It’s one of the highest domes in the world and to reach the summit, you’ll need to climb 491 steps.
• You would have seen pictures of the magnificent statues on the façade of the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Rome ? Well, the colossal statues that adorn the façade are not the same size. At first glance, they may appear to be identical in scale, but as you look upwards, the statues increase in size to maintain a visually harmonious perspective.
• St. Peter’s Basilica is home to Pietà, one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces . This breathtaking marble sculpture depicts the sorrowful Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus Christ. It’s the only piece of work Michelangelo ever signed, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts alike.
• The construction took over a century: St. Peter’s Basilica’s construction began in 1506 under Pope Julius II and was completed in 1615 under Paul V. Several famous architects, including Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini, contributed to its design and development, making it one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica is not just a monumental symbol of the Vatican and Christianity; it’s also a testament to the brilliant architects, artisans, and history that it embodies. From its commanding presence in Rome’s skyline to the exquisite artistry within, the Basilica never ceased to amaze me.

Architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica

I am sure you will be completely awestruck when you first enter and see the magnificent architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. This iconic structure, located within Vatican City, is a captivating blend of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

The main architects who contributed their brilliance to the design of the basilica include Donato Bramante, Maderno, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Each one of them added their unique touch to this iconic structure. The basilica measures an impressive 220 meters in length, 150 meters in width, and stands 136.6 meters tall !

One of the most striking features of the architecture is the massive dome, designed by none other than Michelangelo himself. He gave it a taller and more pointed profile than initially planned, setting the stage for the Baroque domes that followed.  

When you walk inside St. Peter’s Basilica, you will witness beautiful sculptures, frescoes, and numerous altars – each carefully crafted by the renowned artists of their time. Every corner exudes elegance and only when you see these masterpieces, you will realize why some of these artisans were renowned back then and even now!

Besides the main structure, there is a large square with its ancient Roman remnants (more on that coming up) and underground crypts with its secrets and treasures . It is possible to access all these attractions of St. Peter’s Basilica – all of which I will cover in the next section.

What to See Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City?

St. Peter’s Basilica is absolutely incredible – I am sure you will love everything there is to see in there! From the moment you walk through the massive doors, your jaw will drop to the floor. I mean, it isn’t every day that you see a church interior that is so huge and grand. The artwork and architecture are just mind-blowing.

From Michelangelo’s incredible Pietà sculpture to Bernini’s epic baldacchino over the main altar, tombs of Popes and even Saint Peter as well as climbing all the way up to the top of the dome for the 360 views of Rome , there is so much to see and do inside this Vatican church! So get ready to be amazed and let’s dive into the best things to see in St. Peter’s Basilica!

The Central Nave of St Peters Basilica, Rome

The central nave of St. Peter’s Basilica is simply breathtaking. At 90 m of length and 26 m of width, it is one of the largest naves of any church in the world . Lined with massive marble pillars and gilded architectural details, the nave stretches all the way to the base of Bernini’s glorious Baldacchin. The nave is 44.5 m high.

The central nave of St. Peter’s Basilica is also home to a fascinating piece of history – a large red porphyry disk set into the floor . This circular slab of stone, measuring over 3 meters in diameter, was where many of the Roman emperors had knelt for their coronation.

I could not take a picture of this owing to the crowd that I encountered during my visit to St Peter’s Basilica but you will be able to identify this disk easily when you enter.

Baldachin – an unmissable attraction when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the things that completely awed me was the Baldachin  – a large Baroque sculpted bronze canopy over the altar . Designed by Bernini , it’s a breathtaking piece and you can’t miss it when you enter the basilica.

It is over 20 meters tall, making it one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world . The structure is supported by four colossal spiral columns that are intricately decorated with vines, leaves, and cherubs. The top of the baldachin is crowned with a golden dove, representing the Holy Spirit.

Chair of St. Peter

Seeing the Chair of St. Peter was intriguing. It’s an immense, gilded bronze throne designed by Bernini. Placed within a massive niche, this incredible work of art is meant to symbolize the authority of the Pope. You may not be able to get too close to it, especially if there is a lot of crowd. I unfortunately, had to satiate myself by getting a glimpse of it through the Baldachin.

One of the stories, rather secrets of St. Peter’s Basilica that I uncovered during my visit was that this bronze sculpture actually encases a a significant religious relic – the actual wooden chair that is believed to have been used by Saint Peter, the first Pope. The wooden throne with intricate carvings has been enclosed in a gilt bronze casing designed by Bernini in the 17th century. Many historians have studied it but there is no conclusive proof of the ownership or the origin of the wooden throne.

Captivating Statues of St. Peter’s Basilica

There are several prominent statues inside St. Peter’s Basilica. I am told there are over 80 gorgeous ones inside the Vatican Basilica and even more outside in the square . While each one has its own story to tell, the three that you should definitely look out for include these

The Pieta – the iconic attraction of St. Peter’s Basilica

The Pieta translates to pity. This statue was created by Michelangelo and is one of the most famous ones around the world. Created in 1499, it depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ. This sculpture is considered one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces for its stunning representation of the beauty and pain of human emotion etched in marble.

Stay here for a few minutes and you will see Mary’s expression of sorrow and maternal love for her son who has just been crucified. You will also, be able to see Jesus’ body showing the physical toll of his sacrifice.

The statue is 5 feet 8 inches tall and is a testament to Michelangelo’s skill as a sculptor, with intricate details in the folds of clothing and the delicate features of the faces. It is no wonder that this piece of work is one of the most popular things to see when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Bronze Statue of Saint Peter

This is close to the Central nave and very often is missed out owing to the crowd around it. The over 19-foot tall bronze statue depicts Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven and was first believed to have been created in the 5 th century. However, archaeological and historical evidence credits Arnolfo di Cambio for it and dates it to the 13th century.

What makes it significant is the belief that you can ask for a blessing after kissing the right toe of Saint Peter. The tradition has been alive for over 800 years and this explains the crowd. On June 29 th , you will find this statue decorated with papal vests and a tiara to commemorate the fact that Saint Peter was the first Pope ever. This day also, marks his death anniversary.

The gigantic statue of St. Paul in the Vatican Square

This statue is a part of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, just outside the Vatican cathedral. It is unmissable owing to its size and is symbolic of the importance of the Catholic church. The statue is made of white marble and stands over 13 feet tall.

 It was created by Adamo Tadolini in 1838 and showcases Saint Paul holding a sword and a book. The sword is a symbol of his martyrdom while the book represents his mission as the Messenger of the Word of God.

Holy Door – not accessible during the non-Jubilee years

Close to the main entrance of the Basilica of Saint Peters in Vatican City, is an elegant and ornate door that will likely be closed when you visit. This is called the Holy Door or the Porta Sancta.

The Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica is only opened during Jubilee Years, which occurs every 25 years. This door symbolizes the passage to salvation and mercy, and walking through it is a meaningful experience for many pilgrims. The beautiful door is located in the central nave of the basilica and is made of bronze. There are intricate carvings and symbols, including the four evangelists and the Holy Spirit etched on this holy door.

I came across this lovely and unique story of St. Peter’s Basilica when I first did my research and so had it on my wish list. However, I did not get lucky this time. For one, I was not visiting during the Jubilee year and when not in use, it is covered with bricks. Hence, you will miss it – unless you arrive in 2025 when it is scheduled to open next. However, to walk through them, you need to pre-register as a pilgrim . For now, listen to an audio guide or your live guide to spot the bricked wall from the inside of the Basilica. Likely it is marked with a golden cross on it.

Vatican Grottoes underneath the St. Peter’s Basilica

I had combined my tour of the St. Peter’s Basilica with the Vatican Museum and consequently fell short of time to see the famous Vatican Grottoes. Also, called Papal tombs , these are underground chambers that house tombs, chapels, and monuments dedicated to Popes, monarchs and other important figures. It is a vast area to cover but among them, the three things that you must definitely see in these underground chambers include Funerary Monument of Calixtus III, Clementine Chapel and the Tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus.  

Besides these three interesting attractions of the Grottoes in the Vatican Cathedral, there are archaeological rooms and over 90 tombs to be explored. So do keep aside time for this tour.

St. Peter’s Tomb and the Vatican Necropolis

Initially, I thought that the Vatican Necropolis and the Vatican Grottoes were the same. However, as I discovered when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, they are different – two separate places to visit . Where the Vatican Grottoes are located right below the current basilica, the necropolis is even further down. It was a part of the old Basilica which was built on top of the ancient burial site that included the Tomb of Saint Peter himself.

The Vatican Necropolis or the Vatican Scavi was lost for several years and was finally revealed in the 1940s. There are several mausoleums found here that date back to Emperor Constantine. One of the most significant tombs here is that of Saint Peter himself. Located directly under the dome, this simple tomb is where St. Peter is believed to be buried.

There are only 250 people per day that are allowed to visit this ancient site. To avail of the same, you have to book a guided tour of the Necropolis . Make sure you do so in advance. You might have to book many months prior. Also, remember only kids over 15 years old are allowed. No photography is permitted here but you can get a virtual tour of the place through this link – that I what I did!

Treasury of St. Peter’s

In the Treasury of St. Peter’s, you can see an impressive collection of sacred artifacts, liturgical ornaments, and various relics. It’s a must-visit spot for those interested in religious history. There are several old chalices, ancient garbs and even the tiara that is worn by the Pope on display.

The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the highlights of my visit was the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Designed by Michelangelo, it is the tallest dome in the world. Visitors can climb to the top (there’s even an elevator to reach the highest possible point) to enjoy stunning views of Vatican City and Rome.

Though Michelangelo started it, he could not see the end of it. The dome was finally completed after his death by his disciple – Giacomo della Porta in 1590. The Vatican dome is over 130 feet tall and is made of brick and concrete covered with a layer of lead. As my guide said – “ You can fit in a complete Statue of Liberty including its base, inside the St. Peter’s Basilica – thanks to this high dome.”

Also referred to as the cupola, you will actually get a crick in your neck trying to see its elements that are spread across six concentric circles. There are 16 large windows, busts, frescos, and figurines of over 96 figures. Gosh!

The climb up this Vatican cupola is a ticketed tour that can be booked in combination to the entry, museum tickets or even the necropolis or grottoes tour. I have listed a few of these in the Quick links section at the start of this blog article.

St. Peter’s Square

Stepping into St. Peter’s Square, I was struck by its size and beauty. The massive, open space boasts an Egyptian Obelisk at its center, surrounded by graceful, curving colonnades designed by Bernini. The iconic square has colonnades with 140 statues of saints . This is where the Pope delivers his weekly address and where many important religious ceremonies take place.

If you have availed the Vatican museum tour then, it is likely you will exit through this square. However, if you have chosen to visit St. Peter’s Basilica first, then you will enter here.

Pope’s Residence or the Lateran Palace 

Although not directly within St. Peter’s Basilica, you can also catch a glimpse of the Pope’s Residence or the Lateran Palace within Vatican City. Formerly the place was called Apostolic Palace . You can see his balcony and windows. It’s a treat to see where the leader of the Catholic Church resides! I believe you can even book a tour of the public areas of the Papal apartments .

With that, I conclude the highlights of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. As you can see it is quite an unforgettable experience – with its ornate structures, stunning masterpieces and hidden secrets. I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Rome.

Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica

Based on my visit, I have put together some dos and don’ts that you will need when planning your own trip. Here are my top tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica!

• Dress code : When visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, you should dress modestly. This means no shorts, skirts above the knee, or sleeveless tops. You will be turned away at the entrance if you are dressed inappropriately. If in doubt, carry a light scarf or shawl like I did.
• Opening hours : St. Peter’s Basilica is open from 7 am to 6:30 pm between October and March, and from 7 am to 7 pm between April and September.
• Avoiding crowds : To enjoy your trip to St. Peter’s without the crowds, visit early in the morning, from 7 to 9 am. The Basilica is less crowded during these hours, which makes exploring it a lot more enjoyable.
• Check the website : Before you go, visit the St. Peter’s Basilica website for up-to-date information on current hours and any special events that might be happening on the day of your visit.
• Days to avoid : Be aware of significant religious holidays, as the Basilica may be closed to the public during certain times. It’s a good idea to plan your visit around these events to ensure you can enter the church.
• Visit the dome : Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to St. Peter’s dome for incredible views of Rome. Entrance to the dome is available daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm between April and September, and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm between October and March.
• Save time with a guided tour : Consider taking a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to learn more about its history and significance. A guided tour can also help you skip the lines and maximize your time at this incredible landmark.
• Be prepared for security checks : Just like any other major attraction, there is a security check at the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica. Be prepared to go through a scanner and have your bags examined to ensure a smooth entry. Avoid large bags.
• Take your time : St. Peter’s Basilica is filled with stunning artwork, intricate details, and beautiful architecture. Be sure to take your time and explore every corner of this magnificent church.
• Bring a water bottle : Rome can be hot, especially in the summer months. It’s essential to stay hydrated during your visit to St. Peter’s, so bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Peter’s Basilica

What is the entrance fee for st. peter’s basilica.

Good news for all of us – there is no entrance fee to visit St. Peter’s Basilica! This means you can enter and explore on your own. Be ready, though to stand in those huge queues.

The free entrance does not include a guide, dome climb, Vatican grottoes, or the Vatican necropolis. For these, you will have to shell out a few Euros.

There are several guided tours that combine these experiences and even include a visit to the Vatican Museum and these can be booked online. In my opinion, it is better to avail of these as they help you with a skip-the-line entrance as well as with a guide who can explain the masterpieces better.

What is the best way of getting to St. Peter’s Basilica from Rome?

You can use a bus, metro or a taxi to get to Vatican City from Rome. Many guided tours offer a pick up or transport when you buy the tours.

If you are opting to go by bus, you will find many from Rome to Vatican City. Hop on to any and head straight to the St. Peter’s Basilica stop. The Basilica stop is right at the entrance. However, if you are planning to visit the Vatican museum along with the Basilica, this stop is 15 minutes from the museum. You cannot access the museum directly from the Basilica. On the other hand, if you are headed to the Museum first, get off at the Museo Vaticani stop. From the museum, it is possible to directly access the Basilica.

By Metro, you can get off at the Ottaviano stop on the Metro A line.

Can you enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the Sistine Chapel?

Yes, you absolutely can! Exiting the Sistine Chapel, there’s a special passage connecting it to St. Peter’s Basilica. That means we can smoothly continue our journey without having to go outside and stand in long queues again!

When do the Holy doors of the Vatican Cathedral open next?

The Holy doors of Vatican will be opened on December 8, 2024 and will remain open for 365 days of the Jubilee year of 2025.

How much time should one spend visiting St. Peter’s Basilica?

There’s so much beauty to take in at St. Peter’s Basilica! I recommend setting aside at least one to two hours to fully appreciate its grandeur and history. However, you can easily spend more time here, especially if you attend Mass or explore the surrounding Vatican City attractions!

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Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

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How to Visit the Tomb of St. Peter and the Vatican Necropolis

The Tomb of St. Peter and the Vatican Necropolis are the most elusive of the tourist sites in the World. Here's how to get exclusive access!

The Tomb of St. Peter and the Vatican Necropolis are the most elusive of the tourist sites in the World’s smallest country, Vatican City. Here’s exactly how you can get exclusive access to this exceptional historical site!

First, a little background…

St. Peter and the Vatican Necropolis

St. Peter, in Christian teaching, was one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. In the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter is said to have denied knowing Christ three times. After Jesus was crucified, he, along with the other apostles and followers of Jesus, dispersed across the then known world to spread Christian teaching. Peter eventually wound up in the most powerful city of the age, Rome.

In Rome at the time, Christianity was outlawed and it was punishable by death, usually in the form of crucifixion. The luckier (or possibly the unluckier ones) were sent into the arenas, such as the famous Colosseum, to fight to the death for the entertainment of the Roman Empire’s citizens. Peter was no exception. He was crucified around the year AD 70. However. He chose to be crucified differently. He wanted to be crucified upside down. This was because he maintained he was not Jesus, only his representative, therefore, he was not to be put to death in the same way. The Romans obliged, but only because it was even worse than a “normal” crucifixion.

Peter was killed in the Vatican area of Rome, which, at that time, was the city of the dead. This was where all the Romans, rich and poor, were buried. It was also a hill. Peter was crucified at the top, beside an obelisk the Romans had taken from the Ancient Egyptians. This hill was later levelled by the Emperor Constantine, who legalised Christianity, and a Christian Basilica was built over the Roman tombs.

This Basilica was later replaced by the magnificent building that you see today. The obelisk was moved to where it stands today at the centre of St. Peter’s Square.

The Discovery of the Vatican Necropolis and the Tomb of St. Peter

The Necropolis was discovered in the 1930s and Pope Pius XI (and later Pope Pius XII) ordered the excavation of the site, by hand and only at night. This was done to prevent Mussolini’s troops from discovering what they were doing. This actually allowed for exceptional preservation of the site!

Anyway… That’s enough history. On to what you really came here to find out. How to get down there!

How to Get Tickets!

There is only one way to get a ticket to visit the Tomb of St. Peter and the Vatican Necropolis. You need to contact the Ufficio Scavi (Excavations Office) of Vatican City. This can be done in person, by email to [email protected] or by visiting their website. Click here for a direct link to their booking form!

If you email your request in, you’ll need to include the following details:

• The exact number of people looking for tickets
• The names of everyone wishing to visit
• The language of the tour you wish to go on (eg: Italian, English, French, etc)
• The dates on which you will be available to go on the tour (always indicate the month in letters)
• Contact information (especially email) so details can be sent to you

Sadly, it often comes down to the luck of the draw when getting tickets to the Necropolis and the Tomb of St. Peter. So my advice is to apply as soon as you can to maximise your chances of getting to see one of the major sites of world history and of Christianity.

Need to Know

Tickets and price.

The first thing you need to know about visiting the Vatican Necropolis and the Tomb of St. Peter is that you unfortunately might not get to go. To preserve this exceptional historical site, numbers visiting it are tightly controlled. To maximise your chances, apply as early as you can and give the broadest range of dates possible. I’d almost say, plan the rest of your trip to Rome to fit this in!

Tickets are not free, but they are VERY affordable. Tickets are € 13.00 each. For a small group accompanied by a specialised guide, this is amazing value! You need to pay this in advance in order to secure your place on the tour. There are currently no discounted tickets available.

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What’s it like down there.

It’s a small humid space. To preserve the area, the humidity and temperature are kept constant. This makes for a very close environment, especially if masks are still required when you visit. For this reason it may not be suitable for you if you’re claustrophobic.

The ground is uneven and there are stairs involved. This unfortunately means that if you require a wheelchair or need regular assistance walking, you are unlikely to be able to visit. This is very much dependant on your individual requirements or medical needs.

How Long is the Tour?

Your visit will typically last 60 to 90 minutes. You are also required to present yourself at the Scavi Office 30 minutes before your tour starts.

Where is the Scavi Office?

To get to the Scavi Office, go to the left of the Bernini Colonnade that surrounds St. Peter’s Square. Stay on the outside of it until you see the gate into the Vatican. You’ll need to go through airport style security in advance of your entry to Vatican City. It is a different country after all. You can then present yourself and your ID to the Swiss Guard who will show you where to go from there.

Can I Get a Photo for Instagram?

No. Photos or videos are allowed in the tour. Yes, even without the flash.

Is the Tour Really Focused on the Religious Stuff?

The tour is guided in such a way where you can take what you wish from it. This means that if you are visiting to absorb the significant history of the Vatican Necropolis and Tomb of St. Peter, you can. It’s also done in such a way where if you are treating this tour as a pilgrimage, you can do that too! A moment for private prayer is offered when you are at the Tomb of St. Peter. It’s up to you if you want to avail of this opportunity or not.

Final Thoughts

This tour is something I’ve personally wanted to do for as long as I’ve known it to be possible. It most certainly did not disappoint. If you have a mild interest at all, apply. You might just find it’s the most fascinating part of your Roman Holiday!

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Vatican Necropolis: All you need to know to visit St Peter’s Tomb

• In Guided tours Plan your visit

During the mid-20th century, excavations under the Vatican City revealed an amazing find. A necropolis, dating back to the 3rd century!

An old cemetery, one of many outside of the original city walls, was the resting place of many. St Peter was buried here after his martyrdom in ca. 64 AD. Despite laws protecting the Necropolis, the Emperor Constantine planned to build a Basilica on the site of St Peter’ final resting place. He had the area excavated, with orders to preserve St Peter’s tomb. The rest of the Necropolis became submerged in soil and debris during the construction, and largely forgotten.

The Origin of the Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, which you can access with a Vatican Necropolis Scavi tour, is thus thousands of years old. Originally a pagan burial ground, a Vatican Necropolis tour will take you through different sections.

The pagan section dates back to the first century AD. By the 5th Century AD Christian mausoleums began to appear. The Necropolis is located on the Vatican Hill slopes, and in the mid-20th Century Pope Pius decided to excavate the area in order to find St Peter’s burial place. The Necropolis was therefore uncovered, and remains a site of much interest to this day.

Excavations

The excavations of Pope Pius in the 1940s unearthed a world of treasures. Numerous Mausoleums were discovered, each classified with different letters.

Later, in the early 2000s, more of the Necropolis was uncovered during the building of a car park.  The tombs under the Vatican are spread through 22 Mausoleums, and lead right through to the famous Field P. It is here that the apostle Peter is believed to be buried at St Peter’s Tomb .

The location is underground however is directly below the altar of the world renowned St Peter’s Basilica .

Why should you consider visiting the Necropolis?

What more important place in the entire Vatican City than the supposed final resting place of St Peter? Not as famous as the museums, the Basilica or the Sistine Chapel , a Vatican necropolis tour is well worth the money. It’s an exclusive experience, with entry on special agreement only . Vatican Scavi reservations are definitely hard to come by!

In addition, the conditions inside the Necropolis aren’t for everyone. It’s a bit claustrophobic for example, so not everyone wants to visit. Therefore, you can count yourself part of an exclusive group of people who have seen the remains of St Peter! You’ll just have to get past the Swiss Guards that guard the Vatican Necropolis entrance first!

What to expect in the Vatican Necropolis ?

Whilst it would make good sense to try and tick off the whole of the Vatican in one day, we’d recommend against it. It is indeed possible, but you might feel a little tired and overwhelmed by the end of the day!

The Vatican Scavi Tour is awe inspiring, and from start to finish will take about 2 hours , perhaps 3-4 if you spend more time in the Vatican Grottoes . On top of that, you will want to take a tour of the Basilica too!

If you do all of this in combination with the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel , you’d be exhausted! The Vatican Museum needs at least 3 hours to do it justice. And that’s not including queuing for tickets if you didn’t prebook skip the line tickets to the Vatican.

If you do want to combine all together, we suggest you look at the Vatican gardens and Necropolis via triumphalis Tour , mentioned a bit later on this page.

How to get tickets to visit the Necropolis ?

Vatican necropolis entrance tickets.

As we mentioned before, tickets are on a limited basis and subject to approval by the Scavi office.   Only 250 people max are permitted to enter each day . Of course, this is to preserve the ancient site from mass tourism destruction.

The Scavi website promises to accept all requests, provided there is enough space on the time slot requested. See here for more details as to how to apply for a slot directly with the Scavi office.

Tickets cost just €13 and include a full guided tour ! What a deal!

Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour

Due to the sensitive nature of the site, tour groups must be accompanied by a qualified guide . They are really knowledgeable about the area.  The groups are limited to sizes of 12 only . From the Vatican Necropolis entrance you will be led through the area, learning as you go. Finally, you will come to the Tomb of St Peter.

At the end of the tour, the tour guide will leave you to have a look around the Vatican Grottoes . This is not to be confused with the Necropolis, and is one level up. This is the resting place of many of the Popes through the ages.

Vatican gardens and Necropolis via Triumphalis Tour

If you want even more of an overview of the Necropolis, then check this out. The Vatican Gardens and Necropolis tour, including the Via Triumphalis, is a special treat. The Via Triumphalis is the route along which most of the Necropolis is found. As the name suggests, the tour will see a knowledgeable guide take you through the Vatican Gardens and Necropolis. The ticket also includes free access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel so is a good overall package.

Our Top tips to visit the Vatican Necropolis

• Skip the Queue! If you have access to the Vatican Necropolis you will be able to skip the people queuing to get into the Basilica at the end of your tour!
• Reserve early! Due to the limited space you might be disappointed if you don’t!
• Pay by credit card. If you get confirmation you are accepted you will receive a link to do so.
• Top Tip! The tickets are scarce and are reserved sometimes months before. If you can’t get one, show up anyway and ask if anyone has cancelled. You might get lucky!

Important information about the Vatican Necropolis

Pay attention to these rules – this is a sacred site so needs to be treated accordingly.

• Appropriate dress – no skirts, shorts or bare shoulders
• Important for families – no one under 15 years is allowed in!
• Rucksacks are not permitted
• Not suitable for those suffering claustrophobia
• Not suitable for those who suffer from issues caused by damp atmosphere

Vatican Necropolis opening hours

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturdays until 6pm

How to get to the Vatican Necropolis ?

The Vatican City is accessible by many different forms of transport. The entrance to the Vatican Necropolis can be found in St Peter’s Square, directly below the basilica.

By Metro, take line A to Ottaviano-S. Pietro. It will take just a few minutes to walk into the Vatican

By Train , the St Pietro Station is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the Vatican City

By Bus , Line 64 and 62 stop directly at the Vatican.  Don’t forget that many Hop on Hop off busses stop here too!

Walk – Of course, if you are near enough, you can walk to the Vatican City. Nearby Trastevere is a convenient location for example, with Passeggiata del Gianicolo offering some cool shade in the summer.

FAQ – Vatican Necropolis

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Can you tour the Vatican necropolis?

You can tour the Necropolis only on Scavi office approval. You have to send a request ahead. only allows about 250 people per day to visit the Necropolis.

Can you visit the necropolis?

Yes you do. But remember that only 250 people per day are allowed to visit the Necropolis, and this in groups of 12-15 people.

How long is the Vatican Necropolis Tour?

Expect a visit of at least 1,5-2 hours.

Is the Scavi tour worth it?

It is if you’re into religion and don’t want to miss out apostle tomb’s and ancient Rome cemeteries.

Are all the popes buried in the Vatican?

Most of them, yes. But there are also Papal tombs in Rome’s major churches as other churches around Italy.

What is the difference between a cemetery and a necropolis?

Cemeteries are places where the deceased are buried, while a necropolis is a kind of large cemetery, but is usually found in places steeped in history or in ancient cities.

Thanks for reading this guide. Visit the Scavi website directly if you want, or look for special deals on Roma Pass . Here, you are able to get bolt-ons that you can’t buy directly from the Scavi website, such as audio guides and extended tours. One we would recommend is the Necropolis plus Basilica tour – this will really finish off the day nicely.

If you are interested in a tour of the Vatican Necropolis then you had better get working on it quickly to ensure you don’t miss your slot!

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© Visit Vatican Info I 2020

President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Pope Francis to embark on tour of Southeast Asia, Oceania in longest papal trip

by NICOLE WINFIELD and NINIEK KARMINI | Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced Friday, confirming the longest trip of Francis' papacy that is sure to test his health, stamina, and mobility.

The Vatican confirmed the Sept. 2-13 visit, saying the 87-year-old pope would visit Jakarta, Indonesia; Port Moresby and Vanimo, Papua New Guinea; Dili, East Timor; and Singapore. Further details will be announced later.

Francis' health has become a source of increasing concern and speculation, even though the pontiff is able to carry on with a rigorous schedule of meetings at the Vatican and even excursions to local parishes.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, had to cancel a planned visit to Dubai late last year after he came down with a bad case of bronchitis. He suffered from respiratory problems all winter and had to curtail his participation in Holy Week events to save his energy for Easter.

Francis has also been using a wheelchair for nearly two years because of bad knee ligaments, and has said that traveling has become increasingly more difficult.

And yet at 11 days, the trip would be the longest of Francis' papacy, outpacing by a few days some of his long trips to the Americas early on in his 11-year papacy. It will bring the Argentine Jesuit to the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia, as well as the former Portuguese colony of East Timor, where the Catholic Church wields enormous influence.

There is also a chance of another leg to the trip being added later: This week, the Vatican foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, was in Vietnam and discussed a papal visit, Vatican News reported, without providing details.

In a statement announcing the visit, the Indonesian foreign ministry welcomed the visit and recalled that it had originally been scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia holds significant importance to the Indonesian people, not only for Catholics but also for all religious communities. The visit is also expected to strengthen the message of tolerance, unity, and world peace," the statement said.

Indonesia is home to roughly 242 million Muslims and 29 million Christians — 8.5 million of whom are Catholics — according to a 2022 report by the Religious Affairs Ministry.

East Timor, which today has a population of about 1.2 million people, is Southeast Asia's only predominantly Christian nation with the exception of the Philippines. According to the 2015 census, 97.6% of East Timor's population is Catholic.

The visit to East Timor will likely reignite attention over a clergy sex abuse scandal involving its revered independence hero and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Vatican confirmed in 2022 that it had sanctioned Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo following allegations that he sexually abused boys there during the 1990s. Belo is believed to now be living in Portugal.

Francis will be the first pope to visit Papua New Guinea since St. John Paul II went there in 1984. The country, in a strategically important part of the South Pacific, has struggled with tribal violence and civil unrest.

John Paul also visited Singapore, in 1986. The country today is home to 395,000 Catholics and Francis in 2022 made its archbishop Singapore's first cardinal.

In a statement welcoming the visit, Cardinal William Goh, said it "will bring renewed fervor to all Catholics in Singapore, uniting them in faith and mission, especially in these most challenging of times."

The Vatican has planned only one other papal trip this year — to Belgium to celebrate the anniversary of the country's Catholic university. Francis has also said he wants to return to his native Argentina, but no plans or dates have been announced.

Pope Francis to take part in Easter Vigil, Vatican says

V ATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis is scheduled to take part in an Easter Vigil service on Saturday as planned following his last-minute cancellation from the Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, the Vatican said.

A Vatican statement listed the evening service in St Peter's Basilica as the pope's only public engagement for the day.

On Friday, the Vatican said Francis' participation at the "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) procession had been cancelled "to preserve his health" ahead of more Easter week events.

Francis, who is 87, needs a wheelchair or a cane to move around, and has recently limited his public speaking while struggling with bronchitis and the flu.

Easter falls on Sunday and is the most important date in the Church's liturgical calendar, celebrating the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead.

During the day, Francis is due to celebrate Mass and deliver his twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message and blessings from the central balcony of St Peter's.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Helen Popper)