Saint Peter’s Basilica

In Italian: Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano

The spiritual heart of Christianity located in the territory of the Vatican, the St. Peter’s Basilica is an unmissable site in Rome, both for its significance and for the majesty of the building and St. Peter’s Square. The structure is truly impressive in its dimensions and style, both outside and inside, with its vastness and magnificent works of art and sculptures.
The visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the square ranks as our number 2 in the Top 30 things to see in Rome.

Information and Hours of the Basilica

Opening Hours of St. Peter’s Basilica

• The basilica is generally open from 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM (Free entry).
• The dome is open in summer from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and in winter from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Paid entry between €8 and €10).
• Guided tours (including combined visits with the dome, St. Peter’s Square, and Vatican Museums): GetYourGuide or Tiqets

Resources for Further Exploration

• Official website and virtual tour on vatican.va
• On wikipedia.org, St. Peter’s Basilica on Rome-Roma

St. Peter’s Basilica, the Largest Christian Church

St. Peter’s Basilica

This building is the largest Christian church in the world, with a length of 186 meters, a nave 46 meters high, and a dome reaching 136 meters. The latter is the tallest in Rome, and the law prohibits any construction from surpassing it. The interior can accommodate 20,000 people across a surface area of 22,000 m².

The first basilica was built by Emperor Constantine around 320 AD, on the site believed to house the tomb of St. Peter, who was martyred along with other Christians near Nero’s Circus. For nearly a thousand years, the monument was expanded and enriched but also looted and degraded.
The first major restoration took place in the 15th century under Pope Nicholas V, directed by Leon Battista Alberti and Bernardo Rossellino. However, in the early 16th century, Pope Julius II had the structure demolished and commissioned Bramante to rebuild it with a Greek cross plan. After the Pope’s death, the project shifted to a Latin cross design and was entrusted to Raphael. Later, Peruzzi and Michelangelo took over. The new St. Peter’s Basilica was consecrated in 1626.
The dome’s design and conception are by Michelangelo, and its construction was completed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1589.
The interior is attributed to Bernini, who worked on the basilica for twenty years. We also owe him the design of St. Peter’s Square with its stunning quadruple colonnade.

St. Peter’s in Rome houses numerous precious works of art, including ten thousand square meters of mosaics, Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s baldacchino, Carlo Fontana’s Monument to Christina of Sweden, and the monument dedicated to Countess Matilda by Canossa.

Photo Gallery of St. Peter’s Basilica

Where is the Basilica Located? Map of Rome

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City

Guided Tours of St. Peter’s and More

Suggestions for guided tours of St. Peter’s Basilica and tickets, and/or the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Square. Combined tours are often offered, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums located in the nearby Apostolic Palaces, and sometimes St. Peter’s Square as well.

Hotels Near St. Peter’s Basilica: Recommended Addresses

Selection of accommodations near St. Peter’s Square: by price and by distance.

• Good hotels and accommodations sorted BY PRICE (2 adults) within 600 meters of St. Peter’s
• Good hotels and accommodations sorted BY DISTANCE from St. Peter’s Square

FAQ and Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica

How to Get to St. Peter’s Basilica?

The nearest metro station is Ottaviano, though it’s easily accessible on foot—for example, it’s about a 20-minute walk from Piazza Navona.

Can You Visit the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica?

Yes, the dome is open to visitors. Even with the elevator, the final ascent involves stairs, which are very narrow.

How Long Does It Take to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica?

Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the interior and the dome. If you combine it with the Vatican Museums, allow half a day.

What Are the Must-See Works of Art in the Basilica?

• Michelangelo’s Pietà, a moving sculpture near the entrance.
• Bernini’s baldacchino, above the main altar.

Is There a Dress Code to Enter St. Peter’s Basilica?

Yes, a strict dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered (no shorts, short skirts, or tank tops). Checks are frequent.

Can You Attend Mass in the Basilica?

Yes, masses are held daily (schedules available on the official website). Visitors can attend, but seating is limited, so arrive early.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica Accessible to People with Reduced Mobility?

Access to the basilica is partially adapted with a ramp near the entrance, but the dome is not accessible to wheelchairs due to the stairs.

What Is There to See Around St. Peter’s Basilica?

Of course, there’s the majestic St. Peter’s Square, and in the area, you’ll find the Vatican with the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Some guided tours combine both, going directly from the Sistine Chapel to the basilica.

A Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Basilica

Guided tours are available through the official Vatican website, as well as specialized agencies via platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets. They may combine the basilica, the dome, and the Vatican Museums for a complete experience.

What’s the Best Time to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica?

There’s less crowding very early in the morning, around 7:00 or 8:00 AM. This is the preferred time during high season to avoid crowds. On Wednesdays, it’s also advisable to avoid the papal audience times in the square.