St. Peter's Dome Guided Climbing Tour
Discover St. Peter’s square, dome, grottoes, and more
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Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Highlights
- Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Rome.
- Admire St. Peter’s Square as you learn about its colonnade, ancient obelisk, and fountains.
- Explore the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of architecture and artistry.
- See Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s world-renowned Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
- Venture into the depths of the Vatican Grottoes.
What you'll do
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our climbing tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. It combines history, art, and breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, all rolled into one.
We’ll begin in St. Peter’s Square, the heart of Vatican ...
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our climbing tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. It combines history, art, and breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, all rolled into one.
We’ll begin in St. Peter’s Square, the heart of Vatican City, where your expert guide sets the stage for the wonders that await. The highlight of our tour is the ascent of St. Peter’s Dome, a thrilling climb that promises a unique perspective of both the Vatican and Rome. From this vantage point, you’ll see the Vatican Gardens, the Tiber River, pretty Gianicolo Hill, and St. Peter’s Square below. As you climb, the city unfolds below you, each glimpse a different view.
Descending from your vantage point, you’ll enter the main interior of St. Peter’s Basilica. Your local guide will share the stories behind the architecture and symbols, including the intricate decorations on the nave, Michelangelo’s Pietà, the bronze baldachin by Renaissance architect Gian Lorenzo that marks where St. Peter is buried.
From there, head to the Vatican Grottoes, an underground crypt containing the tombs of past popes, including John Paul II. Your guide will show you what you can’t miss as you explore this sacred space together.
Join us on this guided tour of St. Peter’s Dome and the basilica and see Rome in a whole new way — from above!
Itinerary
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St. Peter’s Square
The heart of Vatican City, with its magnificent colonnade, obelisk and fountains.
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St. Peter’s Dome
A unique bird’s-eye view of Rome revealing landmarks like the Vatican Gardens and Gianicolo Hill
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St. Peter’s Basilica
A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture at the center of Vatican City and an icon of the Catholic Church
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Bernini’s Baldachin
The world-famous structure from Gian Lorenzo Bernini that marks the exact point where St. Peter is buried
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Michelangelo’s Pietà
Considered Michelangelo’s masterpiece, one of the most celebrated sculptures in all of Italy
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Vatican Grottoes
An underground crypt containing the tombs of many important popes, including John Paul II
Plan your trip
Dress code
Sleeveless shirts, hats (for men), shirts that are low-cut or expose the stomach, tight clothes, and shorts, skirts, or dresses cut above the knee aren’t allowed in St. Peter’s Basilica. Wear close-toed flat shoes rather than high heels, flip-flops, or open sandals.
Tour ending point
This tour ends at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Meeting point
Meet your guide at the Fontana delle Tiare in Largo del Colonnato. Your guide will be holding an orange sign that says ExperienceFirst.
For easier navigation you can paste the following into Google Maps: WF35+84 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
This tour covers 1 mile at a leisurely pace and includes about 500 steps. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.
Is St. Peter’s Dome accessible?
The very top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, but there is an elevator to the first floor of the dome. If you need special accommodation, please reach out to us before booking this tour.
Will we have to wait in line?
This tour doesn’t include skipping the line. Your guide will purchase tickets for you after you arrive. Please be aware that there can be increased wait times during peak seasons. However, rest assured that your guide will keep you entertained and provide insightful information while you wait in line together.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
