Rome: St. Peters Basilica & St. Peters Tomb Guided Tour

Exploring the grand St. Peter’s Basilica and its underground Papal Tombs offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich history and breathtaking artistry of Rome. This guided tour promises an awe-inspiring experience, allowing visitors to marvel at Michelangelo’s renowned Pietà and the remarkable Renaissance architecture. As you explore the sacred Papal Tombs, the chance to uncover the revered resting place of St. Peter awaits. But the true highlight may lie in the decision to ascend the iconic dome, revealing a panoramic vista over the Eternal City.

Key Points

• Explore the architectural and artistic wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino.
• Visit the sacred Papal Tombs, including the final resting place of St. Peter and other significant popes.
• Climb the world’s tallest dome for panoramic views of Rome.
• Skip the line to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel for more iconic artworks.
• Maximize time spent at each attraction with a guided tour for an in-depth experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour offers visitors a 1.5-hour exploration of Christianity’s spiritual heart.

The tour includes entry to the basilica and underground Papal Tombs, home to 90 popes. Guests can marvel at Renaissance-era architecture and iconic artworks like Michelangelo’s Pietà. An optional dome climb provides panoramic city views.

Admission to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel is included, allowing travelers to skip the lines. Experienced English-speaking guides use the latest audio equipment to provide an immersive experience.

The tour’s starting price is $15.80 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the Tour

Explore Late Renaissance-era architecture and significant artworks throughout the basilica. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s stunning sculptures. Venture underground to visit the Papal Tombs, the final resting place of over 90 popes, including the tomb of St. Peter himself. For a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome, opt to climb the world’s tallest dome. The tour also includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, allowing you to maximize your time.

| Tour Highlights |

| — | — | — | — |

| Explore Late Renaissance-era architecture and artworks | Visit the Papal Tombs, including St. Peter’s tomb | Climb the world’s tallest dome for panoramic views | Skip the line to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel |

Architectural and Artistic Significance

Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica are awestruck by its architectural and artistic grandeur. The enormous Late Renaissance church showcases Michelangelo’s Pietà, a stunning marble sculpture depicting the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary.

Bernini’s larger-than-life bronze canopy, the Baldacchino, towers over the main altar. Beneath the basilica’s massive dome, visitors can descend into the Papal Tombs to view the final resting places of over 90 popes.

The option to climb over 500 steps to the top of the dome offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of human creativity and faith.

1. Michelangelo’s Pietà

2. Bernini’s Baldacchino

3. Papal Tombs

4. Climb to the Dome

Papal Tombs and St. Peter’s Resting Place

Beneath the breathtaking grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica lies a sacred space – the Papal Tombs and the final resting place of St. Peter. Visitors can descend into the underground necropolis to explore the tombs of over 90 popes, including the tomb of St. Peter himself. This solemn and reverent experience offers a unique glimpse into the history and legacy of the Catholic Church.

| Papal Tombs | Notable Features |

| — | — |

| Tomb of St. Peter | Venerated as the first Pope and disciple of Jesus |

| Tomb of John Paul II | Beloved Pope who played a crucial role in the fall of communism |

| Tomb of John XXIII | Convened the Second Vatican Council |

| Tomb of Clement XIII | Lavish Baroque monument sculpted by Canova |

| Tomb of Innocent VIII | Earliest intact papal tomb in the necropolis |

More Great Tours Nearby

Dome Climbing Experience

Atop the imposing St. Peter’s Basilica stands the world’s tallest dome, offering panoramic views of Rome. For those seeking an exhilarating experience, the dome climb is a must-do.

Here’s what to expect:

1. 320 steps to the top

2. Breathtaking vistas of St. Peter’s Square and the city skyline

3. Chance to see the intricate interior of the dome up close

4. Sense of accomplishment from conquering the iconic structure

The dome climb is an optional add-on to the St. Peter’s Basilica tour, allowing visitors to soak in the grandeur of Rome from a unique vantage point.

A truly unforgettable experience.

Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

Though the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are popular attractions, visitors can bypass the long queues with the skip-the-line access included in this guided tour.

Guests will be escorted directly to the Vatican Museums, allowing them to maximize their time exploring the vast collection of ancient artifacts and Renaissance masterpieces.

The highlight is the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes adorn the walls and ceiling.

With the guide’s expert commentary, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the Chapel’s cultural and historical significance.

This exclusive access ensures a seamless and enriching experience at the Vatican.

Guided Experience and Meeting Point

This St. Peter’s Basilica guided tour includes a professional, English-speaking guide to provide an engaging, informative experience.

Visitors will use the latest generation radio with Bluetooth connection and sterilized headphone devices, ensuring they can clearly hear the guide’s commentary throughout the tour.

The meeting point is next to Pausa restaurant, identifiable by a red flag with "Roots in Rome." To ensure a smooth entry, the tour includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.

The key features of the guided experience include:

1. Professional, English-speaking guide

2. Latest generation radio and sterilized headphones

3. Meeting point at Pausa restaurant with red "Roots in Rome" flag

4. Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

Visitor Dress Code and Security Considerations

To enter St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Covered shoulders and knees are required. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and see-through clothing aren’t allowed.

Security checks can take 10-50 minutes, depending on the season and events. It’s essential to bring a valid passport or ID card, as copies are accepted.

Packing light and leaving prohibited items at home can streamline the entry process. Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience exploring the magnificent architecture and artworks within the spiritual heart of Christianity.

Common Questions

Is Food or Drink Allowed Inside the Basilica?

No, food and drink are not allowed inside the St. Peter’s Basilica. Visitors should avoid bringing any consumables and are expected to follow the dress code of covered shoulders and knees for entry.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, but visitors shouldn’t use flash or tripods. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff for any specific rules or restrictions on photography during the tour.

Are There Any Facilities for People With Disabilities?

Yes, the Vatican offers accessibility services for visitors with disabilities. There are elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms available. Visitors can request a wheelchair or request assistance from tour guides to accommodate their needs.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?

The tour includes the use of the latest generation radio with Bluetooth connection and sterilized headphone device, allowing visitors to hear the professional English-speaking guide’s commentary clearly throughout the experience.

Can I Leave and Re-Enter the Basilica During the Tour?

No, you can’t leave and re-enter the basilica during the guided tour. The tour is conducted as a continuous experience, and leaving would mean missing out on the guide’s commentary and the planned sequence of the visit.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and its Papal Tombs offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the grandeur of Renaissance architecture and Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Skip-the-line access maximizes time spent exploring the sacred spaces, while the option to climb the iconic dome provides breathtaking panoramic views of Rome. It’s a must-do experience for any visitor seeking to uncover the rich history and artistry of this iconic Vatican landmark.

You can check availability for your dates here: