Standard entry
Guided tour
Combo tour
Is dome access included?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Why go for it?
This experience lets you climb the dome to reach the top if you choose, making it a budget-friendly option for a self-guided visit.
Gain insights into the legends and lesser-known facts about the Dome from a knowledgeable local guide.
The combo experience is a cost-effective option for those who want to explore multiple attractions and dive deeper into the art history of the Vatican.
Starting price
€29
€34.90
€92.06
Recommended tickets
St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tickets with Audio Guide
St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Guided Tour with Breakfast
St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour with Dome Climb
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour
Climbing the dome of St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most memorable experiences in Rome, offering unparalleled views of the Vatican City and the sprawling cityscape of Rome. The ascent involves 551 steps, winding through narrow, sometimes steep passageways, which may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with mobility issues, heart conditions, or claustrophobia should carefully consider whether this climb is right for them. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to account for security checks and to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the experience.
The first level of the dome is up 231 steps. Sounds exhausting? Well, you can skip this part of the climb and take the elevator. You wind up on the inside of Michelangelo's dome, and from here, you can enjoy the views of the interiors of the basilica from above, explore the mosaics up close, and also explore the roof of the basilica, which houses the statues of Jesus and the apostles that you can see from the square. You can wind down on the roof by shopping at the gift shop and grabbing a snack from the refreshment stand. You will also find a restroom here.
Note: At this level, you are simply viewing the dome up-close from the gallery. To reach the inside of the some you will have to climb a small staircase.
This part of the climb is optional and tricky! There is no elevator for this section, but climbing the next 320 will take you to the absolute top of the Basilica's dome. The single-file staircase spirals up, and the roof tends to slant in as you go up. As you keep climbing the staircase gets narrower, and on the last steps, you will only have a rope to hold on to.
As you ascend St. Peter's Basilica’s dome, enjoy a unique bird's-eye view of its grand interior, including Michelangelo's celebrated Pietà. This perspective allows you to appreciate the Basilica's intricate mosaics and architectural splendor from a height.
Bramante, the original architect of the St. Peter's Basilica, was inspired by the Pantheon. The dome would follow a similar profile, except for the lantern. The supporting wall would become a drum raised on four piers. The wall would be lightened with the help of windows and a peristyle.
Sangallo, who took over in 1513, found inspiration from the Florence Cathedral as well as the Pantheon. He developed on Bramante's plan and converted the peristyle into a series of arched and ordered openings around the base, with a second such arcade in a tier above the first. The lantern became a massive structure, surrounded by a projecting base, and peristyle. This would have been surmounted by a conical spire.
When Michelangelo took over as the architect of the Basilica, he redesigned the dome. He took inspiration from the existing designs but modified them to a more realistic, but magnificent one. His dome would be made with two shells of brick and would be raised from piers on a drum. The peristyle and arcaded was replaced by 16 pairs of Corinthian columns, connected by an arch, which would give the dome an ovoid shape.
When Michelangelo died in 1564, only the drum of the dome and piers were complete. The work was continued under his assistant Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola with Giorgio Vasari who followed Michelangelo's plans exactly. However, very little progress was made.
The dome was brought to completion by Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana in 1590. They were appointed by Sixtus V. Fontana completed the lantern and had an inscription that would honor Sixtus V during the reign of Gregory XIV. Clement VIII, who followed, had the cross raised in its place.
In the mid-18th century, cracks appeared in the dome, and four iron chains were installed to bind the two shells.
Yes, it is! A guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica dome enriches your experience by providing detailed insights into the dome’s history, architecture, and artistic significance. Guides offer personalized explanations, connect features to broader historical context, and ensure you don’t miss key details.
While tickets can sometimes be purchased on-site, it is highly recommended to buy them in advance online to avoid long lines and ensure availability. The dome is a popular attraction, and pre-purchasing tickets helps to secure your visit and save time.
Due to the strenuous nature of the climb, visiting the dome may not be advisable if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. The ascent involves steep and narrow staircases that could be challenging. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before planning your visit.
You should allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the dome. This includes time for the climb, enjoying the views, and taking in the detailed artwork and mosaics.
Visitors to St. Peter's Basilica, including the dome, must adhere to a modest dress code. This means shoulders and knees should be covered—no sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts are allowed. It’s best to wear clothing that respects the religious and cultural significance of the site.
To avoid crowds and long lines, plan to make the climb during the morning hours between 8am and 9am. This way you could also catch the view of the sun rising from the top.
