St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) in Vatican City is one of the world’s most important churches and it has all the finery to prove it. The first thing you’ll be in awe at is the sheer size of the Basilica – it’s absolutely huge! We’d recommend you spend a while looking at the exterior before you join the queue to get in. Carlo Moderno came up with the incredible columned façade which makes the Basilica look like a palace. Another ‘big name’ – Michelangelo – designed the massive dome which is so big, you can see it across most of central Rome. Inside you’ll marvel at the ornate decoration, beautiful statues, stunning chapels, works of art and memorials to former popes. The internal decoration of the dome is completely captivating too and we spent a fair while with crooked necks just looking up at it!
Aside from the Basilica itself, you can also visit the Crypt, the Treasury Museum and climb the Basilica dome. A visit to the crypt under the church is well worthwhile as it’s here you’ll find the tomb containing what’s thought to be the bones of St Peter. Entry to the Basilica is free, but there is usually quite a long line to gain entry through the security point. Expect to wait half an hour or more and don’t get caught out by the dress code which is strictly enforced. For women, no vest or strap tops, shorts or short skirts. For men, no vest tops. When you arrive in St Peter’s Square to join the line for the Basilica, it’s worth walking up to the front of the queue to see how many security scanners are operating. If it’s 3 or more, the line will move fairly fast, but if it’s only two, the line is likely to be slow. There are a number of organised tours you can take which call in the Basilica. Most popluar is the St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Half Day Walking Tour which gives “Skip The Line” entry.
The crypt is free, but there are charges if you wish to visit the Dome or Treasury Museum. The Dome costs 8 Euros by stairs and 10 Euros by elevator and the Treasury Museum costs 17 Euros (2024 prices). St. Peter’s Basilica is open daily, from April and September between 7am and 7pm, and from October to March between 7am and 6pm.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro), St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Tel: + 39 06 6988 3712 (Sacristy)
Tel: + 39 06 6988 5435 (Parish Office)
Metro: The nearest Metro stop is Ottaviano
MORE ON ST PETER’S BASILICA
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St Peter’s Square & Basilica – The Vatican Website
Books on the Vatican – Amazon.co.uk
St Peter’s Basilica – Wikipedia