St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Masterpieces, and Sacred Tombs in St. Peter’s
From priceless sculptures to hidden relics, St. Peter’s Basilica holds secrets most visitors never discover. Begin in the Papal Crypts, where popes are laid to rest, then step inside to see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and St. Peter’s Chair. Pause at the Bronze Statue of St. Peter, admire Bernini’s Monument to Pope Alexander VII, and view remnants of Constantine’s original basilica. In just 60 minutes, experience the history and artistry that define Vatican City.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica
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Access to the Papal Crypts
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Fontana delle Tiare
You'll meet your guide in front of the Fontana delle Tiare, located next to St. Peter's Square. Your guide will introduce the deep history of St. Peter's Basilica and explain how this grand church was built over St. Peter's burial site, setting the stage for your journey below and above ground. -
2
Papal Crypts
Descend beneath St. Peter's Basilica into the sacred Papal Crypts, where centuries of popes have been laid to rest. Walk through intricately carved tombs, medieval inscriptions, and ancient chapels while learning about the most influential popes who shaped Vatican history. -
3
Enter St. Peter's Basilica
After exploring the crypts, you'll step into the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica itself. Your guide will help you appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of this sacred space, pointing out architectural highlights and explaining how the Basilica became the center of Christianity. -
4
Michelangelo's Pietà
Stand face-to-face with Michelangelo's Pietà, one of the most breathtaking sculptures in the world. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble, this Renaissance masterpiece captures Mary cradling Christ. Hear the incredible story behind its creation and restoration. -
5
Bernini's Baldachin and the High Altar
Next, you'll walk toward the High Altar and stand beneath Bernini's immense bronze canopy that soars above St. Peter's Tomb. Discover the bold symbolism behind its twisted Solomonic columns and learn how Bernini designed this masterpiece to visually link Heaven and Earth. -
6
Bronze Statue of St. Peter
You'll pause before the Bronze Statue of St. Peter, a revered pilgrimage site where visitors have rubbed his right foot smooth over the centuries. Learn why this 13th-century sculpture remains an important ritual for visitors and how it plays a role in Vatican ceremonies. -
7
St. Peter’s Chair and the Apse Mosaics
At the far end of the Basilica, you'll gaze up at St. Peter's Chair, a monumental relic encased in gilded bronze and framed by Bernini's golden rays and sculpted angels. Your guide will highlight the stunning mosaics surrounding the chair, depicting key figures of the early Church. -
8
Stand at the Altar of the Confession
Stand directly above what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, the very foundation of the Basilica's existence. Learn why this site is one of the most sacred places in Christianity and discover the significance of the 99 golden lamps that burn in honor of St. Peter. -
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Your tour finishes inside St. Peter's Basilica
Your guided tour concludes inside the Basilica, allowing you to take in its vast beauty at your own pace. Spend extra time admiring sculptures, lighting a candle in quiet reflection, or simply absorbing the atmosphere before stepping back into St. Peter's Square.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Modest attire is required for St. Peter’s Basilica, meaning shoulders, knees, and toes must be covered for all participants. No hats please.
Accessibility: Due to stairs leading to the Papal Crypts and uneven terrain, this tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Tour Changes: The Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings due to the Papal Audience. During the Jubilee year there are sometimes last-minute closures on Friday and Saturday mornings as well. We will reach out to assist you in rescheduling, if this were to occur.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line to St. Peter’s Basilica
See Michelangelo’s Pietà , Bernini’s Baldachin, and the. Bronze Statue of St. Peter
Visit the Papal Crypts
Freedom to explore inside St. Peter’s Basilica after the tour ends
Maximum group size of 25
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
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Customer Reviews
Much of the issue was outside the control of the guide but it was very frustrating to be in line for over an hour when the metal detectors went down. We had to leave the tour early because it got so delayed. Some of that time could have been used to give some history and explanation of things we would get to see later on the tour but a lot of it was just standing around and being told this was going to be faster than everyone standing in the general admission line (which was not true on this day because they had lots of metal detectors working and we only had one) so we were frustrated to keep getting told that while watching hundreds of people in regular line walk ahead and on into the Basilica. Long story short-despite circumstances being outside the control of our guide, I didn't think the situation was managed well despite the issue.
Fabulous and fun! Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. It was fantastic!!
Marco did a great job even with all the craziness of losing power he was a professional great tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera. Modest attire is required for St. Peter’s Basilica, meaning shoulders and knees must be covered.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera. Modest attire is required for St. Peter’s Basilica, meaning shoulders and knees must be covered.
Does this tour Skip the line?
Yes! This tour skips the line.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Due to stairs leading to the Papal Crypts, this tour is not fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. If accessibility is a concern, please contact us before booking.
Will we visit the Necropolis?
This tour includes the Papal Crypts, where many popes are buried. However, it does not include the Vatican Necropolis (Scavi), which requires a separate, pre-booked tour.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, Vatican regulations require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.
Are restrooms available?
Yes, restrooms are available near St. Peter’s Square before and after the tour, but there are none inside the Basilica.
What happens if it rains?
This tour runs rain or shine. In case of bad weather, we recommend bringing an umbrella or rain jacket.
What is the maximum group size?
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 25 guests for a more personal experience.
Can I take photos inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes! Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are not permitted to protect the artwork. However, inside the Papal Crypts, photography is usually not allowed.
Does this tour include the Holy Door?
Yes, but only during a Jubilee Year when the Holy Door is open. If you are visiting during this special time, you will have the unique opportunity to enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the Holy Door, a symbolic passage of spiritual renewal. Outside of the Jubilee Year, entry will be through the main doors of the Basilica.
Is St. Peter's Basilica ever closed?
Please note that the Basilica is closed on Wednesday & Saturday mornings due to the Papal Audience and will not be included in tours. Afternoon tours will still include St. Peter's Basilica entry.
