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Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb

Includes tickets and elevator access up to best viewpoint in Rome

5 / 5 See All 5 Reviews · 1.5h 16 max · Vatican, Italy

Debating if you want to go to the top of St. Peter's Dome? Don't! This is the most epic viewpoint in Rome and a MUST for all travelers in good health.

Included

What you get with this tour

English-speaking guide

St. Peter's Dome tickets included

Itinerary

What you will see on this tour

Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb

Climb St. Peter's Dome
Explore scenic views of Vatican City

Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Michelangelo's Pietà
Bernini's Baldacchino

While Vatican City is home to many bucket list attractions, one of the hardest ones to see is often St. Peter’s Dome. This tour allows you to enter St. Peter’s Basilica right when it opens, allowing you to climb the dome while most travelers are touring the Vatican Museums. This 1.5-hour tour includes:

A professional English-speaking guide
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Tickets to climb St. Peter's Dome
A maximum group size of 16

Climb St. Peter’s Dome

Once inside, follow your guide to either climb the 231 steps to the dome’s first level, or you can take an elevator. On the dome’s first level, you’ll be able to admire the elaborate mosaics that detail the circumference of the dome. You will also get a chance to step outside onto the terrace and embrace a classic view of Vatican City.

After reaching the first tier, you’ll have free reign to climb even higher. If you continue climbing, you’ll have to climb another 320 steps to get to the very top of the dome. Claustrophobes beware, this space is very tight and the steps are rather steep. But, the views from the top are worth the climb.

Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica

Finish out your tour with a more in-depth look into the biggest church in the world. Your expert guide will point out the most iconic works inside of the Basilica, namely Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Marvel in the elegance of the Basilica for as long as you’d like, as you’ll be able to have some free time inside after your tour concludes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where to meet?

In front of St. Peter's Basilica by Bernini's North fountain

What to bring?

Sneakers, a bottle of water and a great camera!

Q: Does this tour visit the Vatican Museums?

A: This tour does not visit the Vatican Museums. However, if you're interested in touring the Vatican after your tour, consider our Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica.

Q: Does this tour run on Wednesdays?

A: This tour will not run on Wednesdays due to Papal Audience, which is held every Wednesday morning.

See more frequently asked questions

See what people are saying

5 total reviews

Leave a review

8/29/2019

Catherine R

St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tour

This tour was a bit strenuous but so worth it! There were great views and we loved exploring inside the Basilica too.

8/20/2019

Ron S

Bring your camera!

Completely forgot mine. Amazing views atop the Basilica. It's definitely a climb but an amazing experience that I will remember for a long time.

8/19/2019

Krista B

Fabulous.

Thank you to our tour guide for such a great tour. Though it was a challenge, we made it up to the top and saw beautiful Rome from above. Can't wait to go back to Rome next year and do this tour again.