SAINT PETER BASILICA
A Journey to the Heart of Christian Rome
After the fall of the empire, Rome was a city brought to its knees—nearly abandoned. It was the Pope, the Curia, and the ecclesiastical hierarchy that slowly revived it, beginning with a humble tomb. What started as a small shrine above the grave of a preacher, martyr, and saint—entrusted by Jesus Christ with the keys to heaven and the organization of the community on earth—became the magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica, the church of the Vicar of Christ.
From the soaring dome to the underground grottoes, this tour offers a complete exploration of the Basilica—truly the heart of Christendom.
What’s included:
• SAINT PETER BASILICA
• DOME AND PANORAMIC VIEW FROM THE TOP
• GROTTOES (PAPAL TOMBS), IF AVAILABLE.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
Time
2 hours
SURVIVAL KIT:
Water
Comfortable shoes
Our tour begins in St. Peter's square. After passing through the metal detectors, we immediately go up to the dome. There is an elevator that will take us up to the first level, where we will have a nice internal view of the Basilica from the interior drum of the dome. Getting from there to the lantern and the exterior view requires walking approximately another 320 steps up a spiral staircase that gets progressively windier and more narrow.
​
This tour is not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
As the full climb requires a high level of physical fitness, those who prefer can opt to remain at the first level, where the view is still worthwhile.
Next we descend and visit the Basilica and the lower level crypt.
WC
SACRED AREAS
DRESS CODE:
IT IS MANDATORY
TAKE OFF
YOUR HAT
TO COVER
KNEES
TO COVER
SHOULDERS
Meeting Point
Piazza Risorgimento. Metro stop: OTTAVIANO
​
For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
