St. Peter's Basilica
The largest church in Christianity, in Vatican City
Address
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano
Tickets
Gratuito (basilica); cupola a pagamento
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the largest church in the Christian world, built over the tomb of the apostle Peter. It holds Michelangelo's dome and Bernini's baldachin and colonnade. Entry to the basilica is free; climbing the dome has a fee.
General Guide
Complete Guide to St Peter's
Everything you need to know to visit St Peter's Basilica: history, architecture, access, what to see, opening hours and practical tips in a single article.
The Vatican and the Vatican Museums
How to organise a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel starting from St Peter's, with practical advice on tickets, opening hours and routes.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard
History, symbolism, uniforms and the real function of the world's most famous guards.
Curiosities and Legends of St Peter's
Surprising facts, historical anecdotes and still-open mysteries about the largest church in the world.
St Peter's in History and Culture
The basilica as the symbolic centre of Catholicism, epicentre of historical events, literary object and cinematic location.
Itinerary and Surroundings of St Peter's
How to organise a visit to the basilica within a day in Rome: half-day, full day, and recommended combinations with nearby attractions.
Guided Tours of St Peter's
Types of tour available, how to choose, what a guided visit includes, and how to book the Scavi tour.
Where to Eat near St Peter's
The best restaurants, trattorias and gelato shops near the Vatican: how to avoid tourist traps and find good addresses.
St Peter's at Night
The illuminated square, the colonnade, the fountains: how to experience the Vatican in the evening and night hours.
Photographing St Peter's Basilica
Rules, best angles, technical tips and ideal times: the complete photography guide to St Peter's and St Peter's Square.
Accessibility at St Peter's Basilica
A complete guide for visitors with motor, visual, hearing or cognitive disabilities: entrances, available services and limitations.
St Peter's Basilica with children
What to see, what not to miss, and what to avoid when visiting the Vatican with little ones.
St Peter's tomb and the Vatican Grottoes
Beneath the basilica floor lie two layers of history: the Vatican Grottoes with the popes' tombs, and the Necropolis with the Apostle's burial site.
Michelangelo's Pietà: A Masterpiece Created at Twenty
A block of Carrara marble, a twenty-three-year-old, the contract of 1498: the history and secrets of the most moving masterpiece in St Peter's Basilica.
The main artworks of St Peter's Basilica
From Michelangelo's Pietà to Bernini's baldachin, from the Cathedra Petri to the bronze statue of the Apostle: the masterpieces you cannot miss.
St Peter's Square: history, art and how to experience it
Bernini's embrace, Caligula's obelisk, the two foci of the ellipse: everything you need to know about the world's most famous piazza.
Michelangelo's dome: a guide to the climb
The architectural masterpiece Michelangelo left to Rome, the view from the top, and everything you need to know before tackling the 551 steps.
How to get to St Peter's Basilica
Metro, bus, on foot or with a private driver: all the options for reaching the Vatican without hassle.
Opening hours and tickets for St Peter's Basilica
Everything you need to know to plan your visit: opening times, prices, dress code and practical tips.
The history of St Peter's Basilica
From early Christian origins to Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece: the history of the largest basilica in the Christian world.
Reach St. Peter's Basilica in style
Private NCC driver for transfers, day tours and airport connections. Professional service from €49.