dome tour rome

St. Peter’s Basilica from Top to Bottom with Dome Climb & Crypt

• Discover St. Peter's Basilica in its full glory with our comprehensive tour, covering the dome, crypts, and everything in between.
• Climb (or walk!) to the top of the dome and see one of the best views of Rome.
• Experience the beauty of the basilica without the crowds thanks to a strategically planned early start time.
• Get insight from your guide that will help you appreciate each magnificent detail of the basilica and the masterpieces held within its walls.

Preview the experience

Tour description, get to grips with christianity's most important church on this complete st. peter's basilica tour..

Explore St. Peter's Basilica from top to bottom with an expert guide and small group of 20 people or fewer. This is the most intimate and extensive St. Peter’s Basilica tour on the market, designed for lovers of great architecture and jaw-dropping churches. We’ll help you to understand the history of the building and point out the details that make the Basilica such a masterpiece. You'll go from the dome to the crypts, from the Pietà to the Baldachin—and everywhere in between.

Climb St. Peter's Basilica Dome for incredible views over all of Rome.

Your St. Peter's Basilica tour starts early in the morning with a stroll around St. Peter’s Square and an introduction to the Swiss Guard. Then it's up to the dome. You’ll arrive before the crowds gather and use your pre-reserved St. Peter’s Basilica dome tickets, which include an elevator ride to the first level. Here you’ll get an up-close look at the stunning mosaics and stucco embellishments inside the dome. These mosaics are beautiful even when seen from below at ground level, but up close, you’ll understand just how impressive they really are.

From there, it’s 281 steps up to the top of the dome. Before you head up at your own pace, your guide will give you some tips on what to look out for so you can better appreciate the view. From the top of the dome, you’ll see the most incredible panorama over St. Peter’s Square, along the straight avenue bulldozed by Mussolini and across the Tiber to the ancient heart of the city. There’s no competition—this is the #1 view in Rome.

Enjoy a 60-minute tour inside St. Peter's Basilica and venture down to the papal crypts.

Back on solid ground, your guide will take you on a full St. Peter’s Basilica tour. Explore the side chapels and the hidden crypts, see Michelangelo’s "Pietà" and hear why this is the only work he ever signed, understand the mastery in Bernini’s Baldachin, and learn how Michelangelo triumphed as the only person who could crown St. Peter’s Basilica with the perfect dome.

Your final stop is the Papal Crypt. This is where many of the Popes have been interred and is an important pilgrimage point for Catholics. Although your guide can’t lead the group here due to site rules, they’ll give you full details on the most important Popes to look out for.

For anyone who loves art, architecture, and amazing churches, this St. Peter's Basilica tour is a unique experience that will give you a different perspective on one of the most sacred sites in the world.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, apr 07, 2024.

Great focused tour and just the right amount of time for the tour

Dec 20, 2023

Loved going to the top of the dome. Our guide was excellent also. Good length, not too long.

Nov 26, 2023

Tour was really interesting. The steps to the top weren’t as bad as expected but it is quite narrow, the views were worth the climb though! Would definitely recommend!

Nov 22, 2023

Giuliana was an excellent guide with a very good knowledge. Perfect English.

Oct 25, 2023

Itinerary was good, guide was knowledgeable, but lost sight of the guide several times in crowded St Peters because she didn’t carry a flag to help us keep track of her. Focused on finding her rather than taking in the wonders of the cathedral.

Know before you book

Similar tours, pristine sistine at closing time: late entry vatican tour, pristine sistine™ early entrance small group vatican tour, the complete vatican tour with vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter’s basilica.

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Discover St. Piter’s Basilica ( one of the finest cathedrals) on a guided tour with a professional art historian. Enjoy a rare bird’s- eye view over Rome with this tour that includes a climb to the top of its dome.

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Climb the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome — Cupola Tickets and Tours

Tickets to climb the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome are only sold onsite — only tours including the Vatican Museum offer skip-the-line access to the church and cupola.

Climbing the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City leads visitors to the best aerial views of Rome and interesting close-up studies of the cupola mosaics and the statues of saints on the roof terraces and colonnade. It is 550 steps to the top of the dome but the gallery at the base of the cupola and the roof terraces may also be reached by elevator. Guided dome-climb tours may skip the ticket line but only tours including the Vatican Museum offer skip-the-line access at the long security checkpoints for the basilica complex. Admission to the St Peter’s church complex is free but all visitors must go through the airport-style security checkpoints with slow-moving queues. Tickets to climb the dome are only sold onsite — no online sales or time-slot reservations.

Cupola of St Peter’s Basilica Church

The Basilica of St Peter’s in the Vatican City in the center of Rome is by many definitions the largest church in Christianity. St Peter’s magnificent cupola designed by Michaelangelo is similarly the highest and one of the largest in the world. Visitors to San Peitro need not only admire the dome from afar — it is reasonably easy to climb the dome (or take an elevator partway) to see the cupola mosaics close-up and enjoy one of the best aerial views of Rome.

The dome of St. Peter’s rises to a total height of 136.57 meters (448.1 ft) from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross making it the tallest dome in the world. Its internal diameter is 41.47 meters (136.1 ft) slightly smaller than the 44 meters (144 ft) of the dome of  Florence Cathedral . When Michaelangelo designed the dome for St Peter’s in 1547, he famously said it would be taller but not more beautiful than Brunelleschi’s cupola in Florence .

The dome was completed in 1590 to the designs of Michelangelo — the cupola was built over a drum that rests on four pliers. The drum of the dome is 630 feet (190 m) in circumference and 65.6 feet (20.0 m) high, rising to 240 feet (73 m) from the ground. Visitors may admire the cupola mosaic and other decorations close up from a gallery that runs around the inside top of the drum.

The highest level open to visitors is the bottom of the lantern, which itself is 63 feet (19 m) high. The birdcage here offers the finest views of Rome. Since the 1950s, it is no longer possible to enter the ball and cross that measure 8 and 16 feet (2.4 and 4.9 m), respectively.

Climbing the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica

Climbing the dome of St Peter’s is not particularly challenging and certainly less strenuous or claustrophobic than at many other churches and towers including Florence . The main challenge is the number of steps but an elevator may be taken halfway up too. A one-way system is used throughout.

Climbing the stairs to the top of the dome goes basically as follows:

It is around 550 steps from the entrance to the top of the dome. Using the elevator to the first level reduces the number of steps to 320. However, it is the first set of steps that is the widest and easiest to climb making it a good choice if the queues for the elevator are long. (A fit person can easily do these in five minutes on a quiet day.)

The view from the gallery and roof terraces on the first level already makes ascending the drum of the dome worth the effort and ticket price but the views are even better from the top of the dome. From the gallery, visitors may either go up the dome or out to the terraces. The one-way system sometimes points visitors only to the terraces on the way down but it is easy enough to go the short distance in the wrong direction — it is a wide passage without stairs at this point.

On a quiet day, it takes only around 15 minutes to climb the 320 steps to the top but on busy days things are slower and often hot. The stairs remain level and reasonably wide but as they are located between the inner and outer dome structures, the walls tend to encroach noticeably — taller people may have to walk a bit skew at times. Spiral stairs are only used for very short stretches.

Circle the gallery at the base of the lantern at least one and a half times — the exit stairs are on the opposite side of the arrival door. Back at the ring gallery/terraces level, it may be necessary to go briefly up the wide one-way passage to visit the gallery again.

Finally, descend by stairs or elevator — the exit may be some distance from the original entrance but still inside the basilica complex area so it is easy to enter the church without having to pass through security again.

Expect to spend around an hour on the dome climb (including sightseeing) if there are no queues.

Dome Gallery and Cupola Mosaics

The main reason to climb the dome of St Peter’s is for the magnificent views: of Rome, the cupola mosaics, and a bird-eye view into parts of the church and the top of Bernini’s famous bronze main altar canopy. Walking on the roof terraces gives further interesting views of the church, cupola, sculptures, and Rome but here visitors also find a handy toilet, a small cafe, a souvenir shop, and a mailbox for Vatican mail stamps.

The giant early 17th-century mosaic inside of the cupola has as its main theme Christ the Redeemer and (mostly) his disciples. They are accompanied by numerous angels. On the medallions are the four evangelists while God the Father is depicted high up in the lantern.

The decorations are in the spirit of the Counter-Reformation: all are dressed modestly with none of the nudity of the Renaissance or the exuberant depictions of hell in the Florence cathedral dome . Even the otherwise nude cherubs have their modesty protected despite being basically invisible from the floor of the church.

Beneath the gallery inside the cupola are the famous words in 2.4 m tall letters: TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM ET TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM (“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church. … and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven”). Further messages around the nave and transepts of the church are the words from the Bible directly spoken by Christ to Peter.

Roof Terraces

On the same level as the gallery, but requiring a small set of external stairs, visitors have access to the roof terraces with views and interesting perspectives of the architecture of the dome and other structures of the church.

Depending on which sections are open on the given day, it is possible to look down into the piazza and to see the colonnade and facade statues close up. The 140 sculptures of saints and even Bernini’s apostles on the main facade were designed to be seen from a distance so are not that refined and the rear of the works is often flat and only roughly finished.

See St Peter’s Basilica Info — a lovely non-commercial site — for a wealth of information and description of the artworks in the church.

Also on the roof terraces are a toilet, a souvenir shop, a mailbox, and a small cafe (not always open but generally a good place to wait if only some of a party climbs all the way to the top).

It may be necessary to go a short distance in the “wrong way” to reach the roof terraces (and gallery) in both directions. It is along a wide passage without stairs and usually not a problem. The usual order is gallery on the way up and roof terraces on the way down but the order sometimes changes.

St Peter’s Basilica Cupola Visitors’ Information

Note that the dress code at St Peter’s Basilica is strictly enforced at the security checkpoints. No shorts, no bare shoulders, no above-the-knee skirts even if wearing tights, and no clothes or visible tattoos that the church may find offensive. The rules are enforced in all weathers, for all visitors including children, and apply whether visiting the church or just planning to climb the dome.

Opening Hours of St Peter’s Basilica Dome in the Vatican

St Peter’s Basilica is open daily from 7:00 to 19:00 (18:30 October to March) but is often closed on Wednesday mornings for papal audiences. (Wednesday mornings are a great time to visit the church if there is no audience scheduled — mostly in the winter season.)

Climbing the cupola is possible from 7:30 with the final tickets sold at 17:00 for the stairs and 18:00 for the elevator (16:00 and 16:45 in winter).

A good time-saving strategy is to clear security as early as possible in the morning, see part of the church, and start the climb of the cupola rights at opening time. It is possible to return to the church afterward.

Tickets and Tours to Climb the Dome of St Peter’s in Rome

Cupola Ticket Prices

Tickets to climb the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome are €8 (€5 for children) if going all the way by stairs and €10 (no discounts) if using the elevator to the roof of the church (outside terraces) and the ring balcony inside the drum of the cupola with marvelous views of the dome mosaics, message to Peter, and inside part of the church. From the gallery to the top of the dome, stairs are the only option.

Where to Buy St Peter’s Dome Climb Tickets in Rome?

After security checks and just before entering the actual church, follow the clear “Cupola” signposting toward the immediate right of the church. (If the queue to buy tickets is already extending to the front of the church, it may not really be worth the time but check again after visiting the basilica if the queue has moved on significantly — more likely in the late afternoon.)

Tickets are sold from a window and then proceed to the entrance — either to climb the stairs or ascend by elevator. Note that the exit when coming down may be in a different area of the complex. There are no checks between the cupola and the church so visits may be in any order.

Tickets to visit the cupola are only sold onsite and only cash payments are accepted.

No dome climb tickets are sold online and the traditional queue-up-and-wait system is used — no time-slot reservations or skip-the-line VIP tickets are available other than skipping the general security check if arriving directly from Vatican Museum tours.

St Peter’s Dome Climb and Vatican Museum Tours in Rome

A few St Peter’s Basilica dome-only guided tours are available while many combine the cupola with the church or with the Vatican Museum. Even if a Vatican Museum and St Peter’s tour does not include the cupola, it offers skip-the-line access to the church complex and a self-guided cupola tour is easy to add after seeing the basilica — just don’t exit the complex (or queue up for another security round).

A bewildering number of guided tours of the Vatican Museum and St Peter’s are available — Viator lists around 850 activities, Get Your Guide nearly 500, and Tiqets an easier-to-handle 40! Read the fine print — tours are good at listing what is included, assume anything else is not. Beware “from” prices — some require a booking for 30 people before the lowest price is reached and another does have the advertised 50% discounted price available but only if booking 363 days ahead !

A few booking strategies and money-saving tips:

Start early in the morning: Guided tours of the dome of St Peter’s sensibly take advantage of the shorter security lines in the morning and typically meet up outside the security checkpoints shortly before the official opening times. Some early morning tours cover only the dome but adding a guided tour of the basilica and grotto is hardly more expensive. (Avoid tours that start after security, as it is impossible to know how long the checks will take on any given day.)

Visit the Vatican Museum first: A good skip-the-line option is to combine tours that start with the Vatican Museum — here groups have fast-access security lines and usually are able to enter the St Peter’s Basilica complex directly after visiting the Sistine Chapel without having to pass through security again. (This door is sometimes closed at short notice and is usually not an option for tours starting in the afternoon.) Some tours only offer fast access to the basilica after the museum but adding a full tour of the church interior and dome hardly costs more.

Small Groups and Semi-Private Tours: Small groups and semi-private tours are more pleasant and often hardly more expensive than larger groups. Do read the fine print — some companies define small as 25 tour members! Private tours are more flexible and sometimes good value for families or small groups.

Combination Offers: Small discounts are often available when booking more than one tour or sight at the same time, e.g. touring St Peter’s with admission tickets to for example the Castel Sant’Angelo , Villa Borghese Gallery , or the Colosseum and Forum . These are often good options to secure timeslots at popular sights but note that transportation is usually not included between the sites but as a bonus, it is often possible to see sights on different days.

An increasing number of sights in Rome require time-slot reservations but these are always sensible when offered even when not obligatory. The high season in Rome is increasingly long and tickets for top sights such as the Borghese Gallery and Colosseum are best secured well before travel. Guided tours are great skip-the-line options at the Colosseum , Forum , St Peter’s Basilica , climbing St Peter’s church cupola , and the Vatican Museum .

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

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St Peters Dome - How to climb Michelangelo's masterpiece

By Elyssa Bernard  and Alessandro Bisceglie

March 17, 2024

If I can climb St Peters dome, you can, too! I love this climb and think it's one of the most special things you can do in Rome.

(Almost) anyone can do it!

Here's how:

Climbing the Dome of St Peters Basilica Everything You Need to Know

If you visit St Peters Basilica , one option once inside is to climb Michelangelo's dome ( cupola .)

On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about St Peter's dome including:

• What's it like to climb the dome of St Peters basilica, and what will you see?
• When is the best time to climb the cupola at St Peters?
• How to skip the line to St Peters dome
• Michelangelo and the dome - fun facts
• Practical info - location, cost, opening hours, etc.

No time to read the whole page?

You can climb the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica by purchasing a ticket for it from inside the basilica itself.

There is NO WAY to skip the line to climb the cupola of St. Peter's, as everyone must go through security to get into the basilica (although I have some tips for skipping that line on my YouTube channel .)

However, once inside the church, the line to purchase tickets and climb the dome is not that long. You'll find it just to the left of the entrance near the equestrian statue of Charlemagne.

Tickets cost 8€ if you go on foot or 10€ if you take the elevator / lift to the first level.

The lantern at the tippy top that affords the view in the photo at the top of this page is only accessible on foot.

Tour rating:

(4.6/5 stars)

What's it like to climb St Peters dome?

Going up inside St Peter's dome is an extraordinary experience.

You get to see St Peter's basilica in a whole new way.

Not to mention the stunning view you get of Saint Peter's square below.

Most people simply don't get to it, perhaps for lack of time, not knowing it's there, or fear it will be too strenuous.

I advise you to make time, and to at least visit the dome to the first level, which almost anyone can do.

First time in Rome?

This is the perfect Rome walking tour to get acquainted with the Eternal City!

climbing st peters dome to the first level

Fun fact 

Did you know nearly everything inside St Peters basilica that looks like a painting is actually a mosaic?

Look closely at the above photo!

Don't let the word "climbing" throw you off!

There are two parts to climbing St Peters dome: You can take the (231)  stairs or the lift/elevator to the first level, and wind up on the inside of  Michelangelo's dome .

This is so special, because you will be looking down on the inside of St Peters basilica from above, and, if you are lucky, you may hear some singing floating up to reach you.

When that happens, it's just magical!

From here, you can see right up close the mosaics that make up the dome's design. 

At this level, you can also walk out onto the roof of the basilica.

Here, you can go to the front and check out Jesus and the apostles . 

These are the statues you see on the roof of the basilica when you look at it from the square.

There is also a bathroom , a very small refreshment stand , and a gift shop .

Visiting St Peters dome in a Wheelchair

There is an elevator to the roof so if you are in a wheelchair , you can reach the first level.

There is a restriction however.

The elevator opens out onto the roof.

From here you can see the dome up close, but from the outside; move towards the front of the basilica and see this side view of the apostles (above); visit the restroom, snack bar and gift-shop.

To reach the inside of the dome, even at this level first level, there is a small staircase.

So depending on your level of immobility, you may not be able to access the inside of the dome. 

climbing all the way to the very top of st peters dome

As I said, there are two parts of a visit to the  cupola , or Saint Peter basilica dome.

The first part, above, can be reached by elevator (and a small staircase.)

So if you take the elevator, you bypass 231 steps, and it's NOT strenuous, exhausting or claustrophobic.

The second part is optional.

It means taking  the next 320 stairs  to the tippy top. 

Not only is there not an elevator , but you will find a narrow single-file staircase that slowly spirals up, with the roof sort of slanting in towards you as you go. 

And at the very end, as it gets narrower and narrower, you will have a corkscrew staircase , with a rope to hang onto ! (In my video, I show a rope but actually there is no longer a rope.)

It is definitely claustrophobic .

But, there are windows along the way so you will not feel totally closed in.

And the stairs to go down are in another part so you will not run into people on your way up.

I'm a bit claustrophobic and, hey, if I can do it, (just about) anyone can do it!

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

When is the best time to climb St Peters basilica dome

The best time of year to climb the dome.

The dome is open daily, year-round.

If you have a choice, you might choose Christmas -time, late afternoon, so you can watch the sunset from there.

And as a bonus, you can get this shot with the shimmering Christmas tree in Saint Peter's Square below:

Other than winter , you usually won't get a chance to see this view at sunset or by night.

The best time of day to climb st peters dome

As for time of day, the basilica was purposefully made to face east, which means the sun rises in front of it.

I like to climb St Peters dome first thing in the morning , especially in high season, because there is no line, and there are no crowds .

But that does mean a washed out photo.

So if you want a prettier photo , you will need to visit St Peters dome later in the day.

But usually that means more people, and longer lines.

But don't worry it's beautiful any time!

Best time during your visit to the Vatican to climb the dome

For most visitors to Rome, a visit to the Vatican means seeing the Vatican Museums (where the Sistine Chapel is), and also St Peters Basilica .

This takes about 3-5 hours, depending on the kind of visit you want.

Climbing the dome takes and additional half hour to an hour (including time spent at the top.) 

As for when to climb the dome during your visit, I suggest the following:

• If you visit the Vatican Museums , and are on a tour that takes the shortcut into St Peters Basilica , just stay inside the basilica when your tour is finished. You can then climb the dome. If the tour guide wants to take you outside the basilica to visit Saint Peter's Square , you can let them know you prefer to stay inside the basilica so you can climb the dome. Do NOT exit or you will have to wait in the huge security line to get back in.
• If you do not plan to visit the Vatican Museums , and will only visit St Peters basilica, I suggest visiting the dome before the basilica. This is because it's the most intense part of your visit energy-wise, and in any case, you come into the basilica when you exit the dome. But this is only a suggestion. You could certainly climb the dome after seeing the inside of the basilica.
• If you are visiting St Peter's basilica at 7am , my favorite time, the dome is not open yet anyway, so you will have to visit the basilica first. 
• If you are visiting the basilica during the morning or middle of the day , with plenty of time for visiting the dome, then I suggest visiting the dome after the basilica, so as not to have the sun directly overhead. It will be more comfortable heat-wise if you climb the dome in late afternoon, and also you will have nicer photos if the sun is behind you .
• If you are visiting the basilica later afternoon , then definitely visit the dome first, or you risk not getting in before it closes.

Brief History of Vatican City eBook

The history of the Vatican stretches back thousands of years, and to know everything about this incredible micro-state would take a lifetime to learn.

With this eBook, discover the brief history of Vatican City - where it got its name, who built the basilica, where the Popes are buried and more!

Topics covered include:

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How to skip the line to saint peter's dome.

The entrance to St Peter's dome is to the left of the entrance to St Peter's basilica. 

(It used to be to the right of the entrance. In 2023, it moved to the left-hand side.)

There is no way to JUST visit St Peters dome .

You must get to the entrance either via the security lines in front of St Peters Basilica, or by visiting the Vatican Museums  or as part of a tour or by visiting  Saint Peter's tomb (this tour also ends inside the basilica.)

The ticket office for the dome is inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

It is not possible to book this in advance.

Payment is on site, with cash or credit card.

So  you CAN skip the line either to the Vatican Museums, or to St Peters Basilica .

However, in either case,  there is not actually a skip-the-line ticket just for the dome .

The lines/wait time will depend simply on what time of day and what time of year you come .

Obviously, the lines will be longest in high season and in the middle of the day .

Note also there are two lines, one for taking the lift/elevator partway, and the other for taking the stairs.

As you might imagine, the line for taking the lift will be longer and slower.

My number one tip for skipping the lines and avoiding the crowds!

Come to St Peters Basilica at 7am when it opens.

No lines, no waiting, no crowds.

Entry to the dome opens at 7:30 or 8am (this depends on who I ask), and you can go then, with nobody in front of you or behind you.

Quiet time!

Michelangelo and St. Peter's Dome

Fun facts about the dome of St. Peter's Basilica:

• The dome of St Peter's basilica is the  tallest dome in the world  at 136.57 meters (448.1 ft).
• Michelangelo took over as chief architect  of St Peter's basilica in 1547. He was 71.
• The original Saint Peter's Basilica was built in the 4th century under the emperor Constantine , and by the 1400's it was leaning to one side and in danger of collapsing. So Pope Julius II began to think about rebuilding it. Some of the best architects of the day were called to present designs, including Bramante , Raphael , and others. But in the end, it was  Michelangelo who came up with the final design , combining elements of his colleagues' designs, and improving them as only he could.
• One  model for the dome  was the Roman  Pantheon . When Michelangelo first saw the pantheon, he said it seemed more like the work of angels, not humans.
• Michelangelo  made his dome 1.5m (5 feet),  narrower in diameter than the Pantheon . He said “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.”

• Michelangelo died in 1564, and at that point the dome was only completed up to the drum. So he never got to see his design realized .
• In 1585, Pope Sixtus V ordered Giacomo della Porta  (one of Michelangelo's pupils, and himself a prominent architect) and Domenico Fontana  to complete the dome to Michelangelo's exact specifications. They finished it in 1590. Later,  Domenico Fontana added the lantern on the tippy top.
• In the early 1600's, Carlo Maderno (the nephew of Domenico Fontanta), was ordered by Pope Paul V to add a nave and facade . This is what you see when you stand in St Peter's Square looking at the basilica. As a result, Michelangelo's dome is barely visible from St. Peter's Square, and is best seen from a distance.

From St Peter's Square, you can barely see Michelangelo's dome because of the imposing facade.

Even just standing farther back from the basilica, almost outside the square, you start to get a better sense of the beauty of the dome.

Some of the best views of the dome of Saint Peter's basilica are from Rome's bridges. Then you can really see just how beautiful, and enormous, Michelangelo's dome is!

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One of my favorite books of all time is Irving Stone's classic, The Agony and the Ectasy.

It's a biographical novel all about Michelangelo Buonarotti's life. I was so in love with this book that while I was reading it, I stopped half-way and went back to the beginning to start it again.

I just wanted to stay in Michelangelo's world a bit longer and absorb all I could of his passion and his genius.

Practical info about climbing St Peters dome

Costs to climb st peters dome.

Entry to Saint Peter's basilica is free.

But if you want to climb the dome, you must pay.

It costs 8 Euros to climb via the stairs, and 10 Euros to take the lift/elevator. 

There are  NO discounts  or passes for anyone.

You cannot use the  Roma Pass , Omnia Pass, Student ID, or any  other Rome city pass  to get a discount.

Hours of St Peters Dome

• From April 1  - September 30, the dome is open from 7.30 AM - 6 PM.
• From October 1 - March 31, the dome is open from 7.30 AM - 5 PM.

Those times are a bit arbitrary.

This is because it's up to the guards to decide when to start shooing people away and when to get serious about "everyone out!" (And even the opening time sort of depends on when the guards are ready.)

Last entry could be the stated closing time, or it could be around half hour before the stated closing time, depending on how long the lines are.

And to climb via the stairs, it's even earlier than that .

So give yourself a little leeway if you don't want to miss visiting St Peters dome.

Bottom line - try to make sure you get to the ticket counter at least an hour before the stated closing time so you are not rushed.

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What you need/what you should not bring to climb st peters dome

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:

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To climb St Peters dome make sure you are dressed properly.

And by dressed properly I mean two things:

• Dress appropriately! -  When entering a holy site, this means covered knees and covered shoulders . You will not be allowed into either Saint Peters Basilica or the Vatican Museums if you are not properly covered. (And this means you must be properly dressed to enter the dome too.) Both the basilica and the Sistine Chapel are holy places and they take the modesty dress code seriously. If you are not sure if your shorts or dress are long enough, wear something else. Sometimes they are a little lax but I'd err on the side of caution. Did you come all the way to Rome, and make your way over to the Vatican , only to be turned away?
• Be comfortable!  - I cannot stress enough how important it is to be comfortable when you sight-see in Rome. And by this I mean really comfortable shoes (and socks if applicable).

A few more things to bring/not bring:

• Don't bring large bags or backpacks . You will need to check them and anyway, it would be difficult to climb St Peters dome with something heavy. 
• Bring a camera but not a tripod ( not allowed .) 
• Bring a bottle of water .
• If you're like me, and you easily get low blood sugar, some kind of snack or protein bar .

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St Peter's Basilica: Dome

--> st peter's basilica: dome, get climbing saint peter’s dome.

If you want to explore every last bit of Saint Peter’s Basilica, you won’t want to miss out on the dome. Steps will take you all the way to the top, where a spectacular view across the rooftops of Rome awaits! Keep reading for everything you need to know ahead of your visit and our top tips for skipping the queues…

Guided tour of the cathedral + crypt + dome ticket from EUR 42 (duration: 3 hours).

Only tickets for October left! Accompanied admission with audio guide (EN/ES/IT/FR/DE) for EUR 29!

The positives:

The view of Rome is simply stunning – even on a cloudy day. You’ll also be able to look down on the people inside Saint Peter’s Basilica from the dome.

The negatives:

It’s super busy! You’ll have to wait to get inside the basilica and then join a separate queue later for a ticket for the dome. And you’ll probably have to fight for one of the spots with a view of Saint Peter’s Square once you get to the top!

Don’t attempt to visit the dome if you can’t physically climb steps or if you’re claustrophobic. A lift takes you some of the way, but then you still have to tackle 320 steps (and space is a bit tight in places).

Last Modification: 10.01.2024 | Céline

St Peter's Basilica Dome Tickets

Buy on site ticket.

Free admission to the Basilica + ticket for the dome (long waiting times)

St Peter Dome + Audio guide

Access to the Dome + Audioguide (EN/ES/FR/DE/IT)

St Peter Dome + Crypt Tour

Guided Tour in EN/FRZ/IT/ES, great views. Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Be aware: there are no Skip the line tickets available. If you have booked a guided tour, you will also have to wait in line (up to 1/1.5 hours in peak season)

The details at a glance

Opening hours.

1 October – 31 March: 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. April 1 – September 30: 8:00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.

Elevator and 320 steps: EUR 10 Walk all 551 steps: EUR 8

Prices for the dome: Elevator and 320 steps: EUR 10 Walk all 551 steps: EUR 8

There is no online ticket for this, which is why you see extremely long queues here. Have cash ready – they don’t except credit cards!

Information

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not possible on most Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not possible on most Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The Pope then holds his weekly public audience .

In addition, the Pope can hold spontaneous masses: then online tickets are only partially valid. (But that doesn’t happen very often) And the dome cannot be visited either.

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano

St Peter's Basilica Dome Photo Gallery

Is the dome worth climbing.

I thought I’d create a separate page for the dome at Saint Peter’s Basilica because I’m sure some of you will be asking the same questions I was asking before I went. Let me answer them for you…

1. Is it really worth climbing the dome? Is the view actually that good?

Absolutely! The view is simply stunning – even when the weather is not on your side and the sky is clouded over. I’m addicted to taking photos and I was in my element. I hate to think what I’d have been like if the weather was better or if I’d been lucky enough to time my visit with a beautiful sunset! No doubt I’d have been taking photos for hours! The view across the rooftops of Rome is incredible and admiring the dome from the inside is an experience not to be missed either.

2. What is included?

The situation always keeps changing. We’ll do our best to keep everything up to date here as things change. The audio guide + dome ticket has been available since 2023: normal queuing at the security check, admission to the dome, lift ride to the 1st level, audio guide for the dome, free stay in the cathedral after visiting the dome. Accompanied admission with audio guide for EUR 29 ! We will tell you more about this below.

3. Is it really worth booking online?

Back in April 2016, I was impressed by the fast-track price of EUR 19.50, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy that ticket again next time. In 2017 I used the VIP dome ticket + audioguide for EUR 32. Now it is “only” EUR 29 , but without skip the line at the security check! But, to be fair, it ended up being worth every cent. I saved an hour of waiting around in front of the basilica (not in 2024!) and can then skip around another half an hour of queueing for the dome. The staff are on hand to help you find your way around, and you get an audio guide. You do feel sorry for everyone waiting, but that’s all forgotten once you start to feel a bit like a VIP.

4. Will I make it to the top?

To be honest, I was pretty smug about the fact that I work out regularly. I managed to get to the top without really getting out of breath. And I’d say that (almost) anyone could manage it! It’s worth pointing out, though, that the steps get narrower as you get closer to the top, and you may feel a bit dizzy as you climb the last stretch of spiral steps. But it’s nothing you can’t handle! But remember: If you have any mobility issues, are claustrophobic or know that you tend to struggle with steps, make sure you think carefully about whether you will be able to make it to the top. Pregnant women are advised not to climb the dome. Remember that there are 320 steps after the lift! And once you’ve gone up, you’ll have to make your way back down!

Why not have a practice on your stairs at home?

Ticket options

My experience, on offer again access to the dome with audioguide.

Back when I wrote my field report, there was the offer with an audio guide. Then it was gone for a long time.

But since April 2023 it is back again. Although in a slightly different form, but for those who do not want a guided tour, a top alternative.

Price: EUR 29 Start time: 8 am (nothing for late risers). Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday You have to be there at least 15 minutes before the time!

Duration: 2 hours

What’s included: Audio-guided combined tour (Basilica and Dome) Ticket for the dome Assistance at the meeting point (like Vox Italy back then)

No skip the line , but as I understand the text, you meet the care outside the dome. Maybe you can skip the line after all. Anyone who tries it, please let me know 🙂 . Pack your own headphones.

The tour is not suitable for the following people: who suffer from claustrophobia for wheelchair users (over 300 steps to walk!) Families with kids have to think as well if the little one will make it.

The tour is also subject to weather and liturgical events.

Book audio guide tour!

other Ticket options

I’ve found two alternatives for you in case that the dome audio guide and a staff chaperone up to the lift is not available right now:

1. Buy both your tickets upon arrival and plan to wait for up to two hours.

This is the option that plenty of people end up going for on the day. Entry to Saint Peter’s Basilica is free this way, but you’ll end up having a long wait outside in the queue for security. And then you’ll have to face another queue inside to buy your tickets for the dome. Despite all the waiting, this option is by far the most cost-effective.

Prices: Entry to Saint Peter’s Basilica: Free Access to the dome: Steps only: EUR 8 Lift and steps: EUR 10

2. Guided tour in English and dome climb

If you go for this all-inclusive package, you don’t have to worry about anything other than turning up in the right place at the right time. The tour of inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and of the papal tombs lasts 3 hours and is delivered in English. You’ll get reserved tickets for the dome too. It’ll cost you more than the VIP dome ticket I mentioned before, but you do at least get a guided tour included.

Prices: guided tour and access to the dome: EUR 42 Length of tour: 3 hours Language: English

Getting started: How do you skip the queues? (my experince from 2017)

**Be aware: I tested this special offer in 2017 . This offer doesn’t exist any more. There are now other providers and there might be other access or procedures now – especially after Covid-19! Always take a look at the information the provider sends you with the ticket! The actual Audio guide tour offered is slightly different. **

Having printed out my ticket at home, I followed the instructions provided by Tiqets and arrived at Saint Peter’s Basilica a bit before my allotted time.

When you approach the basilica, you need to keep right and walk along the outside of the colonnade. At least this is what we were told to do in 2017. You’ll soon come to the Poste Vaticano post office. Around there, you need to head left and through the colonnade. Look out for Vox staff (wearing blue), but anyone else will be happy to point you in the right direction. You’ll be directed to a small stand (a folding table), where someone will tick your name off their list. It’ll then just be a case of waiting for anyone else who has booked to climb the dome at the same time as you. This would be a good time to go to the toilet!

You’ll get moving as soon as everyone has arrived. The next step will be to get through security and you’ll be able to skip the queue. Vox staff will be waiting to take you to the audio guide stand on the other side. Make sure you don’t get lost in the crowd!

At the audio guide stand, hand over your ticket for another thorough check. You’ll then be given an audio guide, headphones and a numbered map. Give the audio guide a quick go to check that it works.

Someone else from Vox will be waiting to take you to the dome lift. Once again, keep an eye on them to make sure you don’t get separated from the group!

Another queue at the lift? I don’t think so!

I was honestly shocked when I spotted the queue for the dome. I had no idea it would be so bad!

The staff took us past everyone who was waiting at super speed. We moved so fast that I could just take this blurred picture…

And all of a sudden we were standing in front of the lift. There was a tiny queue here just because not very many people can fit in the lift at once. The Vox representative gave one person in our group a ticket that we would need to show when it was our turn to go in the lift so that all 12 of us would be let in.

It took less than 15 minutes to get from the security check to the queue for the lift. It really was a slick operation with absolutely no time for dawdling. All of the staff members were friendly and happy to answer my questions.

I was just relieved that I’d managed to go to the toilet beforehand…

A wow moment inside the dome

After a short wait, it was time to step inside the lift. The ride didn’t take very long at all, but it saved us 231 steps. Once you leave the lift, you have to walk over a section of the roof towards the dome. Climb up a few steps from there and you’re inside the dome. Wow is all I can say!

You’re standing 70 or 80 metres above everyone inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and they all look like little ants scuttling around. Standing directly underneath the dome and above Bernini’s baldachin is an incredible experience. In one of the photos below, you can see the text written on the base of the inside of the dome. The strip is 2 metres in height and the letters are around 1.5 metres tall. You can’t appreciate the sheer size of the text when you’re standing with your feet firmly on the ground. The diameter of the dome is 42.34 metres! That may make it a little smaller than the Pantheon’s dome but believe me when I say that this dome is much, much higher!

Best foot forward and up the steps!

Once I was absolutely sure that I’d taken everything in at this height, it was time to get going again. 320 steps were just waiting to be climbed! They take you round the dome – you can clearly see the angle in the photo on the right below.

The climb was tough, but there are plenty of convenient little stopping points where you can have a rest and let other people overtake you 😉 The stairs are monitored by cameras in case anything happens.

Note that the final stretch of the climb is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia, as the spiral steps are just so narrow. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about anyone coming the opposite way as there are separate stairs for people going up and down.

View across the rooftops of Rome

Finally, you’ll make it to the top and it will all have been worth it!

Your reward? A panoramic view of the city!

If the weather is on your side, you’ll be in for a real treat. But don’t panic even if it’s a cloudy day, as nothing could spoil this view.

Just be warned that you’re not exactly going to be alone up there! Chances are that it’ll be packed full of people especially on the side of Saint Peter’s Square. You might just have to be patient and work your way to the front to take photos.

Don’t get distracted so much that you forget to listen to the audio guide. That almost happened to me ;). Switch it on for information about all the sights you can see from the top of the dome like Saint Peter’s Square , the Sistine Chapel and Castel Sant’Angelo .

We had booked the last slot of the day on Tiqets and so we knew we had to hand in our audio guides after just 90 minutes. That’s what prompted us to start making our way back down. Believe me when I say that going down was much faster than going up!

Once we reached the roof again, we stopped for another little break and made the most of the chance to take a look at the giant statues looking down on Saint Peter’s Square from behind. We decided against taking the lift back down and instead stuck with the steps. I don’t know if that would have been the quicker option as there wasn’t a lot going on around the lift.

We handed in our audio guides in return for my ID and sauntered into the basilica. A mass service was underway but (luckily) it wasn’t being led by the Pope, as we wouldn’t have been allowed in!*

A leisurely look around Saint Peter’s Basilica

After all that excitement up high, it was time to explore the basilica at ground level. I’d been before, but it was my husband’s first time inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and I could see that he was impressed! The size of the place is enough to take your breath away… And you’re free to take your time and wander around for as long as you like.

I tend to be very (very) excitable and so I wanted to share my husband’s thoughts with you here since he’s usually a little more reserved when it comes to sights and attractions.

“Saint Peter’s Basilica was seriously impressive, especially the view looking down from the dome. At least now we know that some good came out of selling indulgences. The ticket may not have been cheap, but I’m really glad we could skip both the queues as they were really long.”

Yes, the price is on the high side. But I personally think it’s worth the money. It’s up to you to decide if you’d rather save money and wait (for ages) or spend a bit extra to skip the queues for Saint Peter’s Basilica and the dome with the audio guide as a bonus!

Don’t forget this interesting alternative: If you’re not happy about paying so much to climb the dome, you could always just book a tour of the basilica . That would cut down your waiting time by one hour and you’d just need to queue up for the dome as normal once you’re inside. That’s a pretty good compromise if you ask me! Your other option would be to go for the all-inclusive package complete with guided tour.

*Notes on mass: The Pope sometimes holds impromptu masses in Saint Peter’s Basilica. It may not happen very often, but it’s bad news for ticket sellers and tourists when it does. You may not be granted entry to the basilica or allowed to climb the dome even though you’ve already bought a ticket. This is to keep the numbers down and keep the Pope safe. Unfortunately, there’s nothing the ticket companies can do and you won’t be able to get a refund. If you’ve managed to get in already and just have to miss out on the dome climb, you can at least say you’ve seen the Pope hold mass. Bit of a bonus, right?

Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2016 – 2024

other views on rome

Castel sant'angelo, spanish steps, aventine hill.

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How to Climb St. Peter’s Dome in Rome

Tue 05 Mar 2024

One question we are often asked by visitors coming to Rome for the first time is whether it’s worthwhile to make the climb up to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. The short answer is a resounding yes! I have climbed the dome of St. Peter's dozens of times since I moved to Rome back in 2010, and I never tire of the experience.

The cupola of St. Peter’s is the highest point in the Eternal City, and the experience of climbing the dome offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Vatican City and all of Rome - providing a unique perspective of the city's iconic landmarks that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. As you ascend the dome, you'll also get to appreciate the intricate architecture and artwork of St. Peter's Basilica  up close, including  Michelangelo's famous dome design and stunning mosaic artworks.

We think that climbing St. Peter’s dome is a must-do on a Vatican tour or visit to Rome, but there are some things that you should to bear in mind before deciding to make the climb. Read on to find out everything you need to know about climbing the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome!  

St. Peter’s Dome Opening Hours

Before you make a beeline for the Basilica, you’ll need to know when to go! The opening hours for the dome climb are slightly shorter than those for the church itself, and depend on the season.

• Summer Hours (April 1 - September 30): Every day from 7.30am and to 6pm
• Winter Hours (October 1 - March 31) : Every day from 7.30am and to 5pm

Please note that in busy periods the queue to climb the dome may be closed half an hour before the stated time.

On some Wednesday mornings the Basilica and the Dome Climb will be closed due to Papal Audiences. On these occasions the Basilica, as well as the Dome, will open at 12.30pm. The schedule of Papal audiences varies through the year, so on some Wednesday mornings the Basilica is open. Nonetheless, we recommend avoiding this time when planning your visit.

Getting your tickets for St. Peter’s Dome

You cannot buy tickets to climb St. Peter's dome online, and must do so on site. Once you have passed through the security controls at the front of the entrance lines for the church (remember not to bring any glass bottles with you and to respect the dress code), climb the steps onto the church's portico and follow the signs for "Entrata Cupola."

The ticket office is located at the far left hand side of the basilica's portico, beneath a statue of the Emperor Charlemagne on horseback. Most online sources will tell you to turn right when you reach the portico to find the ticket office: ignore them, as this is outdated information.

Again, ignore online sources that tell you that you can only pay with cash - St. Peter's now accepts card payments as well. Of course, it's always a good idea to have some euros on you just in case! There are two different ticket options available:

• If you would like to make the climb on foot all the way, the ticket costs €8. It's a sweat-inducing 551 steps all told if you choose to go this route, but if you're young and fit and want to save a couple of euros - or you simply don't like elevators - this is a sound option.
• For those of us not in peak physical condition, or who don't have time to waste, the second ticket option includes an elevator ride part-way up the dome, to the level of a walkway that rings the dome's interior. This option costs €10. As there is not much to see on the first portion of the climb, we think this is the better option and worth the extra €2.

How to Climb St. Peter’s Dome 

Even if you plump for the ticket option with elevator ride included, the remainder of the climb from the walkway level is another 320 steps, which must be completed on foot. This is also the most challenging part of the ascent, as the stairwell becomes narrower and steeper as you make your way upwards, culminating in a narrow spiral staircase where a rope bannister is on hand to help you haul yourself up.

The route is one-way, so once you embark on the final portion of the climb there is no going backwards. The narrow staircase and limited space can make the climb challenging for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues, so it’s a good idea to re-assess whether you want to continue to the top from the tranquility of the dome walkway.

If you don’t want to or aren’t able to make the climb to the top of the cupola, it’s still well worth taking the elevator to the panoramic viewing platform inside the dome, where a cafe and gift shop will occupy you whilst you wait for your travelling companions to complete the climb.

If you are up to the challenge, however, the prize at the end of the journey is worth every step!

Do I Need to Be Fit to Climb St. Peter's Dome?

Climbing St. Peter's Dome is somewhat challenging, and you will be sure to be somewhat out of breath when you reach the top. We think that anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness and no serious medical conditions should be able to manage it, however. As you climb you are actually walking in the narrow space between the two shells of the Michelangelo-designed dome, giving you a great sense of the engineering idea that underpins the construction. 

Tips for Climbing St. Peter’s Dome

• Go early. You can’t skip the lines to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, and you can’t skip the line to buy your ticket for the dome climb either. To avoid having to queue for a long time, we really recommend that you aim to be at St. Peter’s around 8 am or earlier, not long after the ticket office for the dome climb opens. At this time of the morning things are usually quiet, meaning you can enjoy the climb in relative peace. In summer, going at this time comes with the added advantage of avoiding the Roman sun - it’s also the time that we visit climb the dome on our tour of St. Peter’s basilica. 
• Wear Comfortable Shoes. It should go without saying that you need to wear appropriate footwear when facing a climb of hundreds of steps across uneven surfaces, but you’d be surprised at some of the shoe-decisions we’ve seen over the years. Please, for everyone’s sake, choose function over fashion on your St. Peter’s dome climb!
• Bring a Water Bottle. No matter how fit you are, climbing a 450 dome can be thirsty work. Bring a water bottle (plastic only - glass bottles and containers are not allowed through security, so leave them at home) or buy one from the cafe at the walkway level before the final ascent.
• Do Your Research.  Unless you know what to look out for, you will miss plenty of fascinating details when making the dome climb. To learn more about the fabulous mosaics that await you on the interior of the dome, as well as what to look out for from the viewing platforms at the top of the cupola, read our guide to what to see on a climb of St. Peter’s dome .
• Consider a tour of St. Peter’s that includes the dome climb. Whilst climbing the dome is a fun thing to do in itself, doing so as part of an expert-led guided tour of St. Peter’s can improve the experience immeasurably. Take advantage of local know-how to navigate the crowds, get valuable historical context, and make sure you don’t miss a thing on your way up the dome by trusting in one of our experienced experts! This Spring, Through Eternity Tours will be inaugurating our St. Peter’s Basilica tour with dome climb. We’ll be going live in March, so check this space! Or get in touch with our team of travel experts to find out more.  

Now you’ve read our guide to  climbing the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica , you’re ready to visit yourself.  Through Eternity Tours  offer a range of  guided tours of St. Peter’s and the Vatican museums  – look us up if you’re coming to Rome!

MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:

• 7 Things You Need to See in St. Peter's Basilica
• Art and Faith in the Vatican: The History of St. Peter's Basilica 
• Visiting St Peters and the Vatican Museums: A Practical Guide 
• A Guide to the Vatican Gardens 
• What to See on a St. Peter's Dome Climb

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How to Climb Up the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica

Written by: Kate Zusmann

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Climbing to the top of the cupola (dome) of Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the main attractions during your Roman holiday since it is the highest point of Rome, located on the territory of the Vatican. However, it is essential to mention that you should better visit the smallest government in the world in the morning to enjoy views of Rome without crowds of tourists and skip the lines to the Basilica.

The dome opens at 8 am, and you need to throw out St Peter’s cathedral security check before climbing. After the security check, look right, and you will find a sign that directs you to the kiosk with tickets for the dome.

On the way to the ticket desk, you will pass the entrance to the Basilica on the right side of the colonnade, then the Holy Door. After turn left and you will see the place where to purchase tickets.

Michelangelo Buonarotti designed the dome of St Peter’s church. The artist was inspired by the dome of the Duomo of Florence and the Pantheon, designed by Brunelleschi. Unfortunately, when  he died, the new Basilica missed the corner chapels, the façade, and the dome, of which only the columns and drum had been finished.

In 1587, Giacomo della Porta became responsible for completing the dome with his assistant Domenico Fontana. After two years of work, the dome was finally completed. According to the legend, Michelangelo planned his dome 1.5 m (5 ft) shorter across than the Pantheon. He then said: “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.”

The maximum height of the cupola is 133.3 m from the ground level, the height inside the basilica is 117.57 m, while the inner diameter is 41.5 m. Also, the total weight is 14 thousand tons

Inside the Cupola

The great cupola is located above the altar, and the Baldacchino is decorated with mosaic and stucco ornaments. Four structural piers support it with a perimeter of 71 m and a height of 120 m from the ground to the roof. Moreover, there are large letters in the background, from St. Veronica to St. Helen, saying “Hinc una fides mundo refulgent” (From here a single faith shines throughout the world) ; and from St. Longinus to St. Andrew: “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here is born the unity of the priesthood).

Above the windows, the dome is divided into sixteen ribs and segments, decorated by impressive figures. Among them are:

• The busts of the 16 popes buried in the basilica
• Figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St John the Baptist, and different Apostles
• Faces of angels
• The custodians of the tomb of St Peter
• The faces of cherubim and seraphim
• Angels bearing the instruments of Jesus’ Passion

Also, there are 96 figures and a blue sky with stars. Above them, you can see the lantern with a Latin inscription at its base: “To the glory of St. Peter, Pope Sixtus V in the year 1590, the fifth of his pontificate.”  Many artists worked on the decorations inside the dome since Michelangelo died when only the base was completed. Pope Clement VIII commissioned Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d’Arpino) to finish the upper part of the decoration.

Fix price transfer from the Fiumicino Airport to Rome

Useful Information

There are two ticket options:

• You can take an elevator to the roof level and save 320 steps. However, there are 551 steps in total, and you will still climb up to reach the highest point of the dome. This kind of ticket costs 10 euros per person.
• You can climb up to the dome without an elevator. The price for the option of 551 steps by foot is 8 euros.

Payment is accepted only in cash

After 30 seconds ride on the elevator, you can stop by to take a coffee in a bar on the dome or visit a restroom . Climbing up to the top of the dome goes through progressively narrower and sloping stairs. The narrow passageway can be inconvenient if you are claustrophobic. Also, it could be crowded and hot on summer days. However, there are small windows with fresh air, and you can take a break while climbing up.

It is worth to ascent to the top of the dome not only for amazing views of Rome and Vatican, but also, you can send the postcard to your friends or relatives from the highest point of the Vatican

Undoubtedly, this is one of the main attractions you can do in the Vatican. Sending a postcard from the highest point of the smallest government in the world is a cheap, original, and unique present for the people you love. The price for the postcard starts from 50 cents, while the stamp price is 2.30 euros if you are going to send it to the US or 1 euro if you want to send it to any European country. Furthermore, postcards  sold in the Vatican are connected to the thematic of the smallest government in the world: images of masterpieces of the Vatican Museums,   Sistine Chapel, Popes, Swiss Guard , etc. Also, there is a souvenir shop at the same place where postcards are sold.

You can climb up to the dome with us during our individual tour to the Vatican at sunrise

• How to get: Go through a security pass in St Peter’s Square and follow the way to the Basilica
• Opening hours:  8 am – 6pm (Apr – Sep) 8 am – 5 pm (Oct – Mar)
• Website (Italian): www.vatican.va/cupola
• Drop your bags:  large bags or purses are not allowed into the basilica, but there is a drop-off point for all bags in a room to the right of the steps leading into the church

Author: Kate Zusmann

For the last 10 years, I live in the Eternal City. Traveling, exploring new things, writing blogs, and shooting vlogs are my main hobbies, but the thing that I like even more is sharing my experience and thoughts with you! Explore Rome with Us :)

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Italy’s Eternal City, Rome was once the center of an empire that stretched over three continents and shaped much of the civilization we live in today. Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, parts of the old city remain remarkably intact, from the impressive Pantheon to the Roman Forum—the heart of ancient Rome. Within Rome is the world’s smallest country and a symbol of Christianity’s role in the city’s history. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church, where mammoth St. Peter’s Basilica stands alongside the most famous Renaissance-era artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel. As one of Rome’s top-rated tour companies, we make planning your city break a breeze. Explore eerie underground catacombs, make authentic Roman pasta, walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor, or save time by seeing all the iconic sites of Rome in a day. Just find your perfect Rome tour or day trip to Pompeii, and let our world-class local guides do the rest!

Looking for the best tours and local guides in Rome? You’ve found them! We’ve spent years exploring Rome and making friends in all the right places, meaning we can offer skip-the-line entry, special access experiences, and only the most charismatic, knowledgeable, and passionate guides in the city. Head underground in the mighty Colosseum, explore the magical Vatican at night, or taste authentic Roman cuisine in the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. Rome is yours for the taking! Italy’s Eternal City, Rome was once the center of an empire that stretched over three continents and shaped much of the civilization we live in today. Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, parts of the old city remain remarkably intact, from the impressive Pantheon to the Roman Forum—the heart of ancient Rome. Within Rome is the world’s smallest country and a symbol of Christianity’s role in the city’s history. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church, where mammoth St. Peter’s Basilica stands alongside the most famous Renaissance-era artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel. As one of Rome’s top-rated tour companies, we make planning your city break a breeze. Explore eerie underground catacombs, make authentic Roman pasta, walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor, or save time by seeing all the iconic sites of Rome in a day. Just find your perfect Rome tour or day trip to Pompeii, and let our world-class local guides do the rest!

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The Pantheon in Rome: 11 Fascinating Facts About an Architectural Masterpiece

T he Pantheon in Rome is one of the most fascinating examples of ancient architecture. It undeniably belongs on any Rome bucketlist . This masterpiece was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian and completed in (presumably) 126 AD. The Pantheon features a stunning concrete dome that is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Here are some more fascinating facts about this architectural masterpiece!

Table of Contents

It’s not the original, the religious origins of the pantheon in rome, the temple’s spiritual evolution, the portico and it’s mighty granite columns, a dome of unmatched grandeur, the eye of the pantheon, the pantheon is rome is a monument to preservation, a final resting place for greatness, myth and legend: the romulus connection, a global influence, the pantheon in rome and it’s role in the church, location, location, location., taxis in rome, find the best tours in rome, history and facts about the pantheon in rome.

The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome and indeed in the world. It is a large, round temple with a massive dome. The original Panthon in Rome was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 AD. Unfortunately, it was later destroyed in a fire not once, but twice. Here are ten fascinating facts about this architectural masterpiece:

Let’s start with one of the more confusing facts about the Pantheon. The current structure we so easily recognize is not the original. Rather, it is a “new” Pantheon build around 126 AD Marcus Agrippa commissioned the original Pantheon in Rome which was constructed around 27 AD. However, it burned down not once but twice. Twice destroyed, twice rebuilt , the only piece that remains of the Agrippa’s temple is the front portico with the following inscription: M. AGRIPPA L. F. COS. TERTIUM FECIT . This inscription is likely why most people believe Agrippa commissioned the Pantheon and, while that is true of the original, it is not true of the present day icon .

The very name “Pantheon” hints at its original purpose. Derived from the Greek words “pan,” meaning “all,” and “theon,” meaning “gods,” the Pantheon in Rome was conceived as a temple to honor the entire pantheon of Ancient Roman deities. However, its journey through time would see it transform into something quite different.

In the seventh century, the Pantheon underwent a transformation that mirrored the evolving spiritual landscape of Rome. It was converted into a Christian church, now known as the Basilica di Santa Maria and the Martyrs. This transition underscores the Pantheon’s adaptability and enduring significance.

Supporting the Pantheon’s grand portico are sixteen colossal granite columns. Each column rises to an astonishing height of sixty feet (18 meters) and weighs a staggering six hundred tons. The grand entrance serves as a fitting prelude to the architectural splendor that awaits inside.

The crowning jewel of Rome’s Pantheon is its massive concrete dome. A true marvel of engineering, the dome boasts a diameter equal to its height, soaring to a breathtaking 142 feet (43 meters). What truly sets it apart is the fact that it stands as the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. This feat of construction, achieved nearly two millennia ago, continues to astonish architects and engineers to this day.

At the heart of the Pantheon’s dome lies an exquisite feature known as the “oculus.” This circular opening, measuring 30 feet (nine meters) in width, serves both as a source of natural light and a conduit for ventilation. Originally exposed to the open sky, it now boasts a protective glass covering, preserving its beauty for generations to come.

One of the Pantheon’s most remarkable qualities is its incredible state of preservation. In a city steeped in history and layered with the remnants of ancient civilizations, the Pantheon stands as a testament to the enduring quality of Roman engineering and craftsmanship. It is often hailed as the best-preserved ancient building in the city, with its dome, columns, and inner chambers seemingly untouched by the passage of time.

The Pantheon holds more than just architectural wonders; it is a repository of historical significance. Within its hallowed walls lie the tombs of some of Italy’s most illustrious figures, including the renowned painter Raphael and the Italian king Vittorio Emanuele II.

The Pantheon’s location carries a mythic legacy as well. According to Roman legend, it sits upon the site where Romulus, the founder of Rome, met his divine end. An eagle is said to have seized him upon his death and carried him into the heavens, forever joining the pantheon of gods. This connection to the city’s mythic origins adds an extra layer of intrigue to the temple’s history.

The influence of the Pantheon extends far beyond its Roman origins. It has inspired countless architects and builders throughout history, shaping the design of iconic structures such as the U.S. Capitol Building, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and even St Peters Basilica in the Vatican . Its enduring legacy continues to resonate in modern architecture worldwide.

While the Pantheon is undeniably a relic of the past, it is also very much a living monument. The building functions as a Christian church known as the Basilica di Santa Maria and the Martyrs, welcoming worshipers each Saturday and Sunday. Its doors are open to all, allowing visitors to partake in its rich history and spiritual significance.

Are You Visiting Rome?

If you are planning to visit Rome, here are a few personal recommendations.

Pick a hotel in a location that provides access to as many activities on your Rome bucket list as possible. Consider Albergo Del Senato . This hotel sits in the same square as the Pantheon and is an excellent base to visit other top sites like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona , and more. From here, the only places we needed a taxi to visit were Vatican City and Galleria Borghese. Everywhere else, we walked.

Check rates for this hotel or explore other options on Expedia or Booking .

When visiting Rome, using taxis can be a convenient and reliable way to get around the city. To use a taxi in Rome, start by finding a designated taxi stand or calling for one. If necessary, you can request your hotel call an official taxi. Look for the white vehicles with a “TAXI” sign on the roof. Make sure the taxi is equipped with a working meter. It’s important to note that Uber and other ride-sharing services are not widely available in Rome. Once inside the taxi, you can provide the driver with your destination, and they will start the meter.

It’s always a good idea to have the address written down or saved on your phone in case of language barriers. While most taxi drivers in Rome are honest, it’s recommended to keep an eye on the meter and ensure it is running properly. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. Tipping isn’t necessary but, if you’re satisfied with the service and want to show your appreciation, rounding up to the next Euro is sufficient.

The post The Pantheon in Rome: 11 Fascinating Facts About an Architectural Masterpiece appeared first on Travels of Jenna .