St. Peter's Basilica is not only among the most renowned works of Renaissance architecture, but it is also one of the largest churches in the world. Built over a period of about 120 years, this imposing structure was designed by several prominent Renaissance architects, including Michelangelo and Bernini. Tradition and strong historical evince hold that the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles, is located directly below the altar of the church. Because of its location in the Vatican, the Pope presides at a number of services held here throughout the year, frequently drawing audiences of up to 80,000 people. Take the elevator up to the roof and then climb the 323 steps to the top of the dome, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. A strict dress code forbids shorts, bare shoulders, or miniskirts inside the site. Arrange your visit to St. Peter's Basilica and discover more family-friendly attractions in Vatican City using our Vatican City road trip app.
Tours to St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica reviews
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The lines are long, but moving fairly quickly. My advice to avoid the line is to come afternoon, perhaps after 1 pm. Short line to check in. Avoid Wednesday since usually there is a general audience..... more
The lines are long, but moving fairly quickly. My advice to avoid the line is to come afternoon, perhaps after 1 pm. Short line to check in. Avoid Wednesday since usually there is a general audience..... more »
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This is just awe inspiring! Absolutely beautiful inside. You could literally sounds hours in here if you choose.
This is just awe inspiring! Absolutely beautiful inside. You could literally sounds hours in here if you choose. more »
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Way too busy, unable to see properly because they crowded too many people inside. It really depends how much you want to go whether you would be happy with it
Way too busy, unable to see properly because they crowded too many people inside. It really depends how much you want to go whether you would be happy with it more »
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While in Rome be sure to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums even if you aren’t Catholic. The crowds are tremendous and it’s very, very hot especially in the summer months. Even though it’s super hot, be sure to keep yourself covered. It is disrespectful to have your shoulders bare and to wear short skirts, dresses and super short shorts. If you aren’t dressed properly, you will be given paper like clothing to cover up or be denied entry. It would be helpful to do a bit of research online before visiting to understand the extraordinary history and pieces of art you will be seeing. Expect to spend at least 3-5 hours exploring. You can easily spend an entire day and wonder where the time went. The shops are plentiful and apparently everything in them is blessed by the Pope. The line and wait to get into the Sistine Chapel is very long but worth waiting to see. It is amazing and, for most people, a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to look up and enjoy one of the most famous and celebrated interior paintings in world by Michelangelo 1508-1512. It is absolutely breathtaking.
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A must see. Architectural and artistic marvel. The scale is immense. The artworks and decor are awe inspiring. Several hours are needed for a thorough experience. A digital or online guide is recommended if you are interested in art or history. The Basilica is open every day free of charge which is especially nice and helpful to plan around other activities which require reservations. Highly recommended.
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St Peters Basilica is the Renaissance style church located in Vatican City. It is one of the top attractions in your Rome or Vatican City trip. Every Sunday POPE comes to the balcony to wave the peoples gather in the square. The inside is really beautiful, we were amazed. You can spend hours and still you will not feel satisfied. We went on Sunday and it was quite crowded. Tourists are allowed to go to the dome which has 520+ steps. 200+ steps can be climbed by lift and rest has to go by walk. If you use lift it cost 10 euro or else 8 euro. It is worth to go to the top at any cost because you get your dream views. We used that opportunity on a Sunday afternoon to experience this panoramic. We used the lift option which looks more reasonable. Return way from dome takes you to inside of the church.
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I decided to use five star ⭐️ i love this place! St. Peter’s Basilica for me is the best place to visit for sure 100% Inside this St. Peter’s Basilica, you can see different sculpture and architecture and also you can have mesa. Is possible for everyone to visit up 🆙 and to see all Rome from Basilica roof, the view is really beautiful 🤩 and fantastic. I can recommend this place to everyone who will visit Rome, Italy 🇮🇹 the largest church ⛪️ on earth 🌎
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I only had a short time to visit St. Peter's Basilica, but it was well worth it. The line up in the early afternoon was very long, so I waited until about 4:30pm when it was quite a bit shorter. It still took about 20 minutes to get through security. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to take my smaller backpack in but there was no problem. I have been to many cathedrals, but the sheer size of St. Peter is hard to express in words or even pictures. It's too much to take in and I would have like to have gone a second time to go through in detail. Keep in mind this is just the cathedral itself, not the rest of the grounds and museum. While not planned, I was fortunate that there was a 5:00pm mass happening while going through. I say fortunate because during the mass they have singing and playing of the pipe organ. Hearing the pipe organ reverberate through this immense cathedral is an emotional and amazing experience. I would strongly recommend if you can visit while mass is happening to do so.
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