Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome Climb, and Underground Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
St. Peter's Basilica, located within Vatican City, is a symbol of religious devotion and architectural grandeur. A guided tour of this iconic basilica provides an immersive encounter with its historical, artistic, and spiritual dimensions.
Marvel at the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of this monumental church, including the awe-inspiring dome designed by Michelangelo.
Explore a treasure trove of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo's "Pieta" and Bernini's "Baldacchino."
Discover the religious importance of St. Peter's Basilica as the burial site of St. Peter and a hub for major papal ceremonies.
Descend into the Vatican Grottoes to pay homage to the tombs of popes and saints, including the traditional resting place of St. Peter. Ascend to the top of the dome for panoramic vistas of Vatican City and Rome, offering a unique perspective on the Eternal City.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please select the right option for the Dome climb or no Dome climb option
We offer a variety of tour options to suit your preferences: Italian Regular Tour (No Dome), German Regular Tour (No Dome), French Regular Tour (No Dome), Spanish Regular Tour (No Dome), English Regular Tour (No Dome), German Tour with Dome Climb, Italian Tour with Dome Climb, French Tour with Dome Climb, Spanish Tour with Dome Climb, English Tour with Dome Climb
What To Expect
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the holiest sites in Christianity. It is traditionally believed to be built on the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). The basilica holds great religious and historical importance for Catholics. The basilica is renowned for its stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It was designed by notable architects like Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Vatican Grottoes
The Vatican Grottoes, located beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, are a sacred and historically significant underground complex. This subterranean space serves as the final resting place for numerous popes, saints, and notable figures from the history of the Catholic Church. Visitors to the Vatican Grottoes can explore a labyrinth of burial chambers and tombs, including the traditional resting place of St. Peter, one of Jesus' apostles and the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). The grottoes are adorned with artistic and decorative elements that reflect the rich heritage and religious significance of the Catholic faith. Accessible to tourists and pilgrims, the Vatican Grottoes provide a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the Church and pay homage to its revered figures. These underground chambers are a place of reverence, reflection, and historical exploration, offering a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church.
Options
Basilica Private Tour
Basilica Private Tour
Spanish Tour with Dome Climb
Italian Regular Tour (No Dome)
Italian Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
Italian Tour with Dome Climb
German Tour with Dome Climb
Spanish Regular Tour (No Dome)
Spanish Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
English Regular Tour (No Dome)
English Regular Tour: The option include Complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Tombs, The Dome ticket is not included
English Tour with Dome Climb
French Regular Tour (No Dome)
French Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
German Regular Tour (No Dome)
German Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
French Tour with Dome Climb
What‘s Included
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Headsets to clearly hear your guide
Entry tickets to the Dome. IF OPTION SELECTED
Professional and Licenced Guide
Entry to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
428 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Skip the line tour, NOT!
Joseph B,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00It was supposed to be a skip the tour. An hour and 20 minutes standing in in 95 degree direct sun exposose sea of humanity later we made it to the metal detectors drenched in perspiration. Did the climb the dome and skipped the rest.
St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
Sharon T,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was exceptional. The guide we had, Claudeo (sp) was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the pace of the tour and the information was well researched.
Great tour, very knowledgeable guide
Cathy M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great tour with Volodomir, learning so much about St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, and the magnificent works of art inside. We were able to see the Pieta sculpture, the tomb of St. Pope JPII as well as St. Peter! Absolutely stunning. Bring sun protection (hat/umbrella/scarf) and water. Due to ever changing rules at the Vatican, we had to wait outside for ~45 min in the sun to get to the dome climb. Several in our tour group opted to leave rather than wait in the line. Our family managed the climb for wonderful views of the inside of the church as well as magnificent views of Vatican City and Rome from the top. As that was the end of the tour, we were then able to wander the church at our leisure and attend Mass.
St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican Grottoes and St. Peter's Dome
Shawna D,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You need to ask for Federico, my husband and I agreed he was one of the best tour guides. He provided so much detail that AI or a recording could never given. He was so professional and enthusiastic. You can tell he really loves Vatican City he is so passionate about the area and knowledgeable about the history. We toured St. Peter's Basilica St. Peter's Basilica is one of the holiest sites in Christianity. It is traditionally believed to be built on the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve 40 minutes. The Vatican Grottoes, located beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, are a sacred and historically significant underground complex for 20 minutes. St. Peter's Dome, also known as the Cupola of St. Peter's Basilica, is an iconic architectural masterpiece located in Vatican City.
Our guide walked us...
Barbara G,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide walked us through the relevance of many works of art in the basilica coupled with church history. Olga described what the dome climb involved before wrapping up her time with our group. Would highly recommend this tour if interested in combining art, history, and a bit of adventure.
Vatican and Dome climb
etinca,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sophia was outstanding. So energetic and excited about showing so many details and wow, she is great about getting into places quick and efficiently. Highly recommended
Great tour guide!
Jaime C,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour guide! Very knowledgeable and made the experience at St Peter’s Basilica and the Dome climb a good one!
A beautiful day in Rome
Thomas S,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative A very friendly guide who has an answer for everything. Unfortunately, I can no longer remember his name. Thank you
Valentine as a tour guide is TOP NOTCH!
Kat T,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Valentine was a phenomenal tour guide! Her knowledge and explanations were top-notch. We did a full tour of the Vatican complex to include St Peter’s Basilica last year during jubilee and didn’t receive 1/3 of the information we received from Valentine. Her bubbly personality made it even better. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
The Grand Basillica
Geraldine W,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An interesting and sensitive tour of the Basillica of SS Peter and Paul Rome. Valentina managed the group well and we were very lucky to watch some surprising moments and small wait times. She was knowledgable and an excellent communicator. A special tour with many great artworks to experience and important opportunities to understand Catholicism and its rich narratives.
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Operated by KAY KAY Tour Ltd.