Welcome to St. Peter’s Basilica, a marvel of Renaissance architecture. Pilgrims from all over the world admire this 400-year-old work of art and honor Peter, the founder of the church, who is said to be buried here.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is erected on the place where the tomb of the church dignitary Peter is said to be. The apostle Peter is said to have been buried here after he was crucified in Nero’s circus, which was located near this place at the time.
The first basilica was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. The current church was built from 1505 to 1626 over the first basilica.
The beautiful dome of Michelangelo and the imposing altar of the Pope are located above the place where the tomb of the Apostle Peter is said to be.
Opening hours
St. Peter’s Basilica is open:
April – September 7am – 7pm
October – March 7am – 6.30pm
St. Peter’s Basilica is closed during papal masses and when the Pope’s general audiences take place on Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square.
Tickets
Admission to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge. Currently there is no priority skip the line security check.
St. Peter’s Basilica guided tours
Overview at Tiqets
Here you will find in a very clear way a variety of available tours for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome and the Grottoes.
Guided tour with dome and grottoes
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and the grottoes with an expert guide. Experience the adventure of climbing the winding stairs inside the Michelangelo’s dome. Reward yourself with a fantastic view from the platform at the top of the dome.
You can also book this tour as a private tour.
Clothes
There is a dress code for entry to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, all basilicas and churches in Rome and the catacombs. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Sturdy shoes are recommended in St. Peter’s Basilica. You will not be let in with beach sandals.
You will be admitted barefoot only if it is in accordance with the religious dress. You are also not allowed to wear headgear.
How to get to St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on the Vatican Hill on the orographic right side of the Tiber. In the 1st century the area was outside the city and here was Nero’s circus and a burial ground.
This is the best way to get to St. Peter’s Basilica:
By bus :
Lines 40, 64 from Termini Station, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona
Line 23 from the Basilica of St. Paul and the Pyramid (Ostiense)
Line 81 from the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Capitol
Line 98, 881 from Aurelia Antica, Via Gregorio VII
By metro (underground) :
Line A from the Basilica of San Giovanni, Repubblica, Spanish Steps, Piazzale Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo) to Ottaviano
By tram :
Line 19 from Porta Maggiore, San Lorenzo, Bioparco
From Fiumicino airport :
Regional train FL1 direction Fara in Sabina to Trastevere and there change direction San Pietro
With the shuttle bus to Castel Sant’Angelo (stop Via Crescenzio)
From Ciampino Airport :
With the shuttle bus to Termini and then with bus number 40 or 64
From the port of Civitavecchia :
Regional train from Civitavecchia station to San Pietro station
Find St. Peter’s Basilica on Google Maps 