Duration:
3h
Location:
Borgo Santo Spirito, 17
Available language:
English, French
Accessibility:
Not available for wheelchair users
Instant ticket delivery:
Yes
Maximum number of people:
30
Ticket on smartphone:
Available
Service offered in cooperation with
Discover one of the most iconic sites of Rome with a guided tour through St. Peter’s Basilica, the monumental church that stands as a symbol of Vatican City and Catholicism. This immersive journey begins with a convenient meeting at Borgo Santo Spirito, leading you through an itinerary that ascends to the highest point of St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome, from where you’ll experience unrivaled views of the Eternal City.
Along the way, a guide will share insights into the basilica’s art, architecture, and history, detailing the significance of the surrounding Vatican City and the tombs of past popes. Concluding in the Papal Tombs, you are free to explore these historic resting places with an included digital guide. Prepare for an enriching journey through faith, history, and remarkable artistry within St. Peter’s Basilica.
This comprehensive tour includes all essential elements to ensure a thorough and memorable visit. Starting with an elevator ride that brings you partway up the dome, the physical strain is minimized, allowing you to focus on the remarkable details of this ascent. Following the elevator ride, a guided tour leads you into the depths of St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will highlight the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael that line the basilica’s interior, sharing stories behind the history and the artists’ intentions. With a digital guide included, you are free to wander through the Papal Tombs at your own pace, exploring the serene final resting places of past popes. This feature-rich tour guarantees an immersive experience that offers both guided insights and personal exploration.
This tour is tailored for those who seek an in-depth look at one of the world’s most revered religious sites. Unlike other options that provide only entry or limited insight, this guided tour includes highlights such as a partial lift ride up the dome, eliminating the need for climbing the initial 171 steps. The tour is ideal for visitors who wish to maximize their time and experience, gaining both panoramic views from the dome and close-up details within St. Peter’s Basilica.
With group sizes capped at 30, each participant benefits from a more personal encounter with Rome’s artistic heritage, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the basilica’s history to life. Choose this tour to gain both structured guidance and the freedom to explore aspects of the Vatican that can be missed on less comprehensive visits.
St. Peter’s Basilica, located within Vatican City, stands as one of the largest and most iconic churches in the world. Known for its breathtaking dome that overlooks Rome, the basilica is a site of deep spiritual significance, being the resting place of St. Peter, one of Christ’s apostles and the first pope of the Catholic Church.
Constructed over 120 years, the basilica’s architecture reflects the pinnacle of Renaissance artistry. The dome itself, designed by Michelangelo, became a model for many domes in Western architecture and remains an unparalleled feat of engineering. Visitors to the dome are afforded a unique perspective over Rome, with sweeping views extending to the Tiber River and beyond. Ascending to the top is a memorable experience, revealing close details of the dome’s interior, where intricate mosaics and architectural ingenuity showcase the skill of Renaissance masters.
Embedded beneath the grand nave of the basilica lies the Papal Tombs, a sacred site where many past popes have been laid to rest. This solemn space invites quiet reflection and reverence, with tombs dating back centuries. Here, one finds a balance between artistic beauty and historical weight, as each tomb has been crafted with detail that honors the legacy of the church’s leaders. The digital guide provided allows visitors to understand each tomb’s significance, creating a deeper connection to the Catholic Church’s past and its influence on Rome’s cultural fabric.
Among the basilica’s treasures are renowned sculptures and works of art by masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael. Michelangelo’s Pietà, a statue of Mary cradling Jesus, is particularly striking in its detail and emotional depth, conveying the profound sorrow of Mary. Bernini’s Baldachin, a monumental bronze canopy over St. Peter’s tomb, is both an architectural and sculptural wonder, standing as a testament to the baroque style he helped popularize. These masterpieces make St. Peter’s Basilica not only a place of worship but also an unparalleled museum of art and history.
Begin your tour by meeting in front of “Al San Michele” cafe, where your guide will be waiting with a Vox Italy sign. Present your smartphone voucher to confirm attendance. Plan to arrive early to ensure a prompt start to your tour. The journey begins with an elevator ride up to the first level of St. Peter’s Basilica dome, reducing the initial climb. From this point, the guide will lead you through the interior of the basilica, highlighting key works and offering insights into the history and art. After the guided portion, visitors can use the digital guide to further explore the Papal Tombs independently.
Lagnon Laurent Roxane
Jul 20, 2024
Very beautiful experience that allowed us to add context to the images we saw. The explanations were very helpful and I really enjoyed having this experience.
Anonymous
Sep 21, 2024
Very well organized, very clear, with a very good guide (Serena). The ‘delicious’ breakfast consisted of one croissant and a small juice.
Nicole
Jun 9, 2024
Very nice and enthusiastic guide! Shared so much information. Breakfast at the start was also very nice. Overall, a fun and educational excursion.
Michel, France
Sep 19, 2024
The visit was good. Note that to climb to the dome you need to be in good shape.
Anonymous
Aug 18, 2024
Good experience. The climb to the dome is not for everyone. Despite going early, the lines for the elevator were very long.
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