St. Peter's Basilica: what to see inside and how to climb the dome

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is open every day, and entry to the basilica itself is free.

The entry line runs along the right semicircle of the colonnade. At opening time, the line for the metal detector checkpoints is short; during the day you'll wait longer. Come at 7:00 or after 17:00, and the basilica will feel almost empty.

Below: what to see inside, how the dome climb works, when the basilica is open, what dress code applies, and how to get there by metro.

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What to see in St. Peter's Basilica

💡 In short:

• Entry to the basilica is free; you only pay for the dome climb and the digital audio guide.
• In summer the basilica is open from 7:00 to 20:00, and the dome welcomes visitors from 7:00 to 18:00 (as of 09/2026, basilica schedule).
• Shoulders and knees must be covered, otherwise security at the entrance will turn you away.

The basilica stands in the center of the Vatican, on the site where, according to tradition, the Apostle Peter is buried. The basilica is more than 210 meters long and almost 136 meters high, so inside it reads more like a city than a single hall (as of basilica description).

Statues of Christ and John the Baptist stand on the facade balustrade. Right by the entrance doors you'll see figures of the apostles Peter and Paul. In Peter's hands is a set of keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, which, according to Scripture, Christ gave him.

Several doors lead into the basilica, and they open under different rules. The Holy Door on the right side is opened only in a jubilee year. Before Christmas, the pope opens it and is the first to pass through. At the end of the jubilee year, the door is closed again until the next jubilee.

Bronze doors and Giotto's mosaic

The central bronze doors were made by the Florentine master Filarete. Above the panels are figures of the Savior and the Mother of God, in the middle the apostles Peter and Paul, and below, scenes of the trial before Nero and the execution of the apostles. The panels of the central portal date to the 15th century, and above the door itself there is a bas-relief where Christ hands Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

© Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SAPhoto: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

To the left of the portal you'll find the "Door of Death" by Giacomo Manzù. Opposite, above the entrance, is the "Navicella" mosaic based on a sketch by Giotto: the version that has come down to us was executed in Baroque forms. Study the doors from outside before you go in: there are fewer groups there, and no one rushes you.

Michelangelo's dome and Bernini's baldachin

The dome was built to Michelangelo's design and completed after his death. The inner diameter of the dome is about 42 meters, and it rests on four massive piers. Inside the vault, mosaics depict the evangelists: Matthew with an angel, Mark with a lion, Luke with an ox, and John with an eagle (as of article about the basilica).

© 山海风 · CC BY-SAPhoto: 山海风, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Under the dome stands Bernini's bronze baldachin on four twisted columns with statues of angels. The bronze for it was taken by dismantling the structures that supported the roof of the Pantheon's portico. If you raise your eyes to the laurel branches at the top, you'll see the heraldic bees of the Barberini family.

Behind the baldachin, in the central apse, is the Chair of St. Peter. Four statues support the chair, and above it hovers the symbol of the Holy Spirit. Bernini worked in the basilica for nearly half a century, and his touch is visible in every major detail of the interior.

Pietà and papal tombs

The basilica's main sculpture: Michelangelo's marble "Pietà." The Mother of God holds Christ taken down from the cross on her lap, and the work stands behind protective glass, so the details are visible only up close.

The cathedral is the resting place of John Paul II, so there are almost always people at his tomb. In the right part you will see the tomb of Pope Urban VIII by Bernini, and on the left is the burial chapel of Paul III, worked on by Michelangelo's student Guglielmo della Porta.

The friezes of the dome and the church are covered with mosaic inscriptions in Greek and Latin. They tell how Christ gives Peter instructions and the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Tickets and opening hours

Entry to the basilica is free. You only pay if you climb the dome or take a digital audio guide. The dome ticket includes entry to the basilica and the audio guide in one booking (as of 09/2026, official website).

There are two ways to climb the dome. The elevator takes you up to the terrace level, and from there you walk along the inner circular gallery and up the steps inside the dome. The walking option is cheaper, but the staircase is narrow, the steps are sloped, and the route takes longer. Exact prices change by season, so check the amount when booking on the official website.

On Wednesday mornings the basilica may be closed due to the papal audience, so plan your visit for the afternoon or another day of the week. The dome closes earlier than the basilica, so it is best to start the climb well before closing time.

If you do not want to queue for a ticket on site, you can get dome tickets and the audio guide on Tiqets in advance.

Visiting rules and dress code

Italian police run a security check at the entrance: metal detector frames and bag inspections are located in the right semicircle of the colonnade (as of 09/2026, official website).

The dress code is strict: shoulders and knees must be covered, beachwear is not appropriate. Men must remove hats. A light long-sleeved shirt or a scarf solves the issue of bare shoulders (as of 09/2026, visiting rules).

Inside, you are asked to keep quiet: this is a place of prayer, not a museum. During services, part of the space is closed to visitors, so the sightseeing route sometimes changes along the way.

How to get there and where it is on the map

The nearest metro station on line A is called Ottaviano, also known as San Pietro and Musei Vaticani. From the exit to the colonnade of the square it is about a 10-minute walk.

From Termini station you take line A towards Battistini and get off at Ottaviano, which is about 15 minutes underground. Buses and trams stop around the square, but routes change, so check the schedule with the ATAC operator.

First you pass through the security frames in the right semicircle of the colonnade, then you climb the stairs to the portal. The screening itself is quick; the queue is what takes longer.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

Entry to the basilica is free; you only pay for the dome climb and the digital audio guide. Climbing on foot is cheaper than taking the elevator, check the exact price when booking.

When is the basilica and the dome open?

In summer the basilica is open from 7:00 to 20:00, the dome from 7:00 to 18:00. In winter the dome is open from 7:30 to 17:00 (as of 09/2026, opening hours on the basilica website).

How do I climb the dome on foot?

Inside the basilica, follow the signs to the dome, buy a ticket, and climb the stairs. The steps are narrow and slanted, and in places you have to walk sideways. The elevator only takes you to the terrace; you still have to climb the final section inside the dome on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Will I be allowed in wearing shorts and with bare shoulders?

No, shoulders and knees must be covered. Security at the entrance stops people in tank tops and short shorts.

Do I need to book entry to the basilica?

No separate booking is needed to enter the basilica. It is worth booking the dome climb, the audio guide, and guided tours, because they operate on timed slots.

In short: what to book

The dome climb and the audio guide are worth planning in advance. If you want a live explanation of the Pietà, the baldachin, and the Chair of St. Peter, guided tours on GetYourGuide will give you more context than the plaques. Arrive at opening time, wear comfortable shoes, and the dome climb will take you a relaxed hour and a half.