Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica: Tickets & Hours

Symbol of the Christianity all over the world, the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica is the very heart of the Vatican City.

Every year nearly 10 million visitors cross the bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica that, with its 614 feet in length, is the biggest church in the world, outranking Notre Dame de Paris in Paris and Westminster in London!

Other than being a sacred place for pilgrims and for the Catholic World, St. Peter’s Basilica houses some of the most beautiful masterpieces ever. Priceless friezes, mosaics, statues such as Michelangelo’s “Pietà” and Bernini’s Canopy adorn the church, leaving every visitor breathless.

We have already covered the history and the main artwork of St. Peter’s Basilica in detail in our related post “St. Peter’s Basilica: Facts you should know before visiting”.

Here you will find useful information to visit St. Peter’s Basilica such as opening hours, dress code and tickets, which are needed only if you want to climb up to the Dome.
Indeed, remember that entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, as for every other church in Rome, is free of charge!

NOTE: Since entrance to the Basilica is free, lines can be very long.
Based on our experience, we think that the best way to visit St. Peter’s and bypass people in line is from the Vatican Museums or the Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica. Both allow fast track entry to the Basilica!

• How to Visit
• How to Reach
• St. Peter’s Basilica Facts
• St. Peter’s Basilica FAQ
• Free Itineraries
• What’s Nearby

1PLAN YOUR VISIT IN ADVANCE

– Add this landmark to your Travel List; Beware of long lines. To enter St. Peter’s you will have to pass through airport-style scanners and security.

2CHECK IN ADVANCE THE BEST TIME VISIT

– Springtime and Summertime: 11.00am or 5.00pm;
– Fall and Wintertime: from 11.00am to 4.30pm;

3BEWARE OF DRESS CODE

– Dress code is strictly enforced at St. Peter’s Basilica. No shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts. This applies to both men and women.

Call Center (Tourist Information):
+39 06 698 816 62

1CLOSEST BUS STOPS TO ST. PETER’S BASILICA

Bus Lines (Stop “Cavalleggeri/San Pietro”):

34466498109F881916982

Metro Station:

Take the “Red Metro Line” or “A Line” and stop at “Cipro” or “Ottaviano”.

Address:
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano (Vatican City State)
Get directions from Google Maps

Every day between 40,000 and 50,000 people cross the beautiful entrance doors of the church, amounting to 10 million visitors per year. Those same doors were crossed by illustrious figures such as popes, emperors, poets and artists. When you walk down the nave of St. Peter’s Basilica you are literally walking on history that dates back to 2,000 years ago! Read More…

Are you wondering something about this landmark in Rome? Go to our Q&A section and post your question. It will be answered by an official Rome tour guide!