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Michelangelo's Tour: St. Peter's Dome & Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica

  • 2 hours
  • 2 languages
  • Instant confirmation
  • Private tour

Highlights

Do you want to know more about the genius Michelangelo? This visit is perfect do learn about him. Stories, secrets and much more that you’ve never heard before! The tour start with a visit to the Dome with its spectacular mosaics and stucco embellishments. End your tour in St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà. Michelangelo Buonarroti left us a legacy of his genius in sculpture, painting, architecture and poetry, don’t miss the opportunity to discover more about his interesting life! Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Local guide
  • Private tour
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Local taxes

What's not

  • Private transportation
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is best seen from an up-close perspective. A short lift ride will take you to the main level inside the vault. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of the staggering mosaics and stunning elaborate embellishments. This view affords the best perspective to appreciate the artisans’ skills and techniques used to create such intricate work. Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.

    1 hAdmission included

  2. When you return to ground level, you’ll explore St. Peter’s Basilica, and you’ll see Michelangelo's famous Pietà, the only piece of work he ever signed. You’ll learn how Michelangelo was chosen over his peers for the distinct honor to paint St. Peter’s heavenly arch. Then, you’ll visit the underground ecclesiastical tomb, where many Popes have been buried over the centuries. You will also explore the various houses of prayer, and shrouded graves.

    1 hAdmission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Please meet your guide at the obelisk situated in St Peter's Square. The guide will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Ostia Tours
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If the Dome is closed due to poor weather, you will be given the option for an alternative path inside the Museums, but no refunds if one of the areas is closed will be given.

How it compares in Vatican City

  • Its from-price is 267% above the median of the 244 experiences we list in Vatican City.
  • Its length is typical for the group.

About Vatican City

Vatican City is a tiny independent state inside Rome, home of St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

Vatican City is an independent state of less than half a square kilometre, enclosed by walls inside Rome on the west bank of the Tiber, and the smallest country in the world. It is the seat of the Catholic Church and the home of the pope. St Peter's Square, framed by Bernini's curving colonnades, leads to St Peter's Basilica, built over the traditional tomb of the apostle Peter, with Michelangelo's dome rising above and his Pietà inside.

Top-ranked sights in Vatican City: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica.

See all 244 experiences in Vatican City

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