Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, La Pietà, Papal Tombs and Dome
- 1–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 5 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica with a expert guide and uncover the stories behind Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin, and the historic Papal Tombs. Meet your guide outside St. Peter’s Square and begin with Bernini’s iconic colonnades, fountains, and the fascinating history of this legendary square at the heart of Vatican City. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica and admire its breathtaking architecture, magnificent chapels, and extraordinary works of art. Stand before Michelangelo’s world-famous Pietà, marvel at Bernini’s monumental Baldachin, and hear fascinating stories about the artists, popes, and events that shaped this incredible church. Continue beneath the basilica to explore the Papal Tombs, where many popes are laid to rest. Discover the history and traditions surrounding this remarkable part of St. Peter’s. By the end of your experience, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of Vatican history, Renaissance art, and one of Rome’s spectacular landmarks.
Inclusions
What's included
- Headsets: Ensure clear communication for an immersive experience.
- Guided Tour: Explore with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
- Official Guide Historian Expert: Learn from an accredited historian's expertise.
- Obelisk Viewing: Admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisk in the heart of the square.
- St. Peter's Square: Discover the grandeur of this iconic Vatican landmark.
- St. Peter's Basilica: Immerse yourself in the opulent interiors and significant artworks.
- Papal Grottoes: Descend into the crypt beneath the Basilica, uncovering centuries of history.
What's not
- Dome climb with elevator
- Skip-the-line option
Itinerary
Next, enter the Basilica and witness its grandeur. Admire the golden ceilings and impressive mosaics that took 150 years to rebuild. Follow your expert guide through the renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art, including Michelangelo's "Pietà". Stand in awe of the harmonious 30-meter-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of this iconic artwork.
Discover the stunning Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, a poignant sculpture depicting Mary cradling Jesus, showcased within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica
Descend into the underground grottoes and discover the final resting place of St. Peter. Trace the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica with your fingertips and imagine the history that surrounds you. Marvel at the beautiful frescoes that adorn the underground chambers and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this holy site. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the history and spirituality of this sacred place, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
At the end of the tour, your guide will point you to the ticket desk where you can purchase optional tickets for the dome climb.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 5184
- 46
- 31
- 22
- 11
Ratings come from 194 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Upon reaching the designated meeting point, look for the tour coordinator holding a Red sign labeled "TIX & TOUR". It's crucial to have your voucher ready for check-in. If you encounter any difficulty locating the tour coordinator, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Tickets
- Tickets are redeemed at a different location from the meeting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 30 travellers
- Operated by
- Tix & Tours
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 1. Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered as this is a religious site.
- 2. Security: Airport-style checks are required, with wait times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close for Vatican events. If this happens, we will reschedule your visit as soon as possible.
- 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we will extend the visit to the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
- 5. Exclusions: This tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
How it compares in Rome
- Its from-price is 89% below the median of the 8352 experiences we list in Rome.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 465 of 8352.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Rome
Rome layers nearly three thousand years of history into one walkable city, from the Colosseum and Forum to Baroque piazzas and Vatican art.
Ancient Rome is still in plain sight. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill sit together at the city's heart, the Pantheon still stands with its open oculus, and fragments of temples and aqueducts turn up between apartment blocks. Across the Tiber, Vatican City holds St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Top-ranked sights in Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel.
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