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Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour

4.619 reviewsSt. Peter's Basilica

  • 2–3 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 3 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Join a fascinating journey that begins in St. Peter's Square, where you can admire the architectural wonders that reveal themselves to your sight. Explore the optical effects created by the genius designer, Bernini. As you enter the Basilica, get ready to be amazed by its splendor. Observe the detailed mosaics that cover you, and learn why it took 150 years to reconstruct this emblematic building. With your expert guide, walk by famous masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassical art. Gaze at the majestic 98.5-foot high canopy, appreciating the expressive force and delicate beauty embodied in Michelangelo's "Pietà." Finish your enriching tour by going down to the underground grottoes, where you'll find St. Peter's tomb. As you touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica, enjoy the beauty of the frescoes inside, a witness to the lasting history and artistry that characterizes this sacred space.

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

  • Tickets for the dome climb (elevator access)
  • Skip-the-line option

Itinerary

  1. Begin your journey in St. Peter's Square and marvel at its majestic architecture. Discover the visual effects crafted by the designer, Bernini, and uncover the two "special" spots in the square that make it truly unique.

    30 min

  2. 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.

    1 h

  3. 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.

    30 min

  4. 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.

    1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.6

  • 517
  • 40
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  • 12

Ratings come from 19 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
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • "Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
  • Please Note: The site can become very crowded at certain times of the day. Visitors should expect potentially long queues, as this experience does not include skip-the-line access. Travelers with health concerns related to standing for extended periods or being in crowded areas should take this into consideration.

How it compares in Rome

  • Its from-price is 75% below the median of the 8352 experiences we list in Rome.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 1740 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.

See all 8352 experiences in Rome

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