Cities and regions／Vatican City
Place of interest ·

St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship with a nave, baldachin, Pietà and Vatican grottoes. The dome is a separate visit involving stairs, while liturgical celebrations and organisational needs may change access.

Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica seen from Saint Peter’s Square.
Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • The nave, baldachin, Pietà and Vatican grottoes.
  • The dome has a separate admission and requires 320 stairs even with the lift.
  • An active religious space requiring silence and appropriate clothing.
St. Peter's Basilica
Photo by Myrabella Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Interior staircase of Saint Peter’s Basilica dome.
Photo by Livioandronico2013 Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in St. Peter's Basilica

Guides to this place

1 article

St. Peter's Basilica

Viajalo Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica seen from Saint Peter’s Square.

Planning Vatican City’s Museums, Basilica and Necropolis

The Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the necropolis involve different schedules, access arrangements and levels of effort. Choosing one carefully can transform the experience.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 13/09/2026