St. Peter’s Dome Climbing

 

Discover St. Peter’s Basilica starting from the magnificent Dome, with a climb up the dome of Michelangelo with an expert guide and a group of maximum 25 people. From the dome you are rewarded with stunning views over the Eternal City – no view in Rome is comparable to this and you will be sure to end this tour having covered the Vatican and St. Peter’s from top to bottom! You’ll also get the chance to visit the Basilica and the Papal Crypts on your own without having to stand in line! Highlights Climb the iconic Dome of St. Peter’s for magnificent panoramas over Rome and the Vatican City. Option to access St. Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Crypts with no lines on your own after the tour. Hear enlightening commentary from a local Vatican expert guide, who will explain all about the fascinating history of the Dome. Group size limited to 25 people or less. Headsets so you can always hear your guide Our day begins with an early start, to beat the crowds and be among the first to climb up the Dome. You will be amazed looking at the long lines building up behind us and able to enjoy the spectacle from the top before the crowds! With commentary from your expert, English-speaking Vatican guide you’ll take a short walk along the St. Peter’s square before getting to the lift that takes you up to the base of the Dome. Here you will be able to admire its beautiful interior, then continue climbing 320 steps and get to the very top. From here you are rewarded with the most magnificent views over the Eternal City – no view in Rome is comparable to this. You can take as much time as you wish to take your best shots and to enjoy the panorama, before going back down at your own pace. You will be still inside the Basilica complex when you exit the Dome, and so your day continues with another highlight. You can take advantage of the access already gained in the morning, to visit St. Peter’s Basilica on your own, without having to join the long lines to enter it. Here you can discover the incredible Papal Altar under Bernini’s Baldachin, and marvel at Michelangelo’s other timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you discover the most important church in the Christian world. Once outside again, you can admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion in St. Peter’s Square, spot the balcony from which the Pope delivers his public addresses and snap photos of the basilica’s heavenly façade, having covered the Vatican and St. Peter’s from top to bottom! Others Please note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome you will have to use stairs (320 steps). Please allow yourself approximately 20 extra minutes if you wish to climb up to the dome of St Peters from there. Inclusions Entrance into St. Peter’s Dome Optional entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica Informative leaflet about Basilica and Dome Expert, English-speaking tour guide Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide Small groups of 25 people or less Meeting Point Information: Arriving from Ottaviano - Musei Vaticani metro A station: Exit the turnstiles – take the St. Peter’s Basilica exit. Once you exit the metro station walk down Via Ottaviano until you reach Piazza Risorgimento. Continue walking straight across the Risorgimento square and you will see the Vatican walls – follow Via di Porta Angelica until you arrive at the arches bordering Piazza della Città Leonina. Facing the arches, our meeting point is located to the left side, at the corner, next to the kiosk.