{"id":25270,"date":"2026-04-27T11:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T10:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=25270"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:37:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T10:37:51","slug":"guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome","title":{"rendered":"Guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"558\">If you\u2019re planning a visit to <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<\/span><\/span>, one experience stands above the rest\u2014quite literally. This <strong>guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<\/strong> will walk you through everything you need to know before taking on one of the most rewarding viewpoints in <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rome<\/span><\/span>. Towering above the Vatican skyline, Michelangelo\u2019s iconic dome is not only an architectural masterpiece but also offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Eternal City.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"560\" data-end=\"998\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For many travellers, climbing the dome is a highlight of their trip, combining history, art, and a sense of adventure all in one unforgettable experience. Whether you\u2019re drawn by the chance to stand inside one of the world\u2019s most famous churches or simply want to enjoy the best views in Rome, this guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica will help you plan your visit, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of every step.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12184\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12184\" class=\"wp-image-12184 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The majestic dome of St. Peter\u00b4s Basilica - an ornate dome designed by Michaelangelo - lit up at night to glow and contrast against the blue sky at sunset. Guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter's Basilica\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12184\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The stunning dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica in Vatican City<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#St_Peters_Basilica_%E2%80%93_Interesting_Facts\" >St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica &#8211; Interesting Facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Guide_to_climbing_the_dome_of_St_Peters_Basilica\" >Guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Is_climbing_the_dome_of_St_Peters_worth_it\" >Is climbing the dome of St. Peter\u2019s worth it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#When_is_the_best_time_to_climb_the_dome_of_St_Peters_Basilica\" >When is the best time to climb the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#How_do_you_access_the_steps_to_the_dome_of_St_Peters\" >How do you access the steps to the dome of St. Peter\u2019s?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Step-by-Step_Guide\" >Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Take_the_Elevator_or_Stairs_to_the_Base_of_the_Dome\" >Take the Elevator or Stairs to the Base of the Dome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Inside_the_Base_of_the_Dome\" >Inside the Base of the Dome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#The_Final_Ascent_to_the_Crown_of_the_Dome\" >The Final Ascent to the Crown of the Dome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#The_Summit\" >The Summit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Why_a_Tour_is_the_Best_Option\" >Why a Tour is the Best Option<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Guide_to_Climbing_the_dome_of_St_Peters_Basilica\" >FAQs &#8211; Guide to Climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#Why_should_you_take_a_tour\" >Why should you take a tour?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#What_time_does_the_tour_start_and_how_long_does_it_last\" >What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/guide-to-climbing-st-peters-basilica-dome\/#What_is_the_best_time_to_go_to_Rome\" >What is the best time to go to Rome?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"St_Peters_Basilica_%E2%80%93_Interesting_Facts\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica &#8211; Interesting Facts <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few interesting facts to know about St. Peter\u2019s Basilica:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction of the enormous church began in 1506 and was finally finished in 1626.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The architects of the church are a who&#8217;s who of Renaissance and Baroque artists: Donato Bramante, Raphael, and Bernini, while Michelangelo created the dome.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At 448-feet-high, the dome is the tallest of its kind in the world.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michelangelo\u2019s inspiration for the dome came from the Pantheon in Rome and the Duomo in Florence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you just can\u2019t get enough of these facts, check out six more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/st-peters-basilica-facts\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">surprising facts about St. Peter\u2019s Basilica <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and its dome.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, the dome of St, Peter\u2019s is majestic. If you don\u2019t agree now, you will when you see it with your own eyes. And even better: you don\u00b4t just have to look from below, you can actually climb it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3386\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3386\" class=\"wp-image-3386 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/vatican-st-peters.jpg\" alt=\"The interior of St Peter\u00b4s Basilica with rays of sunlight streaming through the windows of the majestic dome onto the people who are visiting below\" width=\"700\" height=\"395\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3386\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The majestic dome is extremely impressive!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guide_to_climbing_the_dome_of_St_Peters_Basilica\"><\/span>Guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_climbing_the_dome_of_St_Peters_worth_it\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is climbing the dome of St. Peter\u2019s worth it?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s hard to believe, but there aren&#8217;t a lot of spectacular viewpoints in Rome. Gianicolo Hill above Trastevere and Terrazza del Pincio above Piazza del Popolo are two of the most popular. But then there\u2019s the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, which is not only the second-highest viewpoint in Rome but also offers 360-degree views.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But it\u2019s not just about the destination. Ascending to the crown of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, you\u2019ll get up-close looks of the grand mosaics of 96 different figures in the cupola of the dome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If this hasn\u2019t inspired you to step it up, figuratively and literally, consider this: you\u2019ll be essentially ascending a masterpiece of architecture designed by none other than Michelangelo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17348\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17348\" class=\"wp-image-17348 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Walks_Vatican-Highlights-WEB-0011.jpg\" alt=\"Michelangelo's works of architecture and painting\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-17348\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Michelangelo&#8217;s works of architecture and painting<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_best_time_to_climb_the_dome_of_St_Peters_Basilica\"><\/span>When is the best time to climb the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dome opens up every day at\u00a0 7am in summer, and 7:30am in winter. The best time to visit the dome of St. Peter\u2019s is as early as possible. If you can make it there right at the opening time, you\u2019ll have the dome almost entirely to yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another option is to go just before it closes. That way, depending on the time of year, you may get to see a stunning sunset. The dome closes each day around 6pm in summer and 5pm in winter, so if you\u2019re a sunset seeker, plan to arrive an hour or so before closing time. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insider Tip: Also check out this article for more useful <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/visiting-st-peters-basilica\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tips for visiting St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_21311\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21311\" class=\"wp-image-21311 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/vatican-feature.jpg\" alt=\"St Peter's Square surrounded by semi-circle rows of white columns.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/vatican-feature.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/vatican-feature-768x479.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21311\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">St Peter&#8217;s Square is one of the most visited places on earth. Photo credit: Arnold Straub<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_access_the_steps_to_the_dome_of_St_Peters\"><\/span>How do you access the steps to the dome of St. Peter\u2019s?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we move onto the actual guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, you need to know the details of how to purchase a ticket. There are a few ways to do this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After going through security outside of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, enter the church, and you\u2019ll find the ticket window just to the right of the main doors. Look for signs with the word \u201cCupola\u201d on them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other way to acquire a ticket is from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.basilicasanpietro.va\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">official website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is recommended because you\u2019ll avoid having to wait in the ticket line at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica. At this point, you\u2019ll have to decide: take the stairs or the elevator up to the first part. The elevator costs 5 euros more.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_22595\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-image-22595 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg\" alt=\"Various people standing inside St Peter's Basilica listening to a tour guide.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There is so much to see, so it really is worth doing a guided tour, to discover the stories behind the sights!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-Step_Guide\"><\/span>Step-by-Step Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_the_Elevator_or_Stairs_to_the_Base_of_the_Dome\"><\/span>Take the Elevator or Stairs to the Base of the Dome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First of all, if you\u2019re worried about taking all those stairs, the first part of the journey can be done via elevator, which whisks visitors up to the base of the cupola. Keep in mind, sometimes the line for the elevator can be long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you opt for the stairs, you have 231 steps to walk up before you arrive on the first level: inside Michelangelo\u2019s dome. With each step, you\u2019ll get higher on a wide spiral stairway with marble, low-level steps. The grade is gentle and not particularly steep, so it\u2019s less taxing on your respiratory system.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22594\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22594\" class=\"wp-image-22594 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/copula-1.jpg\" alt=\"Various people sitting on benches in a park space with St Peter's Basilica dome in the background.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/copula-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/copula-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22594\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The dome is part of the skyline, but its also one of the best opportunities to see spectacular views of the city<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inside_the_Base_of_the_Dome\"><\/span>Inside the Base of the Dome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you get to the base of the cupola, you can look down into the interior of the church from the base of the dome. You\u2019ll also get a closer look at the artwork inside the cupola and realize that these aren\u2019t paintings; they\u2019re mosaics. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lowest level of the 96 mosaic figures are the first 16 canonized popes\u2014all of whom are buried in the crypt below the church. Above them are head-to-toe images of Jesus, Mary, St. John, St. Paul, and the 12 Apostles. And then above that are angels soaring heavenward.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look down onto the ground floor of the church to get a sense of just how big St. Peter\u2019s actually is. Wafts of incense may tickle your nose, and you may hear some heavenly chants from a chorus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On this first level, you have the possibility to walk out onto the roof of the basilica. There is also a bathroom and a small refreshment stand on this level. The roof area is a great place to relax for a few minutes, sip an espresso, and take a few long breaths of fresh Roman air. It\u2019s also quite fun to see the backs of the enormous statues that line the roof of the basilica.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b>Wheelchair users take note:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this portion of the journey is accessible for all, via the elevator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_22596\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22596\" class=\"wp-image-22596 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/st-peters-view.jpg\" alt=\"Various statues lined up on the rooftop of St. Peter's Basilica.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/st-peters-view.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/st-peters-view-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22596\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stand behind the statues that line the rooftop of the basilica<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Final_Ascent_to_the_Crown_of_the_Dome\"><\/span>The Final Ascent to the Crown of the Dome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Say \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">arrivadeerci<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d to the elevator for now. If you want to get to the crown of the dome, you\u2019ll have to climb 320 steps (yes, if you did the math, that is 551 steps in total, if you forewent the elevator from the ground to the base of the cupola).\u00a0 The rest of the journey to the top is via a narrower and slightly steeper staircase than you would have ascended in the first part of the journey (if you made the trip via the staircase).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At times, the walls lean in, and the passage narrows\u2014a reminder that you\u2019re in a 400-year-old building. The final push to the top is a staircase that zigzags, and then a narrow, spiral staircase, made of marble. There\u2019s a rope to hold onto to keep your balance.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_21307\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21307\" class=\"wp-image-21307 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0090.jpg\" alt=\"The view from St. Peters Basilica showing its large round plaza filled with people.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0090.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0090-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21307\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from St. Peters Basilica shows the sheer scale of the plaza below, the people are like ants!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Summit\"><\/span>The Summit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any regrets about making the ascent, they will vanish the second you reach the crown of the dome and see the stunning view of the Eternal City. Afterwards, you have the easier part of going down the steps. If you\u2019re too winded by the time you reach the base of the cupola, there\u2019s that refreshment stand where you can take a break.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The view of the oblong-shaped St. Peter\u2019s Square might be the most stunning at first. But beyond that, you can see Castel Sant\u2019 Angelo, the Pantheon, the muted red-tiled roofs of the Centro Storico, the Colosseum,\u00a0 and the bright white marble of the Vittoriano, the monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17350\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17350\" class=\"wp-image-17350 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Walks_Vatican-Highlights-WEB-0016.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of St. Peter's Basilica Dome\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-17350\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Make the climb not only for the views of the city but also for a close up of the interior of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica Dome<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_a_Tour_is_the_Best_Option\"><\/span>Why a Tour is the Best Option<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The third way to acquire a ticket is to take our\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/st-peters-basilica-tour-dome-crypts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Peter\u2019s Basilica tour with dome climb<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 an all-encompassing, small-group tour of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, which includes a visit to the top of the dome, the papal crypt, and you\u2019ll be led around the basilica with a local expert.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you took a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/st-peters-basilica-tour-dome-crypts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guided tour of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the climb to the dome would be the culmination of the experience, offering the most unforgettable moment of the day. Before reaching the dome, you would have explored St. Peter\u2019s Square, learned about the Swiss Guards, admired the incredible art inside the basilica (including Michelangelo\u2019s Piet\u00e0, the only work he ever signed), and visited the papal crypt where 91 popes are entombed. Then, you\u2019d climb to the dome for the best view in Rome, all while being guided by a local expert, your true guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15690\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15690\" class=\"wp-image-15690 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/7-Rome_Pristine-Sistine-High-Res-0017.jpg\" alt=\"St. Peter\u2019s Basilica\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15690\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">An expert guide will animate what you can see with stories of the past, present and future!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Guide_to_Climbing_the_dome_of_St_Peters_Basilica\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Guide to Climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_you_take_a_tour\"><\/span>Why should you take a tour?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to go beyond the info included in this guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter\u00b4s Basilica, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/st-peters-basilica-tour-dome-crypts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Peter\u2019s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome Climb &amp; Crypt<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does just that! It takes you around St. Peter\u2019s Square, into the basilica to look at works by Michelangelo and Bernini, down to the papal crypts and up to the dome (with your very own pre-reserved pass). You\u2019ll come away with a much deeper knowledge of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and the Vatican.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_time_does_the_tour_start_and_how_long_does_it_last\"><\/span>What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/st-peters-basilica-tour-dome-crypts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">two-hour tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> starts at either 11am or 3pm, depending on the day you book.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_time_to_go_to_Rome\"><\/span>What is the best time to go to Rome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have the convenience of choosing from any month of the year, the shoulder seasons are best\u2014April and May or September and October. Temperatures are cooler, airfare and hotel prices are usually lower, and there are fewer tourists than in the peak season, June through August. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insider Tip: If you already have an upcoming trip to Rome and the Vatican,\u00a0 you might want to check our guide on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/things-to-do-vatican-city\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">things to do in Vatican City.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_3297\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3297\" class=\"wp-image-3297 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Rome-St.-Peters-Basilica-In-Morning-Moon-over-church-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Vatican church\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Rome-St.-Peters-Basilica-In-Morning-Moon-over-church-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Rome-St.-Peters-Basilica-In-Morning-Moon-over-church-768x567.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Rome-St.-Peters-Basilica-In-Morning-Moon-over-church-1536x1135.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3297\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take a trip to the top of one of the world\u00b4s most famous churches &#8211; you wont regret it!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you\u2019ve read this guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, consider going deep by taking the a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/st-peters-basilica-tour-dome-crypts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and letting a local professional show you parts of the Basilica that you\u2019d never even think to look. You\u2019ll come home with a great memory and a lasting souvenir: a true appreciation of the most important church in Christianity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re planning a visit to St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica, one experience stands above the rest\u2014quite literally. This guide to climbing the dome of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica will walk you through everything you need to know before taking on one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Rome. Towering above the Vatican skyline, Michelangelo\u2019s iconic dome is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":21024,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[323,247],"ppma_author":[181],"class_list":["post-25270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-best-for-views","tag-vatican-sites"],"authors":[{"term_id":181,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"david-farley","display_name":"David Farley","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Farley","first_name":"David","job_title":"","description":"David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food &amp; Wine, among other publications. He\u2019s the author of three books, including \u201cAn Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church\u2019s Strangest Relic in Italy\u2019s Oddest Town,\u201d which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley\u2019s online homes at https:\/\/dfarley.com\/index.html and https:\/\/www.tripout.online\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25270"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25270"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25278,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25270\/revisions\/25278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25270"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=25270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}