St. Peter’s Basilica — About, History, Tours & Visitor Info (2025)

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, one of the most important churches in the Catholic world and a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Learn the story of St. Peter’s tomb, how the current basilica was built, what to see inside, and how to choose the right guided tour, dome climb, or Vatican combo ticket for your 2025 trip.

About St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica stands at the heart of Vatican City, on the site where tradition says the Apostle Peter, the first pope, is buried. It is not only a major pilgrimage site but also one of the most impressive churches in the world, with a vast interior, monumental artworks, and a famous dome that dominates the Rome skyline.

Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Bramante. Highlights include Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s monumental bronze baldachin over the main altar, side chapels decorated with mosaics, and views down the long central nave that can hold tens of thousands of worshippers.

What Makes St. Peter’s Basilica Special

St. Peter’s is both a working church and a museum-like space full of art and history. Unlike many museums, entry to the main basilica is free (you only pay for extras like the dome climb or guided tours).

  • Spiritual center of the Catholic Church and the pope’s principal basilica.
  • Iconic dome by Michelangelo with sweeping views over Rome.
  • Mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, and classical design in one immense building.

Where It Fits in Your Rome Plan

St. Peter’s Basilica is usually visited together with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, but you can also come just for the church, the square, or the dome climb. It sits on the west bank of the Tiber River and is easy to combine with Castel Sant’Angelo, the Trastevere area, or a Rome city walking tour.

Easy itinerary: Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel in the morning on a guided tour, walk through to St. Peter’s Basilica with your guide, then climb the dome or relax in St. Peter’s Square in the afternoon.

Brief History & Timeline of St. Peter’s Basilica

The site of St. Peter’s has been a place of Christian worship since the early centuries of the Church. Knowing a few key dates helps you understand what you are seeing during your visit.

  • 1st century AD — The Apostle Peter is believed to have been martyred and buried on this site, outside the ancient walls of Rome.
  • 4th century — Emperor Constantine orders the construction of the first St. Peter’s Basilica above Peter’s tomb. This early church stands for over 1,000 years.
  • 1506 — Pope Julius II begins work on a new basilica to replace the old, unsafe church. Architects such as Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo contribute to the design.
  • 1546–1564 — Michelangelo becomes chief architect and designs the great dome, which later becomes one of the most recognizable features of Rome’s skyline.
  • 1626 — The new St. Peter’s Basilica is officially consecrated. Bernini later designs the spectacular St. Peter’s Square colonnades that embrace visitors in front of the church.
  • Today — St. Peter’s remains a major pilgrimage site, hosting papal liturgies, daily Mass, and millions of visitors every year who come to pray, admire the art, and climb the dome.

In short: St. Peter’s Basilica is the result of centuries of planning, faith, and artistic genius—layering early Christian tradition with Renaissance and Baroque innovation in a single monumental space.

Tours, Tickets & Vatican Experiences Including St. Peter’s

You can walk into the basilica for free, but guided tours, dome climbs, and Vatican combos help you skip lines, understand what you are seeing, and access areas that are harder to explore on your own. Here are popular options via GetYourGuide:

St. Peter’s Dome Entry & Audio Experiences

Secure a dome entry ticket to climb part-way by elevator and then by stairs to the top. Enjoy close-up views of the mosaics inside the dome and panoramic views across Rome from the terrace.

Reserved Entrance & Basilica Ticket

Choose a reserved entrance ticket that guides you through security faster and includes an audio guide or host assistance inside the basilica. This helps you avoid the longest queues at peak visiting times.

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

Join a skip-the-line guided tour that covers the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica in one route. A licensed guide explains the highlights so you are not overwhelmed by the amount of art on display.

Papal Audience Experience + St. Peter’s

Experience a papal audience in St. Peter’s Square with help securing your ticket and finding the right area to sit. Many tours also suggest how to visit the basilica on the same day once the audience has finished.

St. Peter’s Dome, Underground & Tombs Tours

Some guided tours combine the dome climb, papal tombs, and basilica highlights, giving you a complete look at St. Peter’s from top to bottom, including areas many visitors miss.

St. Peter’s Square & Rome City Tours

Combine a Rome walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus pass with time in St. Peter’s Square and the basilica. This is ideal if you are short on time but want to see key Vatican and city highlights in one day.

Flexibility tip: Many Vatican tours and tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, which is useful if you need to adjust for weather, crowds, or a change of plans.

What You’ll Experience Inside St. Peter’s Basilica

Artworks & Highlights Not to Miss

St. Peter’s can feel overwhelming at first, so it helps to focus on a few key sights:

  1. Michelangelo’s Pietà — A moving marble sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus, found in the first chapel on the right as you enter.
  2. Bernini’s Baldachin — The huge bronze canopy over the main altar, sitting directly above the supposed tomb of St. Peter.
  3. St. Peter’s Chair (Cathedra Petri) — A dramatic sculptural setting behind the altar at the far end of the basilica.
  4. Mosaics and side chapels — Many “paintings” are actually detailed mosaics that have survived centuries with bright colors.
  5. Papal tombs and memorials — Monuments and chapels dedicated to various popes and saints.

Dome Climb, Views & Atmosphere

The dome climb adds an extra layer to your visit. From the viewing gallery inside the dome you can look down into the basilica, and from the top terrace you’ll see the Vatican gardens, Tiber River, and rooftops of Rome.

  • Expect narrow stairways and some tight corners near the very top.
  • On clear days, you get some of the best city views in Rome.
  • The climb may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues or strong claustrophobia.

Tip: If you want a quieter, more reflective visit, arrive early in the morning or closer to late afternoon, when queues can be shorter and the light inside the basilica is especially beautiful.

Insider Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica

Dress Code & Respectful Behavior

St. Peter’s is an active place of worship with a modest dress code. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Avoid hats inside, keep voices low, and do not take photos during Mass unless clearly permitted.

Lines, Security & Timing

All visitors must pass through airport-style security. Lines can be long at midday and on busy days, so consider arriving early, visiting in the late afternoon, or booking a reserved entrance or guided tour to reduce waiting time.

Photography & Quiet Areas

Photography is usually allowed without flash in most parts of the basilica, but some chapels have restrictions. Always respect signs and staff instructions, and remember that many visitors are there to pray, not only to sightsee.

How Long You Need

For a basic visit inside the basilica, plan at least 60–90 minutes. If you are also climbing the dome, visiting tombs, or joining a guided tour, allow 2–3 hours or more.

Visitor Cheatsheet — St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Location

St. Peter’s Basilica is in Vatican City, just across the river from central Rome. The huge open space in front of the basilica is St. Peter’s Square, framed by Bernini’s curved colonnades.

Nearest Metro & Transport

Many visitors arrive via Rome’s metro to stations such as Ottaviano or Cipro, then walk 10–15 minutes to the square. Buses and taxis from central Rome also run frequently to the Vatican area.

Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main basilica is free, but you must queue for security. Separate tickets or tours are required for the dome climb, special areas, and most Vatican Museum + Sistine Chapel experiences.

Accessibility

The basilica has accessible entrances and routes for visitors with reduced mobility, though the dome climb involves many stairs and is not suitable for wheelchairs. Check current details before your visit if you have specific needs.

Bags, Security & Dress

Large bags and sharp objects are not allowed past security, and there may be limits on bringing tripods or bulky equipment. Dress modestly and be prepared for your bag to be screened at the entrance.

Pairing With Other Sights

Combine St. Peter’s with a Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tour, a walk across the bridge to Castel Sant’Angelo, or a broader Rome city tour that includes the Colosseum and historic center.

Ready to Plan Your St. Peter’s Basilica Visit?

Build your perfect Vatican day in 2025: explore St. Peter’s Basilica, climb the dome for views over Rome, attend a papal audience, or join a full Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour. Secure your preferred tickets and time slots in advance so you can focus on the experience, not the lines.