Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Treasury Museum
Select a date
Tour Description
Our three-hour guided St. Peter’s Basilica Tour provides an in-depth look at the church of St. Peter's, the seat of the Vatican. Led by a church historian or art historian, this tour is designed to provide a detailed look at this major part of Vatican city and include works by Michelangelo, Bernini and others.
“Your guide was exceptional and stayed with us for an extended period. It was just fabulous. No other tour company should be used, if one wants to truly learn. Bravo!”
St. Peter's Basilica Tour
We'll begin on via della Conciliazione, the modern processional road built by Mussolini in the 20th century that greatly altered the approach to the Vatican. Here we'll discuss the topography of the Vatican and the historical precedents for the church that now stands there. We’ll then progress through the square, designed by Bernini, to enter the basilica proper. Inside, we’ll make a circuit through the church, guided by key artworks focusing on the history of the Vatican in general and this church in particular.
Vatican Grottoes
We will then proceed to the Vatican Grottoes (Tomb of the Popes), which is situated between the floor level of the Constantinian Basilica and the nave of the modern building. Giving us a sense of how the old Basilica was structured, we will also view and discuss the tombs of several Popes. In the remaining time, we will visit the often overlooked Treasury Museum, which displays some of the finest works of Christian art in the world.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- To assist you in planning your trip to the Vatican, we have created an informative resources page How to visit the Vatican
- PLEASE NOTE: Starting May 2024 until September 2024, the Pietà and the Baldacchino will undergo restoration works and therefore will not be visible during the tour
FAQ
Does this tour include the Scavi beneath St. Peter's?
No, this tour does not include the Scavi because visits to that site can be made only through the Vatican Scavi office directly and are led by their own guides.
Is this tour mobility friendly?
This tour is not very walking intensive and access to the basilica is made by ramps. The Vatican Grottoes can be accessed by elevator for wheelchair users. Feel free to contact us or indicate in your trip notes any mobility concerns and we can ensure the tour is adapted accordingly.
Are skip-the-line tickets included?
No, St. Peter's Basilica is free, therefore, there is no advance tickets/access available. During the tour we usually visit the Treasury Museum, they do not sell advance tickets for it. These are €6 per person and you are responsible for purchasing these during the tour. If you plan to also visit the Vatican Museums with Context, we recommend the Art Vaticana tour which also includes the basilica and prevents the need to stand in line to enter.
Does this tour include climbing the dome?
Climbing the dome is not included in the tour, however, you can do this on your own at the end of the tour if you wish. Tickets can be purchased on site.
Does this tour include the Sistine Chapel?
No, the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and is visited on our Vatican Museums Tour.
Is this tour good for kids?
We recommend families traveling with kids under 13 take our Vatican Tour for Kids which has been specifically designed for younger learners. It is led by a family-friendly expert guide and includes interactive activities.
No, this tour does not include the Scavi because visits to that site can be made only through the Vatican Scavi office directly and are led by their own guides.
Is this tour mobility friendly?
This tour is not very walking intensive and access to the basilica is made by ramps. The Vatican Grottoes can be accessed by elevator for wheelchair users. Feel free to contact us or indicate in your trip notes any mobility concerns and we can ensure the tour is adapted accordingly.
Are skip-the-line tickets included?
No, St. Peter's Basilica is free, therefore, there is no advance tickets/access available. During the tour we usually visit the Treasury Museum, they do not sell advance tickets for it. These are €6 per person and you are responsible for purchasing these during the tour. If you plan to also visit the Vatican Museums with Context, we recommend the Art Vaticana tour which also includes the basilica and prevents the need to stand in line to enter.
Does this tour include climbing the dome?
Climbing the dome is not included in the tour, however, you can do this on your own at the end of the tour if you wish. Tickets can be purchased on site.
Does this tour include the Sistine Chapel?
No, the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and is visited on our Vatican Museums Tour.
Is this tour good for kids?
We recommend families traveling with kids under 13 take our Vatican Tour for Kids which has been specifically designed for younger learners. It is led by a family-friendly expert guide and includes interactive activities.
Experts
Where You'll Start
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133 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Cecilia was a wonderful guide. She explained so much to us in a short time. She is knowledgeable and engaging. We highly recommend her and the tour.
Sarah
Dec. 21, 2022
Explanations were great, very helpful.
Jane
Oct. 20, 2022
Cecilia took an amazing and amazingly large, beautiful building and was able to show us what we needed to see and what we wanted to see, and explained it all.
Steven
Oct. 10, 2022