St Peter’s Basilica

What this is

St Peter’s Basilica is a working place of worship, a major papal basilica and the architectural centrepiece of Vatican City. The present church was built between 1506 and 1626, replacing the earlier Constantinian basilica on the same sacred site.

Its scale can disguise the detail. Give the main nave time before heading for individual works: the building’s huge piers, mosaic-rich vaults and chapels make the interior read more clearly once you have taken in its overall plan.

Key works and spaces

Start at the right-hand side after entering for Michelangelo’s Pietà, protected behind glass. Continue down the nave toward Bernini’s bronze Baldacchino, the towering canopy over the papal altar. Beneath this area lies the traditional burial place of Saint Peter.

At the far end, Bernini’s monumental Chair of Saint Peter fills the apse. The side chapels, tomb monuments and altars reward a slow circuit rather than a rushed straight line through the church.

The Vatican Grottoes lie below the basilica and contain papal tombs. They form a separate part of the visit and may be managed differently during services.

Dome and viewpoint

The dome is a separate, paid visit. It gives close views of its interior mosaics before opening onto the roof and the lantern-level panorama across St Peter’s Square and Rome. The route includes stairs even when lift access is available, so it is not a good choice for visitors uncomfortable with confined or steep stairways.

Seasonal dome hours are shorter than the basilica’s: currently 07:00–18:00 in summer and 07:30–17:00 in winter. Religious celebrations can alter access.

Entry and timing

General entry to the basilica is free, and a reservation is not required. Security screening takes place in the right-hand hemicycle of St Peter’s Square when facing the façade; allow for a queue. A paid timed-access service is available for visitors who want a guaranteed slot.

The basilica currently opens daily from 07:00 to 20:00, with last entry at 19:15 subject to security queues. Wednesdays and Sundays are usually the busiest days because of the papal audience and the noon Angelus. Major liturgies, especially around Easter and Christmas, can restrict tourist access.

Rules and access

This is an active sacred space. Shoulders and knees must be covered; men are required to wear long trousers, while women must wear trousers or skirts below the knee. Keep voices low and do not use flash photography.

There is no luggage storage, so avoid large bags. Ramps and lifts provide access for visitors with disabilities; the dome is only partly accessible by lift. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano–San Pietro on Line A, followed by a walk to the square.