We all know St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most breathtaking landmarks in Vatican City but while it’s grand exterior and historic interiors are stunning, the true adventure lies in the St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome experience.

The adventure of climbing the dome offers tourists an unforgettable experience at one of the highest points in Rome. Your trip to St. Peter’s Basilica will be full of history and architecture, but the panoramic shots of the Eternal City will mark the highlight of it. When you plan a visit, the St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb is a must.

Here’s all you need to know about climbing St. Peter’s Dome, including ticket options, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.

St. Peter’s Basilica and Its Iconic Dome

St. Peter’s Basilica is a historic holy site for Christians because it is believed that the church was built over the tomb of Saint Peter. He was one of the apostles of Jesus who was crucified by Emperor Nero. 

The basilica we see today was constructed in the 16th century and it took 120 years to build. It was a replacement for the original structure that honoured Saint Peter. 

Michelangelo is the mastermind behind the dome, also known as the Cupola. The dome is the highlight of the basilica’s architecture. Unfortunately, he died before he could complete it. Giacomo della Porta took over and finished its construction in 1590. 

The Vatican City dome stands 448 feet high, being the tallest in the world and offers some of the best views of Rome.
For an immersive experience, book the Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupola Guided Tour and get to see a panoramic view of Rome.

How to Access St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome 

To enjoy the St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome, you need to know a lot of things. From ticket information to the best visiting times, here are the basics:

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but expect security lines at St. Peter’s Square.

There are two options for you to choose to climb St. Peter’s Dome. One is the elevator and stairs combo, with 320 steps remaining. You can purchase that for €10.

The stairs-only tickets for the dome climb cost €8. Keep in mind that there are 551 stairs for you to climb.

You can purchase the tickets inside the basilica at the entrance to the dome or skip the lines with the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Entry Ticket Audio Guided Tour.

The best time to climb St. Peter’s Basilica is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The temperature is cooler in the morning, an ideal time for a climb, and if you plan to climb in the late afternoon, you can experience a beautiful sunset in the city of Rome. Also, there are fewer crowds at both times.

Try to avoid Sundays. The Pope gives his blessings on this day, which draws large crowds to St. Peter’s Square.

What to Expect When You Climb St. Peter’s Dome

The beautiful top view from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica does not come easy. There are 551 steps in total, and the elevator skips 231 steps, dropping you at the terrace. The full stair climb starts at the base and leads to the terrace level. The terrace offers a stunning view from the top; a close-up view of the dome’s exterior and a peek inside the Vatican City dome are worth the climb.

The final 320 steps of your St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb are steep and narrow. You’ll have to wind through tight passageways; expect slanted walls, spiral staircases, and some sections where a rope replaces handrails. 

So if you are claustrophobic, buckle up because the St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome is worth it.

Breathtaking Views from the Dome

Once you reach the top of the dome of the Vatican, you’ll get to see the most spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Eternal City. 

Here’s what you’ll see from the top:

Vatican Gardens: A rare green oasis within the city.

St. Peter’s Square: A stunning perspective of Bernini’s colonnades.

Tiber River: Flowing through the heart of Rome.

Pantheon and Colosseum: distant yet unmistakable historic landmarks.

Castel Sant’Angelo: A fortress with centuries of history.

Want to take the best photos from the top and remember your St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome forever? Here are some photography tips for you…

Visit during the golden hour for stunning lighting. The sunsets from the Vatican City dome are awe-inspiring.

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full cityscape.

Take a selfie with the dome Vatican structure as an epic backdrop.

Climb St. Peter’s Dome with these Insider Tips

There are a lot of stairs to climb and they get narrow and steep as the height increases. You’ll have to wear comfortable shoes for the climb.

Rome’s climate is hot, which makes hydration essential, especially in the summer months. Bring a water bottle with you for the climb.

The views from St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome are worth capturing, so do not forget to bring a camera or a smartphone. It’s a memory worth remembering.

If you are claustrophobic or afraid of heights, be aware that the final section gets narrow and steep with the height.

Take breaks along the way. There’s no rush to stop. You can admire the interior of the basilica as you climb.

Have a light meal before you climb St. Peter’s Dome. It’ll give you the energy you need.

Exploring Beyond the Dome

There is so much more to explore once you’ve completed the St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome. The interior of the basilica is as stunning as the exterior. It is enriched with history, art, and culture that are worth a visit. Make your booking for the St. Peter’s Basilica Digital Audio Guide to learn more about every corner of the church. 

The Pieta is a breathtaking marble sculpture of Michelangelo that shows the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Jesus Christ. Next, you could visit the papal tombs, which are the resting places of several popes and Saint Peter. Don’t forget to stop and admire Bernini’s Baldachin, the ornate bronze canopy over the high altar. 

To make the most of your trip to Rome, book combo tickets and visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. 

Why Climbing St. Peter’s Dome is a Must

The St. Peter’s Basilica climb dome journey may seem a bit challenging, but the reward is panoramic views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The adventure is a bucket-list activity and worth the effort. 
Climb St. Peter’s Dome and witness Rome from above!