St. Peter’s Dome Climbing with Basilica & Crypts

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Full description Experience unparalleled views of the Eternal City from the magnificent dome of St. Peter's Basilica. No other vantage point in Rome rivals this, ensuring that your tour covers the Vatican and St. Peter's comprehensively. Your exploration continues with a guided tour of the Basilica and the Papal Crypts, seamlessly avoiding long lines, thanks to our expert guide.

St. Peter's Basilica, a Renaissance masterpiece, holds immense historical significance. Built on the foundations of one of the earliest Holy Roman basilicas, it was completed in 1590, featuring contributions from artistic legends like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. This is the final resting place of many esteemed popes, including the first, St. Peter himself. As you gaze up at the dome, you'll notice it contains fragments of the very wood on which Jesus was crucified. From the dome's pinnacle, you'll observe how the basilica and St. Peter's Square together resemble a key, the symbol of Christian popes.

Dome Climb with Views over Historic Rome:
Your journey begins in St. Peter's Square, where the iconic dome dominates the Vatican skyline. Your destination is the summit. To reach it, you and your English-speaking guide will take an elevator to the base of the dome, emerging onto a viewing platform within the basilica. From this vantage point, you can admire Bernini's colossal bronze canopy, Michelangelo's illuminating windows, and the detailed mosaics of the saints.

You're then granted the opportunity to ascend to the upper viewing deck via a spiral staircase, nestled between the dome's structural layers. After 320 steps, you'll stand at a lofty 446 feet, the highest point in Rome, as dictated by law. The panoramic 360-degree views reveal the Colosseum, Pantheon, Villa Borghese, and the controversial road linking the Vatican with Rome. Cherish this once-in-a-lifetime ascent.

Fast Access inside St. Peter's Basilica and the Crypts:
The descent takes you back to your guide. Stepping inside the basilica is awe-inspiring, the sheer scale of the vaulted dome leaving you in awe. At three stories high, Bernini's pure bronze canopy looms overhead. Your guide leads you through the colossal church, unveiling treasures like the Holy Door and Michelangelo's Pietà. The journey continues underground to the Vatican Grottoes, where the resting places of numerous popes and notable figures are revealed.

Intimate Groups and Expert Guides:
Reaching the apex of St. Peter's Basilica Dome is a momentous achievement, made even more enlightening and engaging with a guide. Understand the dome's historical significance in shaping later Christian churches and secular monuments. Uncover the stories of Renaissance artists who left their mark and the popes interred here. With just over two hours, you'll have the chance to ascend to the Vatican's highest point, explore the basilica's treasures, and visit one of Christianity's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Additional information Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciatedPlease note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome you will have to use stairs (320 steps)This tour is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia and/or vertigo, heart or other serious medical conditionsExtra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area which may result in your having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entranceIt is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated & missed tours or tickets cannot be refundedPlease note that there is no skip-the-line to the Dome’s ticket office or at St. Peter’s Basilica’s security line, hence there may be some waiting time before we access the domeThe coordinators will holding a sign and wearing blue polo shirts or jackets to be easily recognizable at the meeting pointThis tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs; comfortable shoes are recommendedWe regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group toursEntrance into the Basilica and Dome complex requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. We cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dressPlease note that from Monday 27th of May until the end of September the Michelangelo's Pieta' in Saint Peter Basilica will not be visible due to renewal works of the opera protective glass Inclusions Expert English-speaking tour guideDome entrance ticket with access to 1st level and top of the domeInstant access to St. Peter’s Basilica after your climbGuided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican CryptsHeadsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide Exclusions Hotel pick-up and drop-offTickets, meals and drinks except if expressly specified in the tour inclusionsOther services not specified Cancellation policy Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service. Cancellations after this time limit or no show, no refund provided. Meeting Point Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Facing the Arches, our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk.