St Peter's Basilica and the dome climb
Climb to the top of Michelangelo's dome and enjoy one of the best panoramas in Rome, over Bernini's square and the Vatican. It's the perfect add-on to a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and one of the most affordable experiences in the Vatican.
Book your dome climb
Panoramic views · Reserved access · Free cancellation.
Book dome (from €27.20) →⏳ One of the world's most visited sites: tickets sell out in high season. Book ahead · free cancellation.
What's included
| Access | Climb to the dome of St Peter's Basilica |
|---|---|
| Views | Panorama of St Peter's Square, the Vatican and Rome |
| Basilica | Visit to the interior of the largest church in Christendom |
| Indicative price | From €27.20 (includes booking fee) |
| Confirmation | Instant |
| Cancellation | Free (check conditions) |
What you'll see
St Peter's Basilica is the spiritual heart of the Vatican and a marvel of the Renaissance and the Baroque. The dome climb and the visit to the interior let you see:
- Michelangelo's dome: one of architecture's greatest achievements, with bird's-eye views over all of Rome.
- Bernini's square: the colonnade embracing the square, seen from above.
- Michelangelo's Pietà: the moving marble sculpture, right as you enter the basilica.
- Bernini's baldachin: the imposing bronze canopy over the high altar.
How you climb and tips
There is a first section that can be done by lift up to the terrace, and a second section of narrow, sloping stairs to the very top of the dome. The final stretch is always on foot, so it's not recommended if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia. Wear comfortable shoes and, as everywhere in the area, remember the dress code: covered shoulders and knees, especially strict in the basilica as a place of worship.
Important: St Peter's Basilica and its dome are outside the route of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. They are separate entrances. If you want to see it all the same day with a guide, the Vatican + St Peter's combo is a better fit.
Ready to climb?
Check availability and book your access in seconds, with free cancellation.
Check availability and price →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to climb the dome?
From €27.20 through Civitatis, with reserved access to skip the queue. It's the ideal add-on to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Lift or stairs?
A first section by lift up to the terrace and a second section of narrow, sloping stairs to the top. The end is always on foot; not recommended with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Is it included in the Vatican Museums ticket?
No. The basilica and its dome are outside the route of the Museums and the Chapel. They are separate entrances. To see it all together, check the combo.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, strict as a place of worship: covered shoulders and knees. No sleeveless tops, shorts or skirts above the knee.
Is entry to the basilica free?
Entry to the interior is free, but there are usually long queues at security. Climbing the dome has a cost, and booking it helps skip part of the wait.
