St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is a famous church globally, a work of faith, art, and architecture in the Vatican, and it sits over St. Peter's Square. The dome by Michelangelo and the grandeur of the church itself is representative of the sacramental core of Catholicism, and, like the De Sintae Petri Requiem monument. Dating back nearly 2,000 years, the history of St. Peter's Basilica is also a history of Christianity. It has only taken almost 1,500 years to arrive at the current masterpiece, which was completed in 1626. With full marble columns, golden ceiling, and timeless work of art, including Bernini’s magnificent altar canopy and Michelange moving Pieta sculpture.

Things to do at St. Peter’s Basilica

• Go inside the magnificent Basilica
• Gaze upon Michelangelo’s Pieta
• Climb to the top of the Dome
• Visit the Papal Grottoes
• Attend Mass or a Papal Audience

Essential Information

• St. Peter’s Basilica opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM

• St. Peter’s Basilica Ticket Price

Entry Fee: Free Entry

• Located in the Vatican City
• Restrictions & Rules: Pets are not allowed, Dress Code, photos are allowed but no flash, No Eating

How to Reach St. Peter’s Basilica

• Take Metro Line A toward Battistini and get off at Ottaviano San Pietro station. From there it takes 5 minutes to get off at St. Peter's Basilica. 
• If you want to travel by bus then there are multiple city bus lines stopping within a short stroll, 49, 32, 81, or 492 which stop at St. Peter's Square. 
• Fly into Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome. From the airport take a taxi to St. Peter’s Basilica, it takes 40-50 minutes to reach the destination.

Travel Tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica

• Get there early to evade crowds 
• Carry water and wear comfortable walking fixtures
• Dress appropriately

FAQs

What is St. Peter's Basilica known for?

It is recognized for the architecture, in particular the dome of St. Peter's; we also mentioned it's considered the spiritual capital of the Catholic church...

What is the largest Catholic church in the world?

St. Peter's Basilica!! And it is magnificent of course it is the biggest Catholic church in the world!

Is it free to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

No way!! The main basilica is free, but if you want to climb to the top of the dome, or go into any other areas, there's a fee. 

Who built Vatican City? 

Vatican City may have become an independent entity in 1929, however, it has been developing for centuries with popes, emperors, and artists to make it an independent city-state!