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About the activity
Discover an exclusive priority access tour of St. Peter's Basilica, commonly known as "the most magnificent church in Christendom," and select from various tour options.
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Free cancellationThis activity is non-refundable.
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Instant confirmation & Mobile ticketsReceive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
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Skip the lineGet priority entry.
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Private tourAvoid crowds with an exclusive experience.
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Live guidingEnglish
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Duration1.5 hours
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Includes
- Early Morning entrance in St. Peter's Basilica
- Guided tour
- Transport
- Gratuity for the guide
Highlights
- Enter St. Peter's Basilica Early in the morning
- Learn all about La Pieta
- Explore interior of the most important church in the world
- Hear the story about St. Peter's Tomb
- Visit Vatican Grottoes with more than 80 Papal Tombs
Description
Explore one of Rome's most iconic landmarks while sidestepping the crowds and uncover the nearly 120-year history of its construction. St. Peter's Basilica is the most important edifice in Vatican City, accommodating up to 60,000 visitors. Its dome is a prominent element of Rome's skyline. As the largest church in Christendom and a significant site in Christianity and Catholic tradition, it is traditionally regarded as the burial site of St. Peter, the first Bishop of Rome and the first Pope. Upon entering the Basilica, your guide will direct you to the famous Baldachin by Bernini, which is positioned above St. Peter's tomb. This has resulted in many Popes being laid to rest nearby in the necropolis beneath the Basilica, which is occasionally accessible for tours.
Following this, you will visit another masterpiece, Michelangelo's Pietà. An art historian will provide intriguing details about this extraordinary sculpture, carved from a single block of marble and commissioned by French Cardinal Jean de Billheres. You will also view the renowned Porta Santa, the holy door located on the right side, which is only opened once every twenty-five years.
To conclude your tour, you will enjoy an exclusive visit to the Vatican Grottoes, located just beneath the Renaissance basilica and above Constantine’s 4th-century structure. These grottos contain chapels dedicated to various saints and the tombs of kings, queens, and popes dating back to the 10th century.
This unique guided experience will end in St. Peter's Square, a stunning elliptical plaza designed in the mid-17th century by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The square is bordered by grand colonnades that symbolize welcoming arms and features 140 statues of saints sculpted by Bernini and his team.
Additionally, the square is embellished with fountains and an Egyptian obelisk that was transported to Rome in 37 AD.
- An airport-style security check is a must before you enter St. Peter's Basilica; please note that liquids and sharp items are not allowed
- As an active Catholic Church St. Peter's Basilica is also subject to last minute closures for religious ceremonies. In these situations you will be offered alternative dates
- Gratuities are not included
Skip the line Private Tour
Skip the line tour With Dome Tickets
Private Tour With Dome Tickets Included
Reviews & Ratings
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices & Booking
Person
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Adults14-99 years
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Children7-13 years
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Infants0-6 years
Date
May 2025 | ||||||
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