Vatican St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb Ticket & Papal Tombs - Self-Guided Audio Tour

Walk to the dome entrance with your host
and start your self-guided visit

Meet your host at the meeting point near St. Peter's Square and Porta Angelica, and walk together to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica dome. After the mandatory security check, explore freely with the audio guide on your smartphone, without a live guide. The experience takes about 95 minutes.

Admire the masterpieces of St. Peter's Basilica

See works by famous artists up close, including Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's ornate baldachin. The audio guide tells the stories behind the basilica's architecture, art and centuries of history.

Climb the dome for panoramic views of Rome

Use your pre-booked dome ticket to start the climb. With the elevator ticket, you take the elevator for part of the way; without it, you climb the stairs from the lower level. Along the way, see the dome's intricate mosaics up close, and from the top enjoy views over St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Gardens, the Tiber River and Rome's landmarks.

Walk through the Papal Tombs

After descending from the dome, head to the Papal Tombs beneath the basilica. Stroll through this quiet space where many popes, including St. John Paul II, are buried, and learn from the audio guide about its significance in the history of the Catholic Church.

※ The option without the elevator requires climbing all 551 steps, including narrow stairs near the top.
※ Security check waiting times may be around 10–30 minutes.