St. Peter's Basilica

History & Significance

The history of St. Peter's Basilica begins in the 4th century. Emperor Constantine had a first basilica built on the site where, according to tradition, Peter is buried, consecrated in 326 AD by Pope Sylvester I. This original church, known as Old St. Peter's, stood for nearly 1,200 years before falling increasingly into disrepair.

In 1506, Pope Julius II laid the foundation stone for a complete rebuild. Donato Bramante was the first architect, designing the central floor plan; after his death in 1514, Raphael and Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, among others, took over construction. From 1547, Michelangelo took charge of the project under Pope Paul III and designed the dome, which he never saw completed himself. Carlo Maderno extended the nave and created the facade seen today, before Pope Urban VIII consecrated the new basilica on November 18, 1626, 120 years after construction began.

In the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini added the bronze baldachin over the main altar and the sweeping colonnade on St. Peter's Square. To this day, St. Peter's Basilica remains the setting for major events in the life of the Catholic Church, including the election and inauguration of new popes.

Opening hours

St. Peter's Basilica is open year-round. New opening hours have applied since June 1, 2026: in summer, the basilica closes at 8:00 PM, in winter at 7:10 PM, with last entry 45 minutes before closing. During papal Masses and the Wednesday morning general audience on St. Peter's Square, the basilica stays closed to visitors and usually reopens shortly after the ceremony ends.

Winter: October – March

Summer: April – September

The dome has its own opening hours: April to September, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM; October to March, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

How long are the wait times at St. Peter's Basilica?

Expect longer wait times when visiting St. Peter's Basilica; it's rare for the wait to be under 30 minutes. During the summer months, high season, and around Christian holidays, it can stretch to several hours. That's on top of a separate wait for the climb up the dome.

Tickets & Prices

Visiting the basilica itself is free for all visitors and worshippers, since it's a Catholic house of worship. Climbing the dome costs extra: €10.00 for the stairs, from €15.00 with partial use of the elevator. Tickets booked online that include an audio guide cost between €17.00 and €22.00.

What should you know before visiting the Necropolis?

The necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica, where, according to tradition, the grave of the apostle Peter is located, can only be visited by advance booking via email; spontaneous visits aren't possible. Only a limited number of spots in small groups are available each day, and access is restricted to visitors 15 and older. Large bags, backpacks, and cameras must be checked at the free cloakroom beforehand.

Where can I buy tickets for the dome of St. Peter's Basilica?

Tickets for the dome can be bought directly on-site at the ticket counters, located on the right side of St. Peter's Basilica, where the entrance to the elevator and stairs is also located. Alternatively, you can buy tickets online in advance, which saves you the sometimes very long lines at the ticket counters for the dome climb.

Book Dome Climb + Audio Guide

Can I visit St. Peter's Basilica for free?

Yes, visiting St. Peter's Basilica is free at all times for visitors, tourists, and pilgrims alike.

Directions & Location

St. Peter's Basilica sits right on St. Peter's Square. This is also where you'll pass through a security check, similar to those at airports, before entering the basilica. There's no metro station directly at St. Peter's Square, but Metro Line A gets you close to the Vatican. Your best bet is to get off at the "Ottaviano" stop and walk the last stretch to the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica.

Alternatively, bus lines 40 and 64 run directly from Roma Termini station to the "Piazza Pia" stop, just a few minutes' walk from there. The tram gets you even closer to the Vatican border: take line 19 and get off at "Risorgimento – San Pietro."

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What Should You Know Before Visiting St. Peter's Basilica?

St. Peter's Basilica is an active house of worship, so a dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered, and hats are removed on entering. Entry can be denied for inappropriate clothing; this is checked at the entrance.

Before entering, there's a security check with a bag scanner and metal detector, similar to at an airport. Large bags, backpacks, and tripods aren't allowed and must be checked beforehand.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Peter's Basilica