Do I have to stand in line to enter into St. Peter's Basilica?
Even if access to St. Peter's Basilica is free, all visitors must enter though security metal detectors. This often causes a line to form which, in the busier months, can last up to
3 hours. Our Guided Tours and our Radioguide® Headset services include privileged skip the line access to the Basilica through a reserved metal detector.
How much does it cost to enter into St. Peter's Basilica?
Entrance into St. Peter's Basilica is free.
No, it is not necessary, nor possible, to pre-book the Official Audioguides. The Official Audioguides can only be collected from the Audioguide Desk, located inside the Basilica, on the day of the visit.
Groups must pre-book the Radioguide® Headsets in order to benefit from the privileged skip the line access to the Basilica. The Radioguide® Headsets are however always available inside the Basilica for groups, that have already passed the metal detector security check. Please note that the use of Radioguide Headsets is mandatory for groups composed of 6 or more people.
Group Tours: pre-booking a group tour is advisable but not mandatory. Visitors may join a Group tour with an Authorized Basilica Guide by simply arriving at the tour meeting point (end of the right hand colonnade of St Peter's Square, when facing the Basilica) 15 minutes before the set departure times.
Private Tours: It is necessary to pre-book a private tour to benefit from the privileged skip the line access to the Basilica and ensure the availability of an Authorized Basilica Guide. Visitors may however request a private tour inside the Basilica, pending availability of an Authorized Basilica Guide.
The guided tours are available in selection of languages, but each tour is given in a single language.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to access the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel from St. Peter's Basilica. Visitors can only access the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel via the entrance of the Vatican Museums.
The Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican Museums. Visitors can access the Sistine Chapel via the Vatican Museums entrance. The same entrance ticket is valid for both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Yes, a strict dress code applies inside St. Peter's Basilica, knees and shoulders must be covered at all times.
Yes, onsite staff will be happy to direct you to the Dome or to the Vatican Grottoes, where the Papal tombs are.
Unfortunately, St. Peter's Basilica does not provide wheelchairs. However, the Basilica is equipped with elevators and routes dedicated to visitors who already have their own wheelchair. Disabled visitors benefit from all St. Peter's Basilica's guest services for free.
No, domestic animals are not permitted inside St. Peter's Basilica.
Small bags and umbrellas are permitted inside the Basilica. Large bags and objects must however be left at the
bag check situated at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica, next to the Official Audioguides Desk.
Yes, photographs are allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica. Tripods however are not allowed and must be left at the
bag check situated at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica, next to the Official Audioguides Desk.