Opening hours
Open every day:
From October 1- March 31: 7:00 – 18:30
From April 1 – September 30: 7:00 – 19:00
From October 1- March 31: 7:00 – 18:30
From April 1 – September 30: 7:00 – 19:00
Entry to the Basilica is free.
Cupola
Ticket prices
With lift: € 10,00 (320 steps)
No lift: € 8,00 (551 steps)
With lift: € 10,00 (320 steps)
No lift: € 8,00 (551 steps)
Holy Mass Saint Peter's Basilica
Weekdays: 8:30 – 9:00 – 10:00 – 11:00 – 12:00 – 17:00 (in Latin)
Holidays: 9:00 – 10:30 (in Latin) – 11:30 – 12:15 – 13:00 – 16:00 – 17:45
Papal audience
In Saint Peter’s Square, or Paul VI Audience Hall, or the Courtyard of the summer Papal Residence in Castel Gandolfo (usually in August)
Entry: Free (by reservation only)
Hours: Every Wednesday at 10:30
Reservations: Write to the “Prefettura della Casa Pontificia, 00120 Città del Vaticano” or send request by fax: +39 06 69885863
Ticket Collection: by the bronze door located after the metal detectors. Tickets can be picked up either the day before, between 15:00 and 19:00, or on the day of the event, between 7:30 and 10:00
Entry: Free (by reservation only)
Hours: Every Wednesday at 10:30
Reservations: Write to the “Prefettura della Casa Pontificia, 00120 Città del Vaticano” or send request by fax: +39 06 69885863
Ticket Collection: by the bronze door located after the metal detectors. Tickets can be picked up either the day before, between 15:00 and 19:00, or on the day of the event, between 7:30 and 10:00
Papal blessing
Every Sunday at 12.00 in Saint Peter’s Square (when the Pope is in Rome)
Do I have to pay to visit the St. Peter’s Basilica?
No. Entrance to the Basilica is free.
Do I have to queue up to enter the Basilica?
To visit St Peter’s Basilica, you must pass through security / metal detectors located under the colonnade on the right side of the Basilica. This can often result in long queues, especially during peak times. The guided tours of the Basilica include reserved entry (queue-jumping service) that can significantly reduce waiting times.
Can I use the “official audio guide” without a reservation?
Absolutely! Simply head to one of the audio guide desks located inside the Basilica indicated by sign boards.
Do I have to pre-book a guided tour?
Reservations are highly recommended, but not required. To join a group tour, simply show up at the white desk located in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica 15 minutes before the start of one of the scheduled visits. Booking is required, however, for private tours.
Where is the Sistine Chapel? How can I visit it?
The Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican Museums.
Can I access the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel directly from Saint Peter’s Basilica?
No, access to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is exclusively through the main entrance of the Vatican Museums (www.museivaticani.va)
Is there a dress code to follow when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly, in an appropriate manner for a sacred place (covered shoulders, neckline and knees).
Are wheelchairs available inside the Basilica?
Unfortunately not, however the Basilica is equipped with lifts and disabled access for those who already have their own wheelchair.
Can I bring my pet inside Saint Peter’s Basilica?
No, animals are not allowed.
Can I take my backpack / umbrella inside the Basilica?
Small backpacks and umbrellas are permitted inside the Basilica. Larger bags and bulky items must be left in the cloakroom.
Can I take photos inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes, photos are permitted, but camera tripods are not allowed.