St. Peter's Basilica
Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge. Only visitors who wish to guarantee access within a specific time slot during the day are required to book online: this service has a fee, which includes the Digital Audio Guide of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Practical
St. Peter's Basilica: address
dall’ingresso ordinario in Piazza San Pietro.Open in Google Maps →✓ basilicasanpietro.va/it/products/museo-del-tesoro · 2026-10-06St. Peter's Basilica: opening hours
From june 1st: from 7.00 am to 8:00 pm✓ basilicasanpietro.va/en/opening-hours · 2026-10-04St. Peter's Basilica: closing days
Saint Peter's Basilica is open on most holidays, but hours may vary. During major religious celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, there may be limited access for services.✓ basilicasanpietro.va/en/help/the-basilica · 2026-10-06St. Peter's Basilica: what should I know before visiting?
Is reservation required to access Saint Peter's Basilica? No, it is not mandatory. However, it is recommended in order to avoid long queues and to better organize your visit.✓ basilicasanpietro.va/en/help/the-basilica · 2026-10-06St. Peter's Basilica: how to get there
The Basilica is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Ottaviano-San Pietro on line A. Several buses stop near Saint Peter's Square.✓ basilicasanpietro.va/en/help/the-basilica · 2026-10-06St. Peter's Basilica: parking
It is advisable to avoid coming by car as parking spaces in the surrounding area are limited.✓ basilicasanpietro.va/en/help/the-basilica · 2026-10-06St. Peter's Basilica: is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, St. Peter’s Basilica is accessible to visitors with disabilities through ramps and elevators. Access to the Dome is also partially accessible by elevator.✓ basilicasanpietro.va/en/help/the-basilica · 2026-10-06St. Peter's Basilica: are dogs allowed?
Animals are not permittedTranslation · original in Italian
Non è consentito l’ingresso con animali.Construction of the current Saint Peter's Basilica began in 1506 and was completed in 1626, replacing the older Basilica built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.
Construction began 1506 and completed 1626, replacing Emperor Constantine's 4th-century basilica built over the burial site of Saint Peter. Designed by successive architects including Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo (who designed the dome) and Maderno (façade).
Interior houses Michelangelo's Pietà (carved aged 24 — the only work he ever signed), Bernini's Baldacchino (bronze canopy over the papal altar, 29 metres tall), and the Chair of Saint Peter. Measures 186 metres long with interior area of 15,160 square metres.
Entry to the basilica is free — no ticket required. However, booking a timed entry with Digital Audio Guide through basilicasanpietro.va avoids the long security queue. Strict dress code — shoulders and knees must be covered. Security screening required for all visitors.
The Vatican Grottoes (underground papal tombs beneath the basilica floor) are accessible during the basilica visit at no extra cost — plan this as your last stop as the exit leads outside.