Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica with free entry, operating hours, and the and the immeasurable works of art.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is not only a religious landmark, but also an architectural marvel that attracts millions of visitors every year. Offering a wealth of experiences, from its stunning interior to the breathtaking views from the dome, St. Peter’s Basilica promises to be an unforgettable visit. In this guide, we provide essential information for planning your visit, including free admission, opening hours, guided tours, and the exhilarating ascent of the dome.
Hours
St. Peter’s welcomes visitors year-round, but it’s important to know the Basilica’s opening hours. It is usually open from 7 in the morning until 7.10 in the evening.
However, there are a few exceptions that you should be aware of so as not to disrupt your plans. For example, from March to June and from September to early November, the Pope’s General Audiences take place in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday mornings at 9 am and the Basilica is not accessible.
The dates of the Pope’s Masses are published in the calendar of the Holy See at very short notice, and access is by invitation only. For information on yearly recurring Masses, please see our monthly information and our holiday calendar.
Best time to visit
In normal years, security checks are a major problem when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, as there can be long waits. However, in the Jubilee Year 2025, more checkpoints are open. Waiting times are therefore short and queues like the one in the photo are the absolute exception. In general, early morning and late afternoon are the quietest and best times to visit St. Peter’s.
If you would like to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Door, you can register on the Jubilee website and walk from Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica along a pilgrimage route with its own security checkpoint. You can find all the details in our article on the Holy Year.
Unfortunately, it is usually impossible to visit the grottoes in the early morning because Masses are celebrated almost daily by groups of pilgrims.
Entry Rules
One of the most enticing aspects of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica is that it is completely free to enter. This means that travelers can marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of this architectural masterpiece without worrying about admission fees. Whether you’re a devout pilgrim, an art lover, or simply curious about history and culture, St. Peter’s Basilica offers an inclusive experience accessible to all. It’s important to note, however, that while admission is free, certain experiences within the Basilica, such as guided tours, a visit to the treasury or climbing the dome, may require additional fees.
You cannot visit the Sistine Chapel, where the popes are elected, from St. Peter’s Basilica. It belongs to the Vatican Museums. However, you can take a guided tour from the Vatican Museums directly to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Admission to the Pope’s Masses and audiences is also free. You can book your free tickets for the Pope’s audiences here.
Dress Code
It is important to know that anyone can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, regardless of their faith or religion. However, it’s important to know about the dress code to show respect for this sacred place. As a place of worship, modest dress is required for both men and women. This means avoiding clothing that exposes shoulders, cleavage, or knees. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and short skirts are not permitted. You should also wear sturdy shoes. It is generally not allowed to enter the Basilica in sandals or barefoot. Visitors who do not comply with the dress code may be denied entry or asked to cover up with a scarf or shawl. By dressing appropriately, you not only show respect for the religious significance of St. Peter’s Basilica, but also ensure a smooth and respectful visit for yourself and your fellow visitors.
It is also important to know the security rules. Glass and metal bottles, scissors and even small pocket knives must be left behind at the checkpoints in order to pass through. Leave these items at home and bring only plastic bottles.
Guided Tours
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the rich history and significance of St. Peter’s Basilica, guided tours are an excellent option. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer insights into the Basilica’s architecture, art, and religious significance, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty on a deeper level. Tours typically cover iconic highlights such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino and the dome, providing context and anecdotes. Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this iconic landmark, a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica is sure to enrich your visit.
It is important to note that access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not “skip the line” and you will have to wait in line at the security checkpoint in St. Peter’s Square. The only way to skip the line is to take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, where you walk directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica.
Other options for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica are available at
Climbing the Dome
Climbing the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is a must for adventurous travelers and anyone who wants to enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome. The way to the top involves 320 steps up narrow staircases and winding corridors, but the effort is worth it for the unparalleled view that awaits you at the top. Whether you’re taking breathtaking photos or simply admiring the stunning scenery, the climb to the top of St. Peter’s is an unforgettable experience not to be missed. If you take the stairs to the dome instead of the elevator, you will climb a total of 551 steps. More about the dome
Treasury and grottoes
The Treasury Museum is located on the left side of the Basilica, behind the Sacristy.
Under the basilica are the grottoes. They were created when the current building was constructed one floor above the first basilica of Emperor Constantine from the 4th century. Many popes and dignitaries are buried in the grottoes.
You can go down to the grottoes through the columns that support the dome. The path through the grottoes ends above the St. Peter’s Visitor Center.
The grottoes are often only accessible for liturgical celebrations. In general, the grottoes are never open to visitors before 9 am, and sometimes much later. The grottoes can be closed at any time for liturgical celebrations.
How to get to St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica stands on Vatican Hill, once an ancient burial ground outside Rome. Adjacent to it was Emperor Nero’s racetrack, where tradition holds that the Apostle Peter was crucified. Peter was later buried on Vatican Hill, and the first St. Peter’s Basilica was built on the site in his honor.
To reach St. Peter’s Basilica from the center of the city, one must cross the Tiber River. From Piazza Navona, the Angel Bridge leads to the impressive Castel Sant’Angelo, which serves as a landmark on the way to the Vatican.
Bus number 64 connects Termini train station to St. Peter’s Basilica. The Cavalleggeri/San Pietro stop is beyond a tunnel. Along the banks of the Tiber, at the Ospedale Santo Spirito, several bus lines stop: the express line 40 starts and ends at Termini, line 23 connects Prati with the Basilica San Paolo fuori le mura, and lines 46, 280 and 115 also serve the area.
Between St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums is Piazza del Risorgimento, which can be reached by several bus lines, including 32, 81, 49, 492, 913, and 982.
The subway line A stops a little further away at the Ottaviano station. Both bus line 64 and the metro are known to be frequented by pickpockets.
From San Pietro station, it’s a short walk to St. Peter’s Basilica. Many cruise ship passengers who dock at Civitavecchia disembark here. Travelers arriving at Fiumicino Airport can take the train to Trastevere Station and then transfer to San Pietro Station.
Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica
Of course, numerous Masses are celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica. The following times apply:
| Altar | Weekdays | Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Choir Chapel - in the nave on the left | ||
| Chapel of the blessed Sacrament - in the nave on the right | 8.30 | |
| Altar of St. Joseph - in the transept on the left | 7.00, 7.30, 9.00, 10.00, Angelus 12:00 | 7.00, 8.00 |
| Cattedra - behind the Baldacchino | 11.00, 12.00, 17.00, 18.00 | 9.00, 10.00, 12.00, 16.00, 18.00, Vespri 17.00 |
In addition, on weekdays at 18:00 and after the Papal Audience at 12:00 there is a Pilgrim Mass with meeting point at the statue of St. Peter.
Private groups make appointments for Masses in the sacristy. Masses can usually be held in the morning in the grottoes.
Since 1547, St. Peter is also a parish. Here baptisms, confirmations and marriages are made. Read about getting married in Rome.
Have masses celebrated – Mass stipends
The Mass stipend is the donation for the celebration of a Holy Mass. The intent that the faithful wishes to bring to the Holy Mass is the Mass intention.
For a Mass stipend, you must go to the sacristy of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Sacristy is located on the left side of the Basilica in front of the Treasury.
If the entrance is blocked, you can call at the Treasury and someone will come to give you access.
In the sacristy you can pay the Mass stipend, 10 euros per Mass, and receive a receipt.
The Mass will be celebrated in the course of the following two weeks. You cannot set an exact date.
More about St. Peter’s
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