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The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, offering an unparalleled panoramic view over Vatican City and the Eternal City.
Designed by Michelangelo, who did not live to see its completion, the dome is a must for anyone fit enough to climb the 320 steps through the dome vault. In this travel guide, you will find all the essential information on St. Peter’s Dome tickets, prices, opening hours, and practical tips for your visit.
Tickets and Prices
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. However, there are often long lines at the security checks. It is possible to reserve a specific entry time through a separate entrance for a fee to skip the main queues.
How to save time: The queues are shortest shortly after St. Peter’s Basilica opens and shortly before it closes. During papal events such as masses, audiences, and the Sunday noon Angelus prayer, more security checks are open, so waiting times are shorter. The best months to visit are mid-September to mid-June — summer visitors should be prepared for significant heat, especially during the dome climb.
To climb to the lantern of the dome, you first take the elevator or climb stairs to the roof terrace of the Basilica. From there, you must climb the remaining 320 steps through the dome vault. If you walk the entire way from ground level, that is 551 steps in total.
Our recommendation: Take the elevator (€15). It is worth the extra €5 — you arrive at the roof terrace fresh and can begin the dome climb in comfort. The 320 steps through the dome vault take around 30 minutes. Note that the ascent is a one-way system: you cannot turn back once you start. Passing other visitors is only possible at a few points, so the pace is largely set by the slowest person in the group — expect some stop-and-go on the stairs.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Dome climb with elevator to roof terrace | € 15 |
| Dome climb on foot (551 steps total) | € 10 |
| Young people up to 15, school & student groups | Reduced |
| Children up to 6 years | Free |
| People with disability of 74% or more | Free |
How to Buy St. Peter’s Dome Tickets
At the ticket office on site: The dome operates as a one-way system. Depending on the current configuration, you either take the elevator on the right outside the Basilica up and return via the elevator inside the Basilica on the left — or vice versa. Both options are clearly signposted, so no need to worry about finding your way. Simply queue at the ticket office, purchase your ticket, and follow the signs.
Online in advance: To avoid waiting times, you can book St. Peter’s Dome tickets online in advance. The official booking page of St. Peter’s Basilica offers tickets with reserved entry: Dome tickets – official site. Tickets are also available through GetYourGuide and Tiqets.
Accessibility: A wheelchair-accessible elevator brings visitors to the roof terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica. However, wheelchair users cannot access the interior of the dome or climb to the top, as these areas are accessible only via stairs.
St. Peter’s Dome Opening Hours
| Area | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter’s Basilica | 7:00 a.m. – 7:10 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. – 7:10 p.m. |
| Dome | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Book St. Peter’s Dome Online
There are often long lines at the ticket office for dome visits. You can save considerable time by purchasing a combination ticket for reserved admission to St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome climb in advance.
Climbing the Dome: What to Expect
The elevator takes you to the roof terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica. From there, you continue on foot through the dome vault. The dome operates as a one-way system — one elevator goes up, the other comes down — and both are usually in operation. Everything is clearly signposted.
Before ascending through the double shells of the dome, take a moment to look down into the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica from the tambour walkway. The dome rests on a ring — the tambour — supported by four massive pillars surrounding the papal altar. From this walkway you can admire the dome from close up and enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the papal altar and the basilica below.
Climbing the dome of St. Peter’s is a must for adventurous travellers and anyone wanting to enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome. The climb is not for the faint of heart — but brave visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
Important: The ascent through the dome is one-way only — once you start, you cannot turn back. Anyone suffering from claustrophobia should not attempt the climb. The higher you go, the narrower the passageways become inside the dome vault. The final section features a spiral staircase with a rope handrail in the middle. You can only pass other visitors at a few points along the way, so the pace is largely set by the slowest person — expect some stop-and-go.
The View from St. Peter’s Dome
The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica offers an unforgettable 360-degree view. In the direction of the city centre, you can see far beyond Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber to the Apennines and the volcanic cone of the Castelli Romani. On the other side you have a bird’s-eye view of Vatican City with its gardens and the Vatican Museums.
Practical Tips for Climbing the Dome
Facilities on the roof terrace: The roof of St. Peter’s Basilica has a bar, a souvenir shop and restrooms.
Pace yourself: Walk slowly and steadily — if you go too fast, you can easily tire out halfway up. Take your time and enjoy the experience.
Stay hydrated: On hot summer days, bring plenty of water. The best months to visit are mid-September to mid-June — summer visitors should be prepared for significant heat both on the roof terrace and inside the dome.
Photography tips: For photos of St. Peter’s Square and the city panorama, keep in mind that in the morning you will have the sun in front of you. The best photos are taken in the afternoon with the sun behind you.
Weather: The dome remains open in rain. In case of extreme weather conditions, access may be temporarily closed.
How do you get to the top of St. Peter’s Dome?
You need a paid ticket to climb the dome. You can take the elevator or climb 231 steps to the roof terrace of the Basilica, then climb the remaining 320 steps through the dome vault to the observation platform at the top.
Where is the entrance to the dome of St. Peter’s?
A sign in the portico indicates the entrance to the dome. The ticket office location depends on which elevator is currently used for the ascent — either on the right side outside the Basilica above the Visitor Center, or inside the Basilica on the left next to the baptismal font. Both options are clearly signposted.
Is it worth visiting the dome of St. Peter’s?
Absolutely. Climbing the dome is an unforgettable experience with a spectacular 360-degree view over Rome and Vatican City. You should be fit enough to climb the 320 steps through the dome vault and not suffer from claustrophobia.
How big is the dome of St. Peter’s?
The diameter of the dome at the base is 42.46 m on the inside and 49.8 m on the outside. It is 43.2 metres high and weighs an estimated 14,000 tons.
Can children climb the dome of St. Peter’s?
Yes, children can climb the dome, but they should be sure-footed and comfortable with heights. The narrow staircases and the increasingly tight space inside the dome vault can be challenging for younger children. Children up to 6 years have free admission; young people up to 15 pay a reduced price. Strollers cannot be taken on the climb.
What is the difference between the elevator and stairs to St. Peter’s Dome?
The elevator (€15) takes you to the roof terrace, from where you still have to climb the remaining 320 steps through the dome vault. Taking the stairs (€10) means climbing all 551 steps on foot — from the Basilica via the roof terrace to the lantern. We recommend the elevator: it is worth the extra €5 — you arrive at the roof terrace fresh and can begin the dome climb in comfort.
How long does it take to climb the dome of St. Peter’s?
The climb through the dome vault takes around 30 minutes. Note that the ascent is one-way — you cannot pass other visitors at most points, so the pace is largely set by the slowest person. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the entire visit including the roof terrace.
When is the best time to visit St. Peter’s Dome?
The best months are mid-September to mid-June. Summer visitors should be prepared for significant heat. For shorter queues, visit early morning or late afternoon. For photography, afternoon light is best — the sun is behind you when looking toward the city.
Is the dome open in bad weather?
The dome remains open in rain. In case of extreme weather conditions, access may be temporarily closed.
More about St. Peter’s
More about the Vatican
Hello. I would like to climb to the top of St Peters Basilica. I will be taking an early tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peters, which does not include a climb up the dome. I would like to climb the dome after my tour is over at 11:30. Is there a way of doing this without waiting in a long line for the elevator? Someone told me if I book a Vox Mundi audio tour that I could skip the line for the dome. Is this true and how do I do this?
Thank You
Hi Loren,
L’m sorry, but the Vox Mundi tour for the dome is no more available since last autumn. At the moment I know only one tour including St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome but it starts already at 8:15. I suggest to ask your guide of the St Peter’s tour for help.
Enjoy your stay in Rome!