Peter's Basilica

Peter’s Basilica is the great Renaissance church inside Vatican City, and it is the building most travelers picture when they think of the Vatican. People type the name in several ways, including “Peters basilica” and “Peter basilica”, but they all mean the same church: the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican. This guide explains what it is, how big it is, what it is made of, how you get in and which tours include it.

I write for an independent visitor guide, not the official ticket office. When I quote a number, a rule or an opening time, I link the source so you can confirm the current detail before you travel. If you only want the booking picture, my Vatican visitor guide compares the main options in one place.

What Is Peter’s Basilica?

Peter’s Basilica is a church of the Italian Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, according to Wikipedia. Its full name is the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, and in Italian it is Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano. If you want a longer introduction to the church, my page on St Peter’s Basilica goes deeper.

“The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano), or simply St.”

The church is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. Catholic tradition holds that it is the burial site of Saint Peter, the chief apostle and the first bishop of Rome. His tomb is said to lie directly below the high altar, which is known as the Altar of the Confession.

The basilica is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Among the four churches in the world that hold the rank of major papal basilica, it is ranked second, after the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. All four are in Rome.

Is It a Cathedral?

No. Wikipedia notes that, contrary to a common misconception, the church is not a cathedral, because it is not the seat of a bishop. The cathedral of the Diocese of Rome is Saint John Lateran, and that church also holds the title of mother church of the Catholic Church.

This matters for planning only in one way: when you search for “the cathedral in the Vatican”, the building you want is this basilica. My guide to the church in Vatican City sorts out the other church names you may run into.

Want a closer look? Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour, from $60See times →→

How Big Is Peter’s Basilica?

The basilica is about 220 m long, 150 m wide and 136.6 m high, according to Wikidata. Wikipedia calls it the largest church in the world by interior measure. Wikidata also records about 11 million visitors per year.

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Here is a quick reference of the main facts from the sources.

The numbers explain why a visit takes longer than people expect. The nave is long, the side chapels are many, and the crowd moves slowly through the security area before the doors.

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What Is Peter’s Basilica Made Of?

According to Wikidata, the materials are cement and marble. The architectural style is listed as Renaissance architecture and baroque architecture. Inside, that means large marble surfaces, tall columns and sculpture on a very large scale.

The plan is cruciform, with an elongated nave in the Latin cross form. Wikipedia adds that early designs were for a centrally planned structure, and you can still see that idea in the architecture. The central space is dominated, inside and out, by the dome.

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Who Designed It and Why Was the Old Church Replaced?

The present basilica was designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo and Carlo Maderno, with the piazza and fittings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, according to Wikipedia. Wikidata lists Michelangelo, Giuliano da Sangallo and Donato Bramante as architects. Many artists worked here over more than a century.

The reason for rebuilding is simple. The earlier church, Old St. Peter’s Basilica, was built in the fourth century by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. By the 15th century it was ageing, so Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II planned a replacement. Construction of the present church began on 18 April 1506 and finished on 18 November 1626.

For a different angle on the location, see my page on the basilica in Rome, which looks at how the church fits into the city around it.

The Tomb and the Necropolis

Saint Peter’s tomb is a site under the basilica that includes several graves and a structure said by Vatican authorities to memorialize the location of his grave, according to Wikipedia. The wider Vatican Necropolis is a complex of mausoleums dating between about AD 130 and AD 500.

The official site describes the Necropolis as lying under the central nave, rich in ancient Roman and early Christian tombs. It says you can retrace the ancient path to Saint Peter’s tomb, deep in the foundations of the original basilica. You can read the details and book through the official St. Peter’s Basilica website.

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Peter’s Basilica by the Numbers

These are the figures I find most useful for planning, all from Wikidata:

• 11,000,000 visitors per year (2018): expect crowds and a security line at almost any hour.
• 136.6 m high: the dome is why the church dominates the Rome skyline.
• 220 m long: the nave is long, so allow time to walk it.
• 150 m wide: the side chapels add up quickly.
• Begun on 18 April 1506: the building is over five centuries old.
• Vatican City covers 0.44 km²: everything nearby is walkable.

Prefer a guide? Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour, from $71See tours →→

Where Is Peter’s Basilica and How Do You Get There?

The address is Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, according to the Google Maps listing. Wikipedia places the church west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian’s Mausoleum. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome.

You approach the church through St. Peter’s Square, a forecourt in two sections surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space is oval and the second is trapezoidal. The facade stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps with two 5.55-metre statues of Saints Peter and Paul.

One of the guided tours below says its meeting point is not St. Peter’s Square, and it names the Ottaviano stop on metro Line A, about a 10-minute walk from the office. Always read the meeting point in your own booking. For more on how the church relates to the state around it, see St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Planning ahead? Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, Papal Tombs, and Dome Climb Tour, from $60Check availability →→

What Are the Opening Hours?

The Google Maps listing shows the basilica open from 7 am to 7:10 pm every day of the week. Treat this as an approximate window only. Hours change for papal liturgies, feast days and security needs, so confirm the day you plan to go on the official site.

The pope presides at a number of liturgies each year, both in the basilica and in the adjoining square. Wikipedia says these draw audiences of 15,000 to over 80,000 people. On those days, expect closures, heavy crowds and longer screening.

How Long Should You Plan?

One Google Maps reviewer who arrived at 6:45 am found a line already forming but got in quickly. The reviewer added that a free visit can cover most of the interior in about 40 minutes.

“Do not miss this place for a FREE location! This is the most beautiful church I've ever been to. Once your through security and the main doors, you are truly hit by the size and artwork. We got there 645am and already there's a line but got in very quickly. If your just there for free visit, you can see most of it in 40mins. Pay extra for the other locations.”

That is one person’s experience, not a rule. A visit with the dome climb takes longer: the official FAQ says the dome visit lasts about 1 hour on average. Add the time for the security check in St. Peter’s Square before either one.

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What Should You Wear to Peter’s Basilica?

Wear clothing appropriate for a place of worship, with shoulders and knees covered. The official dome FAQ states this rule for the dome climb, and the same dress sense is the safe choice for the church itself. That answers the common question about jeans: long jeans with a top that covers your shoulders fit the rule.

Bags are another point. For the dome, the official FAQ allows only small personal bags and says large backpacks, trolleys and bulky luggage are not allowed. It also says there is no cloakroom or luggage storage service, so travel light.

Best value pick: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour, from $55View dates →→

How Do You Visit Peter’s Basilica With Less Waiting?

Everyone passes through security, and the official dome FAQ says security checks remain mandatory for all visitors. The practical way to cut the wait is to arrive early, or to book a timed visit with a QR code so you follow an assigned route. The usual order of events is security, entry, then the interior.

If you buy online, the official FAQ explains how the QR codes work. You receive a voucher email first, then a second email with QR codes for every participant, to be shown at the access checks. If the codes do not arrive within 30 minutes, the FAQ says to write to the booking address on the official site and quote your reference number.

Some visitors would rather have a guide than manage the logistics. My page on booking Vatican tickets online compares ticket types, and the tours below combine the museums, the Sistine Chapel and the basilica in one booking.

If you prefer to compare more options, where to buy Vatican tickets? is a short read that lays out the main choices before you pick.

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How Does the Dome Climb Work?

The dome can be visited with a lift or by stairs, and both options include entry to the basilica and a Digital Audio Guide, according to the official dome page. The two options differ only in how you reach the terrace.

• Dome with lift: a lift ride to the terrace level, then the inner and outer rings.
• Dome with stairs: stairs to the terrace level, then the inner and outer rings.

The official FAQ is clear that the lift does not go to the top. From the inner ring, visitors must climb 320 steps to reach the outer ring. The basilica entry time is one hour before or one hour after the dome time, depending on expected visitor flow, so check your email.

One guided tour below says the dome climb is not included and needs a separate ticket purchased on site if available. Another says pre-reserved dome access with an elevator is available with select options. Read the inclusions on the tour you pick.

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What Else Can You See Besides the Church?

The official site lists a few extra visits that you book separately. These include the Treasury Museum, the Necropolis and guided tours of the basilica. The Treasury Museum is described as an exhibition of sacred artworks, liturgical furnishings and artistic treasures.

Outside the church, the area around the square has cafes and shops. The Maps data lists St. Peter’s Gallery, a souvenir store, at Largo del Colonnato 5, and a brunch restaurant on Via Leone IV. Prices and menus are not in the data I have, so check them yourself.

If you are weighing the basilica against the museums, my page on the Vatican and its St. Peter’s Basilica explains how the two relate. A short summary: the basilica is a church with free entry, while the museums and the Sistine Chapel are a separate ticketed visit.

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Should You Book a Guided Tour That Includes the Basilica?

A guided tour is worth considering if you want the history explained or you plan to see the museums on the same day. The tours below cover the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and the basilica, with durations from about 2 hours to 4 hours. Listed prices range from about 55 to 77 US dollars, and you should confirm the current price on the booking page.

Travelers who reviewed these tours praise knowledgeable guides and say skip-the-line access helped in heavy crowds. Some mention that details about the basilica part were unclear, and ask whether a guided visit of the church is included. One traveler wrote that a child in a wheelchair meant they used an audio guide instead of a group.

“We were unable to do this with a guide due to my child being in a wheelchair. We did the tour on our own with an audio guide. The Vatican was beautiful and we did get to see most of the sights”

Look for the words “optional” or “if option selected” next to the basilica line in each listing. Several tours treat the church entry as an add-on, and one lists a guided tour of the basilica as an exclusion.

Skip the ticket line: Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, Papal Tombs, and Dome Climb Tour, from $60Check dates →→

Planning Your Peter’s Basilica Visit

Here is my short plan that brings the points together. I’d start with the basilica early, covering your shoulders and knees, with a small bag. Expect security in the square before the doors. Decide whether you want the dome, a guide or only the free interior, and book the timed options ahead.

Then connect the visit to the rest of your trip. My topic hub on St. Peter’s Basilica collects every page I have written on the church, and the page on St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy adds a short orientation for first-time visitors.

Prices, hours and rules change, so always confirm them on the official basilica website before you go. With a little planning, Peter’s Basilica is one of the easiest big sights in Rome to enjoy.

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