Cities and regions／Vatican City
Place of interest ·

St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship best explored at an unhurried pace, from the nave and baldachin to the Pietà and Vatican grottoes. The dome adds a demanding architectural experience with a separate entrance.

Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica seen from Saint Peter’s Square.
Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • The nave, baldachin, Pietà and Vatican grottoes.
  • The dome requires 320 steps even when using the lift; the full route has 551.
  • Access may be affected by liturgical celebrations and organisational needs.
St. Peter's Basilica
Photo by Myrabella Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Interior staircase of Saint Peter’s Basilica dome.
Photo by Livioandronico2013 Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in St. Peter's Basilica

Guides to this place

2 articles

St. Peter's Basilica

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

2 related guides

Formal path between hedges and pavilions in the Vatican Gardens.

Vatican Gardens offer a slower view of Vatican City

The Vatican Gardens reveal the State as a landscape of work, prayer and architecture. The key is to treat them as a reserved visit, not as a park you can simply enter in passing.

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Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica seen from Saint Peter’s Square.

Planning Vatican City’s Museums, Basilica and Necropolis

The Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the necropolis involve different schedules, access arrangements and levels of effort. Choosing one carefully can transform the experience.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 24/09/2026