La Pietà

The Basics

Michelangelo carved La Pietà from a single block of Carrara marble in the late 1490s, and it is the only work the artist signed. Created as a funeral monument for the French cardinal Jean de Bilhères, the statue was moved to its current location in St. Peter’s Basilica in the 18th century. After being damaged by a vandal in 1972,La Pietà was placed behind a protective glass screen.

Choose an early entrance or skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's Basilica to benefit from the knowledge of a guide and avoid a long wait to enter this popular sight. Tours of the basilica are often combined with a visit to St. Peter’s Dome or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where more of Michelangelo's works can be seen. Extended Vatican tours may also include the Vatican Gardens, Necropolis, and Bramante’s Staircase.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A visit toLa Pietà is a must for art enthusiasts.

• You must pass through a security check to access St. Peter’s Basilica, and items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas are not allowed.

• The dress code in the basilica requires covered shoulders and knees.

• The basilica and the chapel whereLa Pietà is displayed are accessible to wheelchairs.

• Photography is allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, though the glare from the protective glass makes it hard to get a good snapshot of the famous sculpture.

How to Get There

St. Peter’s Basilica is located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano.La Pietà stands in the first chapel on the right when you enter the basilica.

When to Get There

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and crowded most of the year. Early morning is the best time to visit to beat the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the largest church in the world and the art inside virtually to yourself.

Highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica

In addition to Michelangelo’s stunning masterpiece, the basilica is home to a number of important works of art. Be sure to admire Bernini’s ornate Papal altar and baldacchino, as well as his equestrian statue of Constantine. The interior of the church is covered with over 100,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) of mosaics, much of which reproduce famous Renaissance paintings, including Raphael’sTransfiguration. Another work of note is the funerary monument dedicated to Clement XIII, created by Canova at the end of the 18th century and famous for its meticulously sculpted lions.

Ways to explore

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica on a small-group or private tour to benefit from the knowledge of a guide who will dive into the history and architecture of the monumental church, along with the artwork it houses—including La Pietà. Tours of the basilica are often combined with a visit to St. Peter’s Dome or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where more of Michelangelo’s works can be seen. Extended Vatican tours may also include the Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Necropolis, and the Bramante Staircase.

Accessibility

St. Peter’s Basilica, where La Pietà is located, is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

There is no age limit to enter the basilica, though families should choose a kid-friendly tour to make the visit more engaging.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water bottle, small binoculars

What to wear

Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, umbrellas and selfie sticks, food and drinks, knives and sharp objects

Amenities

Restrooms, a café, and a gift shop are located inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Address

La Pietà is located inside St. Peter’s Basilica, which you can enter through St. Peter’s Square at the far end of Via della Conciliazione. If visiting as part of a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, you can access the church via a fast-track entrance located between the Sistine Chapel and the basilica.

Driving

Heavy traffic and limited parking around Vatican City make driving to St. Peter’s Basilica a hassle. Visit with a tour that includes round-trip transport from your Rome hotel, or take a taxi or rideshare to St. Peter’s Square.

Public transportation

Take metro line A to the Ottaviano station, about a 6-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square. Alternatively, take bus 64 to Roma San Pietro railway station, an approximately 20-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square.

Best times to visit

Arrive first thing in the morning or just before closing in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds.

Best days to visit

Access to the basilica is restricted most Wednesday mornings during the Pope’s weekly audience, and the church is crowded on Sundays. Instead, visit on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Best months to visit

January and February are the quietest months in Rome and the best time to visit to avoid the long lines and crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Special events

St. Peter’s Basilica is the focal point of the Catholic church and holds special Masses and services during Christmas, Easter, and other religious holidays.