St. Peter's Dome (Cupola di San Pietro)

The basics

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most popular sights in Rome, so booking a skip-the-line tour is essential to avoid waiting in long lines, especially in the busy summer months. St. Peter’s Basilica Dome tours are included in most Vatican tours, which typically include access to the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani), the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), and the Vatican Gardens (Giardini Vaticani). The entrance to the dome is at the portico of the basilica, and views are both internal over the basilica’s main altar and external over the city of Rome.

Things to know before you go

• You must pass through a security check to access the dome—banned items include pocketknives, corkscrews, and umbrellas.

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

• The dome is partially accessible to wheelchair users. There is an elevator to the roof level (or you can climb the 320 steps), but only a spiral staircase provides access to the cupola at the highest point of the dome (another 200 steps).

• Views are dizzying from the top of St. Peter’s Dome, so visiting the top is not recommended for anyone afraid of heights.

• Kids especially enjoy the invigorating climb and views, so consider joining a small-group tour tailored to families if traveling with children.

How to get there

St. Peter’s Basilica is located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. To use public transportation, take the metro A line to Ottaviano, the closest station. For a walk with plenty of views, cross the Sant’Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant'Angelo) over the Tiber River and reach the square in about 15 minutes.

When to get there

The dome is open to the public daily. Early morning is the best time to visit, both to beat the crowds at the ticket office and to catch the optimal light for photographing the view. Rome is at its hottest and most crowded from June–August, so aim to go in the fall or spring.

St. Peter’s Dome history

Like Rome, St. Peter’s Dome wasn’t built in a day. Work began on the basilica in 1506, initially overseen by Roman architect Donato Bramante and later passed on to successors such as Raphael and Bernini. Yet it was Michelangelo who took on the task of completing the dome, proposing a design based on those of previous architects. After his death, his assistants continued the work and, in the end, it was Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana, under the appointment of Pope Sixtus V, who saw the completion of the dome in 1590.

Ways to explore

St. Peter’s Dome is one of the most popular sights in Rome, so booking a skip-the-line St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome tour is essential to bypass the crowds, especially in the busy summer months. Visits to the dome are included in many Vatican tours, which typically cover the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The entrance to the dome is under the Basilica’s portico, and views are both internal over the church’s main altar and external over the city of Rome.

Accessibility

The dome is partially accessible to wheelchair users via an elevator to the terrace. However, its highest point can only be reached via a spiral staircase.

Age limits

It’s recommended that children be over 6 years old to access St. Peter’s Dome, as the final stretch of the climb is not recommended for small children due to the many steps.

What to pack

Camera, battery pack, small binoculars

What to wear

Sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, clothing that covers shoulders and knees

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 all located in St. Peter’s Basilica at the base of the dome.

Address

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome is under the portico of St. Peter’s Basilica. Walk through St. Peter’s Square at the far end of Via della Conciliazione, pass through the security check, and take the stairs or elevator on the right side of the portico up to the terrace. From there, take the 320 steps to the highest level of the dome.

Driving

The heavy traffic and lack of parking around Vatican City make driving to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome a stressful endeavor. Opt for a tour that includes round-trip transport from your Rome hotel or take a taxi to St. Peter’s Square.

Public transportation

Metro Line A serves Ottaviano station, about a 6-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square. You can also take a bus: Bus 64 drops you at Piazza Stazione San Pietro, about four minutes from St. Peter’s Square.

Best times to visit

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the top sights in Rome, and lines to enter the church and dome can stretch for hours by 12pm. Plan to arrive first thing in the morning or just before closing to bypass the crowds.

Best days to visit

Access to the Dome is restricted most Wednesday mornings due to the Pope’s weekly audience, and St. Peter’s Dome is busiest on Sundays and religious holidays. To avoid the throngs, visit on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.

Best months to visit

Rome and its most famous sights are relatively quiet in January and February, though the winter temperatures mean a chilly visit to the top of St. Peter’s Dome.

Special events

Visiting the dome is particularly atmospheric during the Christmas holidays, when seasonal decorations are set up on the square outside and across Rome.