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St. Peter's Dome & Grotto Tour with Touriks in Rome - Rome

St. Peter's Dome & Grotto Tour with Touriks in Rome

Romemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable with climbing multiple flights of stairs and minor physical exertion.

Overview

Climb St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome for unrivaled views and descend into the historic underground grottoes. Touriks offers a unique, in-depth experience of Rome’s architectural crown jewel.

Walking Tour
Roma, Lazio

Tour of St. Peter's Basilica from the Top of the Dome to the Underground Grottoes

from 46€ • 105 min • The best panoramic view of Rome

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Adventure Photos

Tour of St. Peter's Basilica from the Top of the Dome to the Underground Grottoes photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience an unforgettable guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest. Climb to the Dome for breathtaking views of Rome, explore stunning mosaics, and visit Michelangelo's Pietà. Delve into the underground grottoes and St. Peter's tomb, all while appreciating the architectural brilliance of this iconic site.

Enjoy the most complete guided tour of the largest Basilica in the world

Combine a quality-guided experience of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with a climb to the top of the Dome for the best panoramic view of Rome..


Highlights

  • Enjoy the quality of a semi-private group
  • Climb to the top of the Dome to get a bird's eye view of Rome
  • Get an exclusive close look at the mosaics from the dome’s heights
  • Visit St. Peter’s tomb and marvel at the Pietà of Michelangelo
  • Experience the mystic atmosphere of the underground grottoes

About

Meet your guide in St. Peter's Square and start your tour climbing your way up to the top of the dome of the Basilica. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floor and get the chance to take an exclusively close look at the mosaics of the dome.

Go even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond it. From the height of 136 meters, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments and see the boundaries of the Vatican State. Take delight in a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.

Descend directly into the Basilica and avoid the long lines at its entrance. Be humbled by its magnificence and understand why it took 150 years to rebuild. Marvel at colorful marbles, golden ceilings, and impressive mosaics all around you.

Get guided through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic art by Canova and Bernini, among others. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high bronze canopy and discover its connection with the Pantheon. Get emotional in front of the Pietà of Michelangelo and appreciate its expressive power and delicate beauty.

Go further down into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.

Finish your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character and purpose of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects created by its designer, Bernini, and find the two "special" spots in the square.


Important information

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the scheduled starting time
  • The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
  • The dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather conditions. In that case, you can either ask for a partial refund and visit the Basilica and the grottoes or decide to cancel the tour for a full refund
  • An appropriate dress code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
  • Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square are not skippable and might take 5-45 minutes
  • Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
  • For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours
  • We suggest you do not trash your empty bottle of water since you can refill it everywhere in Rome for free

Meeting point

Meet your guide in Largo del Colonnato 5. Look for the yellow label with the TOURIKS logo on it. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide.


Cancellation Policy

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the starting time of the experience
  • Full refunds are not possible for cancellations made after the 24 hours
  • Amendments are not allowed after 24 hours and are always subject to availability and price changes
  • No refunds in case of no-show on the part of the customer
  • If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
  • If the tour is canceled due to COVID-19 issues, Touriks grants a full refund (not vouchers)

Adventure Tips

Prepare for Narrow Staircases

The climb to the Dome involves several narrow, winding staircases—wear comfortable shoes and watch your step.

Bring a Water Bottle

Carry water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months as the climb can be physically demanding.

Pack Light

Large bags or backpacks may not be permitted inside; travel light for easier access.

Respect Dress Code

Visitors must dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered are required to enter sacred areas.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Rock pigeons around St. Peter’s Square
  • Sparrows nesting in the basilica’s hidden corners

History

St. Peter's Basilica was completed in 1626 over the original Constantinian basilica and stands atop what is traditionally considered the tomb of Saint Peter.

Conservation

Preservation efforts focus on careful visitor management to protect delicate mosaics and ancient stonework from wear caused by high foot traffic.

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Adventure Hotspots in Rome

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating the Dome’s spiral staircases and underground pathways safely.

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated during the climb, especially in warm weather.

summer specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Layers help adjust to changing temperatures inside and outside the basilica.

fall specific

Modest Attire

Essential

Required for respecting dress codes within sacred spaces.