Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Treasury Museum
Photos & Highlights
- Gain insight into the powerful artworks in St. Peter's Basilica and uncover a detailed history of this iconic part of Vatican city
- Led by a theologian, art historian, or architect
Select a date
Tour Description
Let a church historian or art historian lead you though St. Peter’s Basilica, the biggest church in the world, and give you a detailed look at major works by Michelangelo, Bernini and others.
Experts
You will begin at Via della Conciliazione, a modern processional road built by Mussolini in the XX Century, and from here, enter Bernini’s square, where your expert guide will go over the topography of the Vatican, and the precedents for the church that now stands there.
Once inside the Basilica, your guide will reveal the deeper stories behind the most famous works such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino, and how these masterpieces represent an example of the complex interplay of faith, power, and art throughout the ages.
You will then explore the Vatican Grottoes - the Tomb of the Popes, situated beneath the ancient foundations of the Basilica, and enjoy a rare look at this lesser-known part of the Vatican. Depending on time, you may also visit the Treasury Museum, which displays some of the finest works of Christian art in the world.
By the end of this tour, you’ll walk away with a deep understanding of St. Peter’s Basilica, not only as a religious site but as a living testament of the connection between art and power.
The Rome Jubilee (Dec 24, 2024 - Dec 14, 2025) may impact availability for visits in St. Peter's Basilica with short notice. As updates are announced, we will alert any affected tours for alternative scheduling options. In the event that the Basilica is not open to the public, tours will still visit the Vatican Museums and travelers will receive our St. Peter's Basilica Audio Guide at no additional charge, allowing you to visit the venue with Context guidance at anytime.
- You’d like to understand the significance of Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino, and how they fit into the broader history of the Basilica.
- You’re interested in stepping beneath the surface of the Vatican, literally, to explore the ancient Vatican Grottoes and the Tomb of the Popes.
- You want a deeper, personalized experience that goes beyond the standard tourist path, guided by an experienced church or art historian.
- Via della Conciliazione
- St. Peter’s Square
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican Grottoes
- Treasury Museum
A few notes on logistical planning to make your Vatican tour experience as smooth as possible.
Tickets
St. Peter's Basilica is free, therefore, there is no need for advance tickets. The Treasury Museum, which is often visited during this tour, does not sell advance tickets. In this case, you will be responsible for purchasing these tickets during the tour. You guide will help you in this process.
Headsets
Depending on your group size, you may have headsets on the tour.
Summer Crowds
During the the high season (Easter - September), Rome and the Vatican can see upwards of 35,000 visitors per day. It’s important to anticipate slower movement, limited visibility, and potential restrictions on accessing certain areas due to the density of crowds. Our experienced guides are adept at navigating through these challenging conditions and will strive to optimize your tour's route.
Dress Code
Vatican policies require modest attire to respect the sanctity of the site. This generally includes covering shoulders and knees for both men and women. It's also advisable to wear comfortable footwear.
PLEASE NOTE: Starting May 2024, the Pietà sculpture and the Baldacchino inside St. Peter's Basilica will undergo restoration works and therefore they might not be visible during the tour.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this experience:
- A little pre-trip prep to help you better engage with your Context expert: Vatican Museums: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers
- A deeper dive to help you prepare for the Sistine Chapel: An Inside Look Before Your Visit
- Your best walking shoes, lightweight clothing if visiting in the summer months, and an open and curious mind.
To assist you in planning your trip to the Vatican, view our informative resources page How to visit the Vatican
Does this tour include the Scavi beneath St. Peter's?
No, this tour does not include the Scavi. You will visit Vatican Grottoes (Tomb of the Popes) and the Treasury Museum.
Are skip-the-line tickets included?
No, St. Peter's Basilica is free, therefore, there is no advance tickets/access available. The Treasury Museum, which is often visited during this tour, does not sell advance tickets. In this case, you will be responsible for purchasing these tickets during the tour. You guide will help you in this process.
Does this tour include climbing the dome?
Climbing the dome is not included in the tour, however, you can do this on your own at the end of the tour if you wish. Tickets can be purchased on site.
Does this tour include the Sistine Chapel?
No, the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and therefore it is visited only in our Vatican Museums Tour.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Yes. This tour is not very walking intensive and there is ramp access to the Basilica. The Vatican Grottoes can be accessed by elevator. Please contact us or indicate mobility concerns at booking so we can ensure your tour is adapted accordingly.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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135 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
She knows the city well
Martin
Oct 23, 2024
Jeannette was fantastic, we all had a great time. She was great with the kids.
Toby
Jun 30, 2024
We enjoyed our experience in Saint Peter’s and learned a great deal. Our guide was knowledgeable, articulate, and sensitive to our needs. This is why we come back to Context tours.
Karen
May 21, 2024
