Summer period (1 April - 30 September): Opening 7:00 | Closing 19:10;

Winter period (1 October - 31 March): Opening 7:00 | Closing 19:10.

The opening hours may vary during holidays and throughout the Jubilee Year.

Admission to Saint Peter's Basilica is free but there is a charge for online booking which includes the Digital Audio Guide to Saint Peter's Basilica.

Yes, it is possible to book access to Saint Peter's Basilica as well as tickets to climb the Dome, for the Museum, etc. through the official website www.basilicasanpietro.va

It is not mandatory to book to visit Saint Peter's Basilica, but it is possible and recommended to book access to the Basilica as well as tickets to climb the Dome through the official website www.basilicasanpietro.va

Appropriate attire is required for a place of worship: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

Yes, there are guided tours in various languages, which can be booked on site or by contacting the Visits Office: visiteguidate@fsp.va

- from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 to 17:30 (last registration at 17:00);

- on Sundays and Vatican holidays, from 13:30 to 15:30 (last registration at 15:00).

The busiest days are Wednesday, when the Papal Audience usually takes place, and Sunday, when the Pope recites the Angelus at 12:00 PM.

Yes, there are several masses during the day. However, some masses, such as papal ones, require a free ticket that can be requested in advance. For more information, visit www.basilicasanpietro.va

The Basilica is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Ottaviano-San Pietro on line A. Several buses stop near Saint Peter's Square.

It is advisable to avoid coming by car as parking spaces in the surrounding area are limited.

Yes, there are airport-like security checks at the entrance to Saint Peter's Basilica. This can cause queues, especially on busy days.

Yes, a dedicated entrance is available for people with disabilities to access the Basilica. It is located at the right-hand hemicycle of St. Peter's Square and is equipped with a ramp for access to security checks and the Basilica entrance. For any specific needs, you can contact the email address: accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.

Sign language guided tours are available at the Basilica. This service must be booked in advance.

Saint Peter's Basilica is open on most holidays, but hours may vary. During major religious celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, there may be limited access for services.

Yes, after descending from the Dome, there is a shop with religious items and a café. There is also a shop with religious items near the Treasury Museum.

There is no luggage storage inside Saint Peter's Basilica, so it is advisable not to bring bags that are too large.

Photography is allowed, but without the use of flash. However, during religious services, it is requested not to take photos out of respect.

Yes, there is a shop inside Saint Peter's Basilica selling religious items.

A typical visit can last between 1 and 2 hours, but if you want to climb the Dome or visit the Vatican Grottoes, you will need more time.

Entry to Saint Peter's Basilica is free. A fee is only required for online reservations on the day and time slot of interest to the visitor. The cost includes the Digital Audio Guide for Saint Peter's Basilica.

Yes, audioguides are available in several languages. They can be rented at the Welcome Area of the Basilica.

Audioguides are available in 11 languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Chinese.

The Papal Audience is held every Wednesday (except when the Pope has other commitments) in Saint Peter's Square or in the Paul VI Hall. Free tickets can be requested through the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

Yes, visitors can make donations to support the maintenance of the Basilica or to celebrate Masses. There are special offering boxes inside the Basilica and a dedicated box for offering Mass intentions.

The Basilica is a place of prayer. Visitors are required to maintain silence and display respectful behavior in this sacred space.

Groups should stop in the area in front of the Welcome Area, and only the guide should enter to collect the radio guides.

The Basilica is always staffed with Sampietrini (custodians of the Basilica), auxiliary security personnel, and the Vatican Gendarmerie. For any assistance or information, please contact them.

For any further information or assistance with your booking, our Visitor Assistance team is available to address any additional requests.

See the Contact page: www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/contacts

Construction of the current Saint Peter's Basilica began in 1506 and was completed in 1626, replacing the older Basilica built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.

Several famous architects contributed to the design, including Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo and Bernini. Michelangelo designed the Dome, while Bernini was the author of the Colonnade of the Square.

It is one of the holiest places in the Catholic Church, as it is believed that Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Pope, is buried here.

Saint Peter's Basilica is a classic example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. It is approximately 187 meters long and 136 meters high to the top of the Dome.

The Dome, designed by Michelangelo, is one of the largest in the world and represents the majesty of Catholicism and its centrality in Rome.

Among the main works of art are Michelangelo's "Pietà", Bernini's "Baldacchino", the bronze statue of Saint Peter, and numerous mosaics and frescoes.

The Holy Door is opened only during Holy Years (or Jubilees). Crossing it symbolizes an act of penance and the receipt of plenary indulgence.

The first Pope buried in the Basilica was Saint Peter himself, whose tomb is located under the high altar.

Approximately 91 Popes are buried in Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes, including John Paul II and Pius XII.

The keys are the symbol of Saint Peter and represent the power given to him by Christ to "bind and loose" in the Kingdom of Heaven, symbolizing papal authority.

It takes its name from Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Pope, considered the founder of the Catholic Church.

A basilica is a church that has special importance for worship or history, while a cathedral is the seat of a bishop. Although St. Peter's Basilica is a papal basilica, the cathedral of Rome is the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Yes, the Vatican Grottoes are open to the public and house the tombs of many Popes, including that of Saint Peter. The visit is free.

In addition to regular Masses, there are special events such as liturgies presided over by the Pope, especially during religious holidays. It is advisable to check the official calendar of the Basilica.

Children are welcome in the Basilica. It is important that they are supervised by adults during the visit. It is recommended to bring everything needed for their comfort.

Inside the Welcome Area, there is a room with a changing table, and it is possible to breastfeed younger children.

Groups must enter Saint Peter's Basilica via the "Prayer Path" located on the right side when facing the Basilica's facade.

The celebrant priest and any concelebrants should go to the sacristy of the Vatican Basilica following the route marked in yellow on the attached map.

The group of faithful should go near the entrance of the Vatican Grottos and wait for the celebrant priest.

The celebrant priest must present themselves at the Sacristy with the celebration booking confirmation and a valid "celebret" document or commendatory letters from their Ordinary or Superior, in accordance with Canon 903.

The celebrant priest will always be provided with a chasuble. Concelebrant priests are invited to bring their own stoles. All necessary items for the Mass will be provided unless otherwise specified during the booking.

The sacristy is equipped with liturgical books in the main languages. Celebrants may bring their own liturgical books if desired.

If ministers are present, they must wear their own liturgical attire.

The staff of the Fabbrica di San Pietro will indicate how to reach the assigned place for the celebration.

Due to the proximity of celebrations and chapels where services are held, singing is not permitted to avoid mutual disturbance.

If a group is late, they must inform the following phone number: (+39) 06698 83462.

Audioguides can be kept for the entire duration of the visit.

Radio guides can be rented in the Welcome Area of the Basilica.

Yes, it is possible to make offerings for Masses for the deceased at the Canon's Box inside the Basilica, near the Sacristy corridor and opposite the Chapel of Saint Joseph.

Yes, you can have your child baptized at Saint Peter's. For arrangements, please write to: ufficioparrocchiale@basilicasanpietro.va.

Yes, it is possible to get married at Saint Peter's. For arrangements, please contact: ufficioparrocchiale@basilicasanpietro.va.

The designated area for weddings in the Basilica is the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Choir Chapel. However, weddings can also be celebrated at the nearby Church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini.

Yes, you can sing with your choir during an Eucharistic celebration in the Basilica. For arrangements, contact the Director of the Cappella Giulia at cappellamusicale@vicariato.va.

Yes, it is possible to celebrate a First Communion in the Basilica.

Yes, you can purchase or bring a container for holy water and have it blessed by the priests at the Canon's Box inside the Basilica, near the Sacristy corridor and opposite the Chapel of Saint Joseph.

Yes, it is possible to have religious items blessed by the priests at the Canon's Box inside the Basilica, near the Sacristy corridor and opposite the Chapel of Saint Joseph.

Yes, it is possible to light electric candles in the Basilica.