The Dome

Check out the list of frequently asked questions or use the search bar. Should you need further information or personalized advice, our Visitor Assistance service is ready to answer all your questions.

Frequently asked questions

Show the QR Code at the entrance to the Basilica and the Dome, either directly on your electronic device or in printed form.


Immediately after booking, you will receive Email No. 1 containing the service confirmation VOUCHER.


You will then receive Email No. 2 containing the QR Codes for all participants, to be presented during the access checks, together with the assigned route (Sobieski or Lambertini). The access QR Codes are mandatory. If you do not receive this email within 30 minutes of booking, write to booking@basilicasanpietro.va, indicating the relevant TIE-xxxx reference number.


In addition, within 24–14 hours of the booked visit time, you will receive Email No. 3 containing the QR Codes and/or links for all participants, required to activate and access the Digital Audio Guide: each participant has a different personal code.


Remember to always check your spam folder.

Immediately after booking, you will receive Email No. 1 with the VOUCHER confirming your services. Next, you will receive Email No. 2 with the QR Codes for all participants, to be shown during access checks. QR Codes are mandatory for entry. If you do not receive Email No. 2 within 30 minutes of booking (check your spam folder), please write to booking@basilicasanpietro.va indicating your TIE-xxxx reference number.

On the day of your visit to the Basilica, you can always retrieve the access QR Codes and those for the Digital Audio Guides at https://myqr.basilicasanpietro.va by entering your email and the information found in the confirmation voucher.

Before accessing the Dome, it is always necessary to pass through the security checks in St. Peter’s Square. Visitors who purchase online must follow the assigned route (Sobieski or Lambertini), indicated in the communication received with the QR Codes. Security checks remain mandatory for all visitors.

The visit lasts on average about 1 hour, but the actual time depends on the pace of your climb and how long you spend at the top.

No, the lift only goes up to the terrace level. From the inner Ring, visitors must climb 320 steps to reach the outer Ring of the Dome.

Yes, the ticket for access to the Dome purchased online includes both entry to St. Peter's Basilica (to be done 90 minutes before the purchased entry time for the Dome) and the Digital Audio Guide for St. Peter's Basilica.

Yes, clothing appropriate for a place of worship is required. Shoulders and knees must always be covered.

Only small personal bags are permitted. Large backpacks, trolleys or bulky luggage are not allowed. No cloakroom or luggage storage service is available.

Yes, if the climb becomes difficult or tiring, it is possible to turn back before completing the ascent.

Tickets for the Dome cannot be modified or refunded. It is not possible to change the name, date or time of the booking. The ticket is valid exclusively for the purchased date and time slot.

Visitors purchasing tickets online for access to the Dome or the Basilica are kindly asked to carefully check the email inbox used during the booking process, including the spam folder.

Immediately after booking, you will receive Email No. 1 with the VOUCHER confirming your services. Next, you will receive Email No. 2 with the QR Codes for all participants, to be shown during access checks. QR Codes are mandatory for entry. If you do not receive Email No. 2 within 30 minutes of booking (check your spam folder), please write to booking@basilicasanpietro.va indicating your TIE-xxxx reference number.

On the day of the visit to the Basilica, you can always retrieve the Access QR Codes and those for the Digital Audio Guides at https://myqr.basilicasanpietro.va by entering your email and the information found in the confirmation voucher.

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the ascent and to activate the Basilica’s Digital Audio Guide before entering.


Also check the assigned route (Sobieski or Lambertini) indicated in the communication received together with the QR Codes.

The Dome remains open even in case of rain, but in case of extreme weather conditions, access may be temporarily closed.

Yes, at the terrace of the Basilica, at the base of the Dome, there is a shop with religious items, a refreshment area, restrooms, and a post office.

No, the ticket to visit the Dome is valid for one visit only.

For further clarification or support with your booking, our Visitor Assistance team is available to answer any additional questions.

You can contact us by email at booking@basilicasanpietro.va or call the Online Booking Office at +39 06 9612 4006.

Yes, tickets may also be purchased on site at the ticket offices located within the premises of the Basilica. However, availability for bookable time slots will be limited.

After booking, the visitor will receive, together with the email containing the QR Codes, instructions on the route to follow to access the Dome.

For logistical reasons, one of the following routes may be assigned:

• Sobieski Route (light blue)

• Lambertini Route (purple)

The assigned route is indicated in the communication received and on the internal signage of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Dome booking also includes access to St. Peter’s Basilica with the Digital Audio Guide.

For visitor flow management purposes, the email containing the QR Codes will indicate whether the visit to the Basilica must take place before or after the ascent to the Dome.

The order of the visit varies according to the assigned route:

• Sobieski Route (light blue): Basilica first, then Dome

• Lambertini Route (purple): Dome first, then Basilica

General questions

The ascent to the Dome is physically demanding due to the presence of steps, narrow spaces and steep inclines. The visit is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions, vertigo, claustrophobia or mobility difficulties, or for pregnant women.

Yes, but the climb could be challenging for small children.

Yes, it is possible to purchase a ticket for the Dome online by selecting the date and time of the visit. It is recommended to arrive early to allow sufficient time for the security checks.

There are 551 steps in total to reach the top of the Dome. Using the lift, it is reduced to 320 steps.

Yes, a lift is available to take you up to the terrace level, from where you must continue on foot by climbing 320 steps.

Yes, there are toilets available on the terrace after the Dome descent.

Yes, it is possible to visit the Dome independently.

It is important to follow the instructions of the staff, respect the silence and not touch the ancient structures.

Winter period: from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summer period: from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Opening hours may be subject to change due to religious celebrations or organizational requirements.

Yes, due to the limited capacity of the Dome, the number of day tickets may be limited.

Yes, once purchased online, you will receive your tickets via email, which you can display in digital or printed format.

A specific Digital Audio Guide for the Dome is not available. The Digital Audio Guide included in the ticket is dedicated to St. Peter’s Basilica.

No, the QR Codes can be shown directly on your smartphone.

Dome tickets are non-refundable. Please check refund policies at time of purchase.

No, pets are not allowed.

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