St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Grottoes Guided Tour

Rome , Italy

St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Grottoes Guided Tour

Active

(17 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant_then_manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start your Tour at the meeting point, where you will meet the highly qualified Tour Guide.

Admire the marvelous work of St. Peter’s Square, created by Bernini, and its colonnade with 284 columns and 88 pillars, that will remind of a hug.

After entering the Basilica, you will discover the beautiful artworks that fill its space.
While walking on the colorful marbles, you will be mesmerized by the enormous dimension of the building and the ceilings entirely covered in gold.
On the right, you will immediately see the Pietà by Michelangelo Buonarroti, defined as the most beautiful sculpture in the history of art and the most representative opera of the Renaissance.

Following the Tour, you will be faced by the St. Peter’s Throne and the St. Peter’s Baldachin, bronze creations of the sculptor Bernini.

Lastly enter the Papal Grottoes, which are the union between the old Constantinian Basilica and the modern one, and where the previous Pontiffs were buried.

Available options

ST. PETER TOUR

St. Peter's Basilica Tour SP

Guided Tour

What's included

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Stop 2

After entering the Basilica, you will discover the beautiful artworks that fill its space.
While walking on the colorful marbles, you will be mesmerized by the enormous dimension of the building and the ceilings entirely covered in gold.
On the right, you will immediately see the Pietà by Michelangelo Buonarroti, defined as the most beautiful sculpture in the history of art and the most representative opera of the Renaissance.

Following the Tour, you will be faced by the St. Peter’s Throne and the St. Peter’s Baldachin, bronze creations of the sculptor Bernini. Looking closely, you will be able to see all the genius of the artist.

Stop 3

Enter the Papal Grottoes, which are the union between the old Constantinian Basilica and the modern one, and where the previous Pontiffs were buried.

What's not included

Lunch

Ticket for the Dome (if you want to, ask for indication to the Tour Guide at the end of the tour)

Skip-The-Line access to the Basilica

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible (with the exception of the Papal Grottoes)

A strict Dresscode is applied inside the Basilica, therefore shoulders and knees should be covered

St. Peters Basilica has a mandatory Security Check that cannot be skipped, therefore a queue might form. The lenghth of this queue cannot be predicted. The Tour Guide will escort you during the queue sharing the history of St. Peter, to then continue into the Basilica

Meeting point

Meet in front of the shop "Mondo Cattolico" in Piazza Pio XII n. 12, Roma (on the right side looking at the Basilica).

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots