St. Peter's Basilica, Dome and Necropolis Private Guided Tour

Meet your tour guide and learn about St. Peter’s Square. This square, surrounded by a majestic quadruple colonnade displays the largest church of the Christian world: St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro). It is also the heart of Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, which was in antiquity occupied by Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians, including St. Peter, were martyred. In the centre of this 320 meter-wide piazza stands an Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD. In 1656 Bernini began building the quadruple colonnade of 284 columns in 88 rows, which according to the artist symbolize the “gathering of Christendom.” From two points in the square which are marked on the ground by a stone, the four concentric rings of columns visually merge into one. The balustrade supported by the columns is decorated with 140 statues of saints. The huge door of the basilica is framed by statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The dome was designed by Michelangelo, who worked on the basilica's construction in 1547. There are two levels to the climb: the first part takes you to the interior of the dome, which offers magnificent views of the basilica below, as well as a chance to see the mosaics up close. Visitors can either walk the 320 steps or take the elevator, and this part of the visit also includes a trip out onto the roof, behind the statues of Jesus and the Apostles. The second part of the visit is optional and is for the slightly more adventurous visitor. It involves climbing a total of 320 steps which become progressively narrower and more winding, ending in a tight, corkscrew staircase. If you suffer from claustrophobia, this is not for you. However, once on top of the Dome, you will have a bird's-eye view of Vatican City and a breathtaking panorama of Rome, spread out 150m below.

After the Dome and enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Churches don’t get bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica, in every sense of the word. Not only is it physically colossal, but it’s also the home of the Catholic Church. Enter the historic walls of Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, to discover the focal point of a historical and spiritual pilgrimage. One of the apostles and the first Pope, St. Peter was crucified in Rome in 64 AD. There’s strong evidence suggesting that his body is buried beneath the Basilica’s main altar. If you love architecture, St. Peter’s is a stunning example of the style. And even if the spiritual side isn’t for you, it’s hard not to be moved by such a magnificent building. As St. Peter’s isn’t the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, it’s not actually a cathedral and remains a not-so-humble church Started in 306 AD, St. Peter’s took over 1,300 years to reach its complete stage in 1626.

ENTER THE VATICAN GROTTOES - The Vatican Grottoes is the vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is basically a cave of artificial or natural origin that is used by people, usually for burial purposes. The Vatican Grottoes is the vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is basically a cave of artificial or natural origin that is used by people, usually for burial purposes. This is the place that houses the tombs of several popes and saints. In fact, the Vatican Grottoes is the burial place of 91 popes and some other church dignitaries such as cardinals dating back to the 10th century and onwards. In addition, the grottoes also include some tombs of secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. The grottoes are located above the necropolis where you can find the holy tomb of St Peter the fisherman, the first bishop of Rome (Pope).