All you need to know to climb St Peter’s Dome at the Vatican: what’s it like, climbing options, how to get tickets and tips to help you decide if and how climbing up to the top of St Peter’s Dome is for you.
Climbing to the very top of St Peter’s Dome and admiring the incredible views from its lantern is one of my favavorite things to do in Rome.
I first climbed all the way up when I was a child and I still remember the awe of seeing the geometric perfection of the Vatican Gardens below me (at the time, I didn’t know gardens like that exists!) before getting to the other side of the dome and get an even better view: that of Rome city center!
For many years after that, I cherished that memory but I found it hard to go back. Until recently, you couldn’t book to go up and the immense line, the infinite stairs and being sardine-like on a spiral staircase tainted the experience every time I found myself tacking it again. But all is better now!
Since the last jubilee, the whole experience has become a lot easier to plan and enjoy: you can now book timed tickets online and this means you don’t join the general queue, you go directly to the ticket holders entrance, which only has people with the same time slot as you.
Since this change, I feel I can recommend this experience wholeheartedly, something I wasn’t fully comfortable doing in the past, especially if people mentioned any doubts about it to begin with.
I went up the dome with my kids recently. This post has all you need to know to plan your visit and practical tips and photos from our last visit.
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Why climb St Peter’s Dome
The reason to climb St Peter’s Dome is the unparallel views you get from the top.
The top tier of the dome is the lantern: as you get here, you access a small viewing area that goes 360 degrees all around it: part looks towards the Tiber and Rome city center; the back faces the Vatican Gardens.
The unique thing about this view is that you get to see St Peter’s Square from above. The square is an architectural marvel and seeing its plan showcases brilliantly what architect Bernini’s vision was, something you only partially appreciate from ground level
Why not to climb St. Peter’s dome
You should not climb the dome if you have a fear of heights, suffers from claustrophobia, don’t do well in enclosed elevators, you have physical injuries or anything that can make climbing stairs difficult or dangerous (heart conditions, mobility issues, pregnancy etc).
The dome climb involves hundreds of steps and a long spiral staircase with no respite areas so it must be avoided by anyone who may find this hazardous to their health.
The dome climb is not wheelchair accessible. Stroller must be left at the deposit at the basilica entrance and are not allowed in the Basilica nor the dome.
How to get tickets to St Peter’s Dome and what tickets to get
Tickets to St Peter’s Dome are available from the official St Peter basilica website and their party providers.
Official tickets are these ones: they include a self guided tour of the basilica, with audioguide, and for the climb you can choose to go up by stairs or lift + stairs.
Tickets with the elevator/lift (my favorite): if you choose this option, you get the lift to the roof of the basilica and then climb from there. This is by far the best option in my opinion and makes the climb significantly more manageable as the lifts lets you skip over 200 steps. Done this way, you need to be able to climb 320 steps up but believe me, 200 steps less make a big difference!
Tickets without the elevator / lift: going up by stairs means dealing with over 500 steps, so this is an option I only recommend to people who know are well able for what can be a strenuous endeavour.
If the elevator option is booked out, before opting for the stairs my recommendation is to check what third party options exists for your date. You can choose between self guided options or full on Basilica Tours: my favorite tour is this one. I recommend the tour to people who have a specific interest in the Basilica (for artistic and/or religion value), anyone who wants help navigating arrival, lines, schedule etc and also those who may want to learn about art in the Vatican buy may not be interested or able for a tour of the museums.
When to book
I recommend booking dome access a few weeks in advance, if possible, as the tickets to sell out.
How to access St Peter’s Dome
Access to the dome is from the main floor of St Peter’s Basilica, which is therefore always included in your tickets.
Entrance to the Basilica is from St Peter’s Square and, more precisely, from the access point under the colonnade to the right of the square (looking at the basilica).
Tickets are timed and they recommend to get there about 20 mins or even longer ahead of time, to allow for security screens. When we went last time, we had no waiting in line at all, but I recommend to do whatever the ticket suggests, as lines can form here. Exact time and location is on your ticket, always refer to it in case of any doubts.
To get in, you need to first pass security. As you get there, you get in line, then pass airport style security checks and walk to the basilica entrance, which is well indicated. You have up to 90 mins to visit the basilica and at any stage you can go to the dome access which is beside the main door on the left (as you enter).Â
Please note: due to the religious nature of the basilica, proper attire is mandatory. You can read here >>> all about the Vatican dress code.
Access to the dome in manned and tickets will be checked and scanned again at the dome entrance. A staff member will scan your ticket again and then direct you to the stairs or lift. The lift is operated by an attendant, it is enclosed and only allows a few people at a time, so large groups will be separated in different journeys. The lift takes maybe a minute or so: I didn’t time it but it is not long at all.Â
What to expect during the climb
The climb is divided into two main areas: the basilica roof and the lantern.
The lift brings you to the roof of the basilica, which is a large terrace. The terrace is mostly enclosed in such a way that you don’t see a lot of Rome but it is beautiful in itself. Here, you are close to the massive statues at the top of the church and you get a close up view of the dome. This area is somewhat accessible and has a cafe.
Since you get the lift to come here, if you have a group with some climbers and some not climbers, this can be a place for the non climbers to wait for you.
From here, you get to the dome climb proper which has a mix of standard stairs, corridors and spiral staircase.
The spiral staircases are the most challenging bit as they are very long, you have no real rest stops and the stairs are made of polished stone.
This is the part of the climb we all warn people about: while we are reasonably fit and have two teenagers and don’t find it strenuous, it is not a climb you should underestimate – especially the spiral part can feel very precarious as it keeps going for. ages, so if you are at all unsure on your feet, may need a break or are at all ill at easy with enclose spaces, it can become very problematic very soon.
I have a video on instagram if useful >> Find my instagram video about the dome climb here.
Rest Stops
As you go up, there are few areas where you can catch your breath.
The climb is a mix of standard stairs, corridors and spiral staircases.
None is equipped with significant rest stops but on the corridors and occasionally in the parts with the standard stairs you can stop for a second with a secure footing, if the place is not too busy.
The natural rest stop is the terrace, which you access by lift. Once on the lantern climb, you can also catch your breath about midway, when you get to the internal dome ring, a small terrace overlooking the inside of the basilica.
The only seating areas are a few tables at the cafe on the terrace.
Practical tips to climb St Peter’s Dome
Modest clothing abiding the Vatican Dress code is mandatory: shoulders, armpits and knees must be covered (a shawl for shoulders is sufficient) and this applies to all including kids. Very small kids have more leaway but once they are pre-teens it is best to get them to follow the rule. You can read more about this here.
Good non slippy shoes with rubber sole are a must as the steps are very smooth and potentially slippery. Walking sandals are ok, there is no dress code for footwear, this is just a practical safety consideration.
Climbing St Peter’s Dome with kids
The climb is considered suitable for kids the 6 and up but this is just a guideline because of the type of effort required, not a hard limit.
If visiting with a baby, a carrier is the best option here although I believe it is best, if you are not alone with them, to divide and conquer: one waits with the baby at the cafe while the other goes up and then swap.
I personally do not recommend the climb with a toddler: letting them go up the steps even holding hands can be hazardous for you and them (no hand rail in most areas) and I wouldn’t want personally to tackle that level of effort with a toddler in a carrier. Even more than for babies, with toddlers I recommend to go to the terrace by elevator at most – please be advised that even if overall pretty safe, it is not a place where they can freely tot around.
No strollers are allowed on the basilica floor and on the dome – and honesty, you don’t want to climb the dome with a stroller on your shoulders! There is a deposit at the entrance.
Best time to go
There is no best time for the Dome climb. Like all things, the more awkward the time, the fewer people you’ll have – of instance, we visited at lunchtime in June, in the worst of the heat, and had the place pretty much to ourselves. Very early morning is also usually one of the emptiest times, in terms of crowds.
How long does it take to climb St Peter’s Dome
Tickets state the visit takes about 2.5 hours but we found we were in and out in a little over 1h.
This, however, is partially due to the fact that we know the Basilica well and had teens, so we didn’t need very long there. However, I feel 2 hours is a reasonable amount of time to ‘budget’ for this experience.
Where to eat nearby
These are several nice places for a bite of full meal in the area. We enjoy:
Cresci – bakery, light bites, lunch
Romane’ – excellent Roman restaurant, big portions
Il Sorpasso – local, excellent restaurant with Tuscany flare
You can find here >> my guide to the best places to eat near the Vatican based on my experience.
What to do nearby
St Peter’s Dome at the Vatican is close to several attractions and activities you may enjoy. On the same day as your visit you can:
Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – please note that entrance is NOT from the Basilica, this is a completely different experience / tour and must be planned separately. Have a look at how to visit the Vatican and plan your day at best.
Visit Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome castle, an incredible place that served as Imperial Mausoleum, the Papal Fortess and is now a museum.
Take a cooking class in the area – After all those steps, you’ll be hungry! So taking a cooking class in the area can be a great way to do something fun, learn a skill, rest and be fed! There are a few I like here: This one to learn to make pasta, and this one to learn to make pizza are both wonderful and easy to reach.
Why I love climbing St Peter’s Dome
I am not usually one who likes climbing to high places, but I make an exception for St Peter’s Dome as I feel that it is a lot more than just a viewpoint for good photos.
Climbing this dome means walking across St Peter’s Square, seeing the basilica, which are two architectural marvels and contain so much art, they satisfy my love for museums.
The climb itself feels like a bit of an achievement and satisfies my craving for a bit of movement, without making me exhausted; last but not least, the view from the top is out of this world beautiful and always gives me pause as, at your feet, a city that has been alive sine 756 BC and, like a person, keeps memories of each and every phase of its life from the Roman Forum and Palatine where Rome was born the most modern builds (la vela) via medieval times, Baroque marvels and more. A truly unique sight.