Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, La Pietà, Papal Tombs Tour
Description
Join a fascinating journey that begins in St. Peter's Square, where you can admire the architectural wonders that reveal themselves to your sight. Explore the optical effects created by the genius designer, Bernini. As you enter the Basilica, get ready to be amazed by its splendor. Observe the detailed mosaics that cover you, and learn why it took 150 years to reconstruct this emblematic building. With your expert guide, walk by famous masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassical art. Gaze at the majestic 98.5-foot high canopy, appreciating the expressive force and delicate beauty embodied in Michelangelo's "Pietà." Finish your enriching tour by going down to the underground grottoes, where you'll find St. Peter's tomb. As you touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica, enjoy the beauty of the frescoes inside, a witness to the lasting history and artistry that characterizes this sacred space.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Next, enter the Basilica and witness its grandeur. Admire the golden ceilings and impressive mosaics that took 150 years to rebuild. Follow your expert guide through the renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art, including Michelangelo's "Pietà". Stand in awe of the harmonious 30-meter-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of this iconic artwork.
Discover the stunning Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, a poignant sculpture depicting Mary cradling Jesus, showcased within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica
Descend into the underground grottoes and discover the final resting place of St. Peter. Trace the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica with your fingertips and imagine the history that surrounds you. Marvel at the beautiful frescoes that adorn the underground chambers and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this holy site. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the history and spirituality of this sacred place, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
At the end of the tour, your guide will point you to the ticket desk where you can purchase optional tickets for the dome climb.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- 1. Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered as this is a religious site.
- 2. Security: Airport-style checks are required, with wait times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close for Vatican events. If this happens, we will reschedule your visit as soon as possible.
- 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we will extend the visit to the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
- 5. Exclusions: This tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
- 6. Dome Climb (Optional): The dome climb closes at 4:00 PM. The 3:00 PM tour does not include the dome climb option. For the 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM tours, the guide can show you where to purchase dome climb tickets (€15, including elevator access) at the end of the tour.
Reviews(48)
Loved going into the catacombs. Our tour guide was an art historian and knew what she was talking about . Very informed.
It was awesome!! Dario was very friendly and pleasant. The explanations are very serious! I really recommend it!!
Perfect. Very well explained, and the guide is lovely and knowledgeable!
Thank you Dario for this beautiful visit!
A wonderful experience of the visit of the Vatican We were assisted by Dario. Very enriching guide with full of pertinent explanations, he was taking is time 100% recommend him
Great visit! Our guide Dario was excellent; he speaks French very well. The tour of the basilica was truly interesting, and it is definitely worth doing with the explanations! I recommend it!
Perfect, we had an excellent tour with Dario. We recommend it 100%. The explanations were clear at our pace and very suitable. Thank you to him.
Dario, very beautiful visit and a very good guide
Perfect in every way: kindness, availability, and knowledge
Guide knowledge is very good and helpful insights on the historical background of the basilica. A wonderful experience all together.
