{"id":37608,"date":"2024-07-30T15:19:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=37608"},"modified":"2025-12-18T18:54:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:54:26","slug":"climbing-st-peters-dome-what-youll-see-and-when-to-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/climbing-st-peters-dome-what-youll-see-and-when-to-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Climbing St. Peter\u2019s Dome: What You\u2019ll See and When To Go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the most intense experiences when visiting a city is admiring it from the top. The impression we have of a place can change completely from a higher viewpoint. Rome offers many spectacular views, such as the terrace in Giardino degli Aranci, the Gianicolo Hill, or the Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you\u2019re looking to survey Vatican City from above, the best spot is the dome of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is St. Peter\u2019s dome?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"St<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

St. Peter\u2019s dome is one of the most recognizable symbols of Rome and the most prominent in its skyline. Romans affectionately call it \u201ccupolone,\u201d aka the big dome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since it\u2019s part of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, the dome is considered a beacon for Christians coming to Rome from all over the world. Various architects worked on the construction of the dome. The one who gave it its fundamental structure was Michelangelo Buonarroti (yes, that Michelangelo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michelangelo worked on the dome until 1564, the year of his death. Then two Italian architects, Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana, completed the construction in 1593.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to go up to the top of the dome, you\u2019ll find a gorgeous spectacle. You can admire Rome\u2019s city center and St. Peter\u2019s Square from a unique perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s discover together everything you need to know to plan your visit to St. Peter\u2019s dome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it\u2019s like to climb St. Peter\u2019s dome<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Up
Credit: Valerio Vagnoni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To go up the dome, you\u2019ll need to head to the right side of St. Peter\u2019s Square and pass a security check. It\u2019s the same way to visit the basilica and the dome \u2014 you won\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The security check is very similar to one you\u2019d find in an airport. You should avoid bringing anything dangerous. The last time that I was there, we had to wait a very long time because of a group of hikers who brought knives. As you may imagine, weapons of any kind aren\u2019t a very wise choice in Vatican City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you reach the entrance of the basilica, you\u2019ll see various signs directing you to the dome. Follow them to find the ticket office on the left. You\u2019ll have two options to choose from: the elevator or the stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you climb the whole way, it\u2019s around 550 steps. Keep in mind that choosing the elevator will spare you only the first 230 steps. You\u2019ll have the remaining 320 to go on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the elevator and the stairs will get you to the same place \u2014 a terrace behind the statues on the basilica\u2019s facade. You won\u2019t be inside the actual dome yet \u2014 you\u2019ll be over the roof of the church, at the base of the dome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the bottom of St. Peter\u2019s dome, it\u2019s impressive to see the statues of Jesus and the saints up close. You\u2019ll be able to catch your breath here if you choose the stairs. From this point, you can continue to the final part of the climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My advice is to take the elevator and skip the first steps. There\u2019s nothing special to see in this part \u2014 sure, you can peek from the windows while going up, but it\u2019s nothing compared to the view from the top. I consider myself a sporty person, and when I took the stairs, I was unsure if my lungs were still functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price for the elevator is \u20ac10, and the stairs are \u20ac8. It\u2019s a small difference, so you can consider saving your energy for the second part of the climb, which is the most challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you\u2019ll see from the dome of St. Peter\u2019s<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"View
Credit: Valerio Vagnoni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the terrace behind the statues, you\u2019ll find an entrance leading you further up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A special treat will await you there \u2014 a view of the nave of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica from the top. You\u2019ll finally be inside the proper dome, admiring the beautiful mosaics that decorate its interior. If you look down, you\u2019ll enjoy the sight of the church from a unique perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll notice an inscription in Latin around the dome, taken from words spoken by Jesus to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n