Your Private St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tour begins in St. Peter’s Square, where your expert private guide will introduce you to the awe-inspiring architecture and symbolism of this iconic space. Learn about the magnificent colonnade designed by Bernini and the spiritual importance of this square, where thousands gather to hear the Pope speak.
From there, you’ll enter St. Peter’s Basilica – named after the first Pope and considered the gatekeeper of heaven. Inside, your guide will walk you through the Basilica’s most important highlights. Marvel at Michelangelo’s La Pietà, protected behind bulletproof glass, and learn why this moving sculpture is the only one he ever signed. Gaze up at Bernini’s towering bronze canopy over the High Altar, used during papal masses, and visit the Statue of St. Peter in Bronze, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims. You’ll also explore treasures like the Chapel of the Baptistery by Carlo Fontana and Bernini’s Memorial of Alexander VII, a poignant representation of mortality and prayer.
Next, your guide will lead you to the base of Michelangelo’s Dome, the tallest building in Rome. After a brief climb and elevator ride, you’ll reach the interior dome gallery for a stunning aerial view of the Basilica below. From there, continue your climb of 281 steps to the very top of the Dome, where unforgettable panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square and the city of Rome await. Your guide will provide context and materials for this self-paced ascent, allowing you to enjoy the climb and the views at your own rhythm.
After descending, you’ll rejoin your guide for the final part of your tour: a visit to the Papal Tombs, located beneath the Basilica. This solemn and sacred space is the burial site of many popes throughout history and is believed to be where St. Peter himself was laid to rest, directly beneath Bernini’s Baldacchino.