LivTours’ St. Peter’s Basilica Tour with Michelangelo’s Dome and Papal Tombs is a semi-private experience designed to unlock the spiritual and artistic grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic churches.
Begin your tour with reserved access into the awe-inspiring interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, where your expert LivTours guide will lead you through its most breathtaking highlights. Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was only 24 years old from a single block of Carrara marble, and hear why it remains the only artwork he ever signed. Gaze up at Bernini’s monumental bronze Baldacchino, rising nearly 100 feet above the High Altar, marking the heart of Catholicism and the resting place of St. Peter himself.
You’ll also discover lesser-known treasures like the Statue of St. Peter in Bronze, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims, and the elegant Chapel of the Baptistery by Carlo Fontana. Learn about Bernini’s Memorial of Alexander VII, a hauntingly beautiful work symbolizing the Pope’s humility in the face of death.
Next, it’s time to ascend Michelangelo’s Dome. Your guide will lead you to the base, where you’ll have priority access to ride an elevator part of the way up, followed by a short climb to the interior gallery. From this unique vantage point, enjoy a close connection with the exquisite mosaics and a dramatic aerial view of the Basilica’s interior and Bernini’s canopy below—all with context from your expert guide.
From here, you may choose to climb the 281 steps to reach the dome’s panoramic outdoor terrace. At the top, take in breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Square and the entire city of Rome – a once-in-a-lifetime panorama from the tallest point in the Vatican.
After descending, your tour concludes with a visit to the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica. This sacred crypt is the final resting place of many Popes, including John Paul II, and is believed to house the tomb of St. Peter, located directly below the High Altar. It’s a moving and powerful finale to a tour that takes you through the heart, heights, and history of the Catholic Church.
With a maximum of six guests, this semi-private tour provides a relaxed pace, personalized attention, and unparalleled insight into the heart of the Vatican.