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Rating Star

5 (39)

Location Icon Rome

St. Peter's Basilica Exclusive Underground Tour

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90

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Rome St. Peter's Basilica Tour with exclusive Underground Access invites exploration into the heart of Vatican City. This walking tour offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most iconic religious sites. Participants will discover the rich history and art that lie beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

What to Expect: The tour begins at the meeting point, where a guide will provide an overview of Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica. Visitors explore the Basilica's exterior, noting its Renaissance design. They then enter the Nave to see statues, mosaics, and Bernini's Baldachin. A visit to Michelangelo’s Pieta offers a moment to reflect on the artist's creation. The highlight is exclusive access to the underground Vatican Grottoes, usually not open to the general public.

This experience includes radio headset equipment and all fees and taxes. It excludes private transportation. Key stops include St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, The Pietà, Bernini's Baldachin, and the Vatican Grottoes. With small group sizes, this tour ensures a personalized and memorable experience. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Exclusive Underground Access: Explore the hidden crypts and tombs beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

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Expert Guided Tour: Learn about the art, history, and significance of the Basilica from a knowledgeable guide.

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See Michelangelo's Pietà: Get an up-close view of this renowned sculpture.

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Skip the Long Lines: Enjoy priority access and avoid the general admission queues.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers generally rave about the knowledgeable guides and exclusive underground access, though some mention crowds and meeting point confusion. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved going under the Basilica to see the tombs and crypts.

    Positive Highlight Icon The guides are very knowledgeable and bring history to life.

    Positive Highlight Icon Visitors found the tour well-organized.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many people say the underground access feels exclusive and special.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some visitors felt it was crowded, even with the tour.

    Negative Highlight Icon One person had trouble finding the meeting point.

The Journey

1

St. Peter's Square

Stand in awe in St. Peter's Square, the grand entrance to Vatican City. This iconic piazza, designed by Bernini, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, framed by colonnades and adorned with statues of saints. Feel the energy of the crowds as you admire the facade of St. Peter's Basilica and imagine the historical events that have unfolded here, from papal addresses to religious celebrations. The sheer scale and artistic brilliance of the square make it a must-see destination for any visitor.

2

St. Peter's Basilica and Dome

Ascend to the heights of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome, a symbol of faith and artistic genius. Explore the basilica's opulent interior, adorned with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Then, climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Rome, a breathtaking reward for your efforts. Discover the basilica's rich history, from its origins in the 4th century to its current splendor, and experience the spiritual significance of this sacred site, a cornerstone of Christianity.

3

The Pietà

Witness the sublime beauty and profound emotion of Michelangelo's Pietà, a marble sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus. This masterpiece, housed within St. Peter's Basilica, showcases Michelangelo's unparalleled skill in capturing human anatomy and emotion. Reflect on the themes of sorrow, compassion, and redemption as you admire the Pietà's delicate details and powerful message, a testament to the artist's enduring legacy.

4

Bernini's Baldachin

Marvel at the grandeur of Bernini's Baldachin, a monumental bronze canopy that stands above the papal altar in St. Peter's Basilica. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, this Baroque masterpiece is a testament to Bernini's genius and the papacy's patronage of the arts. Admire the intricate details of the twisted columns, adorned with bees and laurel branches, and appreciate the Baldachin's symbolic significance as a representation of papal authority and divine power.

5

Vatican Grottoes

Descend into the mysterious Vatican Grottoes, a subterranean complex beneath St. Peter's Basilica that serves as the final resting place for popes, cardinals, and other notable figures. Explore the dimly lit corridors and chapels, adorned with ancient tombs and religious artifacts. Reflect on the lives and legacies of those buried here as you experience the grottoes' serene and contemplative atmosphere, a hidden gem that offers a unique perspective on the history and spirituality of the Vatican.

Know Before You Go

This Rome St. Peter's Basilica Tour includes radio headset equipment to better hear your guide, and all fees and taxes. However, private transportation is not included. Make sure to meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your exploration of Vatican City. This walking tour will take you through key areas like St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Grottoes.

Hot Tip

To avoid confusion, double-check the meeting point location before the tour. Some meeting points are in front of a restaurant. Be prepared for crowds, even with the tour. Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a good amount of walking.

From €24 Price

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As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.