Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Rating Star

4 (1)

Location Icon Rome

Vatican Tour: St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tomb Visit

Clock

120

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Vatican City: St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour invites visitors on a journey through the heart of the Vatican. This walking tour explores the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica and the solemnity of the Vatican Grottoes. It's ideal for those who love art, history, and religious sites. Expect to be amazed by the rich history and stunning art.

Visitors will discover the artistic treasures within St. Peter's Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s impressive sculptures. The tour continues below the Basilica into the Vatican Grottoes, where popes, including Saint Peter, are buried. The tour concludes near a peaceful fountain, offering a chance to further explore the Basilica or visit St. Peter’s Dome on their own. This tour includes a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, entry via security screening, headsets (if needed), an expert guide, and access to the Vatican Grottoes (Papal tombs).

This experience does not include entry to St. Peter’s Dome, hotel pickup/drop-off, gratuities, or food and drinks. Quotes Logo

Highlights

Highlight Icon

Explore St. Peter's Basilica: See the world's largest Catholic church with an expert guide.

Highlight Icon

Discover Michelangelo's Pietà: Admire this famous sculpture within St. Peter's Basilica.

Highlight Icon

Visit Papal Tombs: Descend into the Vatican Grottoes to see where popes are buried.

Highlight Icon

Skip the Line: Enter the Basilica quickly with priority access.

Sentiment Analysis

Quotes Logo

Customers generally had a great time on the tour. They really enjoyed the guide and seeing the sites. Some people had problems finding where to meet the tour and dealing with crowds. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved how knowledgeable and passionate the tour guides were.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many appreciated the skip-the-line access, saving them valuable time.

    Positive Highlight Icon Visitors enjoyed the insights into the history and art of the Basilica and tombs.

    Positive Highlight Icon Several reviewers found the Vatican Grottoes to be a moving experience.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some found the Basilica to be very crowded.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few mentioned that the meeting point was difficult to find.

The Journey

1

St. Peter's Basilica

Step into St. Peter's Basilica, a towering masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and the heart of the Catholic Church. Marvel at its immense scale, intricate details, and the soaring dome designed in part by Michelangelo. As one of the holiest Catholic shrines, it houses the tombs of popes and is a site of pilgrimage for millions, offering a spiritual and artistic experience like no other.

2

The Pietà

Witness the breathtaking beauty and profound emotion of Michelangelo's Pietà, a marble sculpture depicting Mary cradling the body of Jesus. Housed within St. Peter's Basilica, this Renaissance masterpiece is renowned for its exquisite detail, lifelike figures, and the sense of sorrow and serenity it evokes. The Pietà stands as a testament to Michelangelo's unparalleled skill and artistic vision.

3

Bernini's Sculptures and Baldachin

Immerse yourself in the Baroque splendor of Bernini's artwork within St. Peter's Basilica. Admire his grand sculptures, including the iconic Baldachin, a monumental bronze canopy that crowns the main altar. Bernini's dynamic and theatrical style transformed the Basilica into a showcase of artistic innovation, creating a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting space.

4

Vatican Grottoes

Descend into the Vatican Grottoes, an underground network of crypts beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Explore the tombs of popes, including that of Saint Peter himself, the first pope and one of Jesus's twelve apostles. This solemn and historic space offers a glimpse into the Basilica's past and provides a unique perspective on the history of the papacy.

5

St. Peter's Square

Experience the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, the iconic plaza that serves as the gateway to Vatican City. Designed by Bernini, the square is framed by magnificent colonnades and adorned with statues of saints. Witness the convergence of history, architecture, and spirituality in this vibrant public space, where papal addresses and religious celebrations draw crowds from around the world.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, entry via security screening, headsets (if needed), an expert licensed guide, and access to the Vatican Grottoes (Papal tombs). Not included are entry to St. Peter’s Dome, hotel pickup/drop-off, gratuities, and food and drinks. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point in St. Peter's Square.

Hot Tip

Wear comfortable shoes, as this tour involves a lot of walking. Also, remember to dress respectfully when visiting the Vatican, which means covering your shoulders and knees.

From €24 Price

Book Now

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

Book Now

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