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Visiting the Saint Peter Basilica in Rome: Best Tips and Tricks

In almost every corner of the “eternal city”, it is possible to find traces of millenary history and culture which make Rome a huge open-air museum. All the world knows about the Roman cultural heritage. Once in the city, you can admire monuments, archaeological assets and museums, galleries and churches full of beautiful art.  It’s a must for those who come to Rome to visit the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican with the Dome and the Papal tombs and the Sistine Chapel. If you are going to visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome keep reading. Here you’ll find the best tips and tricks!

A little bit of history

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important temple for the Catholic Church. Here, the Pope celebrates the major liturgies on Christmas and Easter. Without forgetting the proclamation of the popes and their funerals and also the proclamation of the Saints and the opening-closing of the jubilees.

The construction of the basilica began on April 18, 1506, and ended in 1626. While the square was arranged by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, under Alexander VII, between 1657 and 1667.

Tips and tricks

1. Dress appropriately 

Vatican City – by Karelj – Wikimedia Commons

To visit the St. Peter’s Basilica you need to dress appropriately. Otherwise, you risk not being admitted inside the church. I advise you not to wear ripped jeans, skirts or shorts. And above all to have your back and arms covered. Bring a light shawl with you especially if you visit it during summer. 

2. St. Peter’s Dome

Rome by Davide Cattini -Pixabay

The dome was built in just two years and is worth admiring.

You can visit it from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm but you will have to buy the entrance ticket which costs 6 euros if you intend to walk all the 551 steps. But if you want to use the lift that leads directly up to the terrace you’ll pay 8 euros and once on the terrace, you need to continue on foot.

3. Take a guided tour 

Rome by Wen Photos – Pixabay

If you want to visit the Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum then you should book a local guide. Thanks to the guided tour you’ll skip the line and you’ll have four hours to visit everything and enjoy all the beautiful art, history and monuments you’ll find.

4. Visit the Vatican Gardens

Rome by Kookay – Pixabay

Within the smallest state in the world, you will find the wonderful Vatican Gardens where you can stroll around. The gardens occupy 23 hectares and since the end of 2014, there are many works of art to admire.

For more information about the Vatican Gardens check and book the visit in advance

5.  Accede to the Vatican Pharmacy 

Rome by Nimrod Oren – Pixabay

The Vatican pharmacy was born in 1874 as a reserve of medicines for the Pope and for the cardinals. The pharmacy is open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 18.00. I recommend checking their website so that you know when the cosmetics department is open. For more informationTo enter, you must obtain an official entry permit with the document (ID) or Passport.

6. Purchase the tickets in advance

By Alvesgaspar – Wikimedia

If you prefer visiting St. Peter’s Basilica without a guide then I suggest buying the tickets in advance so you won’t wait in line especially if you are going to visit Rome during summer. On the website, you can book the tickets and choose the day and timetables without worrying about anything. to book and to find out the opening hours and days.

7. Buy a photo of the Pope

Photo Sourced from Wikimedia

If you are in search of a souvenir for someone who is not on holiday with you in Rome then visit , you can buy a photo of the Pope or some gadgets. Your grandma will be happy, I’m sure. you will find photos of Pope Francesco and buy the one you prefer!  Or you can browse some pictures of the historical archive! Check .

8. Michelangelo Buonarroti

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michelangelo%27s_Piet%C3%A0_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_Vatican_City.jpg

One thing that you absolutely must not miss once there is the statue created by Michelangelo Buonarroti called La Pietà. It’s one of the treasures jealously guarded by the Vatican. The statue is located inside the Basilica in the first chapel on the right.  Absolutely not to be missed! Bring your camera with you.

9. The Vatican Caves

The Vatican – by Eduardo Garcia-Nieto – Unsplash

The cave is hidden inside the Basilica so check carefully once inside. You will find yourself walking inside the Constantinian walls and above all among the tombs where you will find Peter’s one, the first Pope of the Vatican Church.

10. The canopy

The Vatican Museum – by Berto Macario – Unsplash

One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss is the canopy. One of Bernini’s most famous works in which Borromini also participated.  The “baldacchino” indicates the burial place of Peter, one of the twelve apostles. The ciborium was built in the 17th century and measures approximately 28.5 meters. 

11. Vist St. Peter by night

Vatican City – by Matthew Waring – Unsplash

I like to visit St. Peter every time I’m in Rome but the best time to visit the Basilica and the square is by night. The square and the road are usually empty by night so you’ll have space and time to take good pictures of the square and the basilica without people moving around. And you’ll have the opportunity to admire Piazza San Pietro with the magical columns.

12. The keyhole

If you want to admire the dome from a totally different point of view then I suggest you go to the Orange Garden. You will find the door of the Priorato Dei Cavalieri di Malta and through the lock, you can admire the dome.