Cupola di San Pietro
Cupola di San Pietro
5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
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The area
Neighborhood: Vatican / Borgo
Frocked priests, colorful Swiss Guards, insistent souvenir shop owners, flag-waving tour guides, and pilgrims from around the world. This is the Vatican and Borgo, Rome's most recognized neighborhood which acts as Vatican City's front yard. Aside from the souvenir boutiques and a few food spots, the only business conducted here is papal. In the daytime, the tiny medieval sector bustles with holy activity, as visitors vie for elbow room, or stand in line for a visit. Once the sun sets, the neighborhood is transformed into a quiet and picturesque hamlet.
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See what travelers are saying
- ΑΚΑΛΑΝΘΙΣLitochoro, Greece1,514 contributionsWorth the steps and the extra cost !!You get to pay extra for the visit for the terrace but it’s worth it !! There are 2 choices with lift or without the lift . With the lift you have to climp 315 steps ( my feet still hurt !!) but it surely is something unique since you get to see the view of Rome !!Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 9, 2024
- John A CarterLower Sackville, Canada5,628 contributionsThe viewWhat an amazing view. The view is probably the best year ever going to get in rome unless you’ve got a helicopter. You do need to be careful. It is over 500 steps to get to the top. It’s a very narrow staircase and you’re not gonna be able to pass most of the time you can buy tickets directly from the church. They cost eight euros or if you want to use the elevator it’ll cost you 10 will cut about 200 steps off.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 21, 2024
- Ryan NWindsor, Colorado68 contributionsWorth the effortTwo ways up... Elevator, or hoof it! Being from Colorado, we are used to steep hikes. This was definitely a long, steep hike, with extremely narrow corridors and spiral staircases at times. The reward of an view of everything makes is worth the effort. Rainy and windy when we went, but still worth it.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,412 reviews
Excellent
2,782
Very good
503
Average
84
Poor
20
Terrible
23
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mazdauk
Greater London, UK778 contributions
Feb 2023
It costs 8 euro to take the stairs all the way to the top, or save yourself 200-odd steps and pay 10 euro to take the lift up to the base of the cupola. The lift takes you to roof level, with amazing views inside the cupola, looking down into the church and around at the mosaics, and outside over Rome. there is a small souvenir shop and nice clean toilets. If you are fit and healthy, climb the extra 300+ stairs to the top of the cupola for even wider-reaching views, but if you suffer from claustrophobia or any heart/breathing difficulties be warned its very steep and tight/twisty in places, with no handrails. Its one way up, one way down, so if you change your mind half-way unless it it exceptionally quiet you will not be able to get back down.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucas M
Belgium168 contributions
Sep 2021
Be prepared for a lot of stairs on your way up - but that is part of the experience! I especially liked seeing the inner structure of the dome as you spiral up in an increasingly sloped stairwell, as well as seeing the inside of the Basilica for the first time from upon a high balcony. Of course when you reach the top you also have a great view upon St. Peter's Square and the rest of the city. Just buy a ticket at the entrance, and store your baggage there for free.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carta-geografica
Milan, Italy96 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
After an endless queue for the security checks to access St. Peter's, I honestly didn't have much desire to face another endless queue to climb up to the dome. Well... thank goodness that laziness didn't get the better of me!
Don't be discouraged by the endless queue, the cost (10 euros for the lift) or the hundreds of steps that, despite the lift, you still have to climb. The climb is not suitable for everyone, some passages are narrow and the spiral staircase with the only handhold, a bell rope, was a cult moment! However, it is priceless to see the interior of St. Peter's from the top of the dome, close to the mosaics, but above all, once you reach the outside... words are not needed. The images are enough!
However, better organization would be a must: online tickets are currently not available and, if you too happen to have a single ticket operator,... equip yourself with lots and lots of patience!
Don't be discouraged by the endless queue, the cost (10 euros for the lift) or the hundreds of steps that, despite the lift, you still have to climb. The climb is not suitable for everyone, some passages are narrow and the spiral staircase with the only handhold, a bell rope, was a cult moment! However, it is priceless to see the interior of St. Peter's from the top of the dome, close to the mosaics, but above all, once you reach the outside... words are not needed. The images are enough!
However, better organization would be a must: online tickets are currently not available and, if you too happen to have a single ticket operator,... equip yourself with lots and lots of patience!
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Talette
69 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We rode with a passionate guide.
Meet me at 2:00 p.m. We took the tickets over the Internet.
(Approximately 50€ per person) we thought we had the skip the line, well no, however our waiting in the line was not
too long, equipped with an earpiece, we missed nothing of what our Guide Rosy said.
First we go to a detector (like an airport) the Basilica offers you.
Then we go to the elevator that allows us not to take the first 200 steps. Ten people go up at once.
Once you reach the top of the so-called elevator, you attack the 320 steps
You have to walk quietly and so you are sure not to get into the red.
Once at the top the city offers 360° = superb. The highlight being St Peter's Square facing us
It's worth the 10 or 15 minutes uphill.
Before a crazy view in the Vatican dome is also on the program 100% beauty.
Meet me at 2:00 p.m. We took the tickets over the Internet.
(Approximately 50€ per person) we thought we had the skip the line, well no, however our waiting in the line was not
too long, equipped with an earpiece, we missed nothing of what our Guide Rosy said.
First we go to a detector (like an airport) the Basilica offers you.
Then we go to the elevator that allows us not to take the first 200 steps. Ten people go up at once.
Once you reach the top of the so-called elevator, you attack the 320 steps
You have to walk quietly and so you are sure not to get into the red.
Once at the top the city offers 360° = superb. The highlight being St Peter's Square facing us
It's worth the 10 or 15 minutes uphill.
Before a crazy view in the Vatican dome is also on the program 100% beauty.
Automatically translated
Written November 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blondieish
Boston, MA14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
got to the top on the 2nd try! We didn't realize you could go to the top without a tour, so our 1st day in room we booked with head out for a st. peter tour that included the cupola. our guide was very comprehensive and we learned a ton. however the tour was estimated to be 2hrs in duration, and we hadn't even gone into the crypts at the 1:45 hr mark and had to peel off from the tour for another thing on our itinerary. I think some of the timing was due to our guide's comprehensiveness, and partly because we booked an 8:30am tour and by that time, the basilica security lines (which you can't skip) were long. On our 2nd try we got into the basilica by 7:30 on a sunday and were told the cupola wouldn't open til 8am by the security guards. We circled back at 8 and were waiting at the wrong spot, so got stuck behind a few tour groups for the tickets (first line before the elevator line). we did get to catch mass which was nice. we recommend getting to basilica security at 7am
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big_Jeff_Leo
St Helens, UK22,606 contributions
Mar 2023
If you want to enjoy the best view of Rome then it is worth taking the lift to the first level (10 Euros) and then climbing the 300+ steps to the exterior viewing platform if you are able. The views 360 degree are stunning. The interior can be admired from the floor of the cathedral and from the first level inside of the dome with equal effect.
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maratom64
Germany1,839 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We were at St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after 8 am and then had to queue for about 15 minutes at security, another 20 minutes to buy our tickets for the Dom Dom Dome, so it went quite quickly. There are 2 options: 1. Save the first 204 steps with elevator - for 10,-€ or 2. to run the whole 551 steps for 8,-€ (as of June 2024). I decided to run up the whole 551 steps, with the first 204 steps really easy to run. Approximately halfway along the way, you then stand on a balcony just below the dome, similar to Florence Cathedral, and can admire the frescoes up close, which is super impressive. The upper part of the steps then becomes quite steep and narrow, not for people with heart problems and claustrophobia. The view from the top is just spectacular and worth the effort. Absolute highlight. Highly recommended.
Automatically translated
Written October 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN6,620 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Climbing to the top of the dome of St Peter's Basilica was an amazing experience and well worth the effort and time involved. The views from here are spectacular. It costs 10 Euro and only cash was accepted. The line forms just outside of the entrance to St Peter's Basilica and was very slow moving so I would recommend going early in the day before crowds build. It was open as early as 730am when we visited. Try to pick a day when the sun is out, and the sky is blue for the best experience and photography. There is an elevator to the roof that allows you to avoid the 231 steps. If someone in your group doesn't want to climb any further, this vantage point still offers really great views of St Peter's Square and is worth experiencing. However, the truly spectacular experience involves another 323 steps to the top of the dome. Certainly, a strenuous workout but so worth it. Plan for an hour for the whole experience including waiting in line, making the climb and enjoying the views.
Written December 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo S
Hilliard, OH5,546 contributions
Oct 2022
This large dome over the high altar and tomb of St. Peter is a sight to behold. Separate entry tickets allow you to climb the stairs inside to get a much different view of things. To me, the most interesting thing was that the lettering around the inside of the dome is differing heights so that it all seems the same height from the ground.
The gilding and artwork inside are a feast for the eyes and it would take that separate entry tickets to get a closer look.
The gilding and artwork inside are a feast for the eyes and it would take that separate entry tickets to get a closer look.
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,690 contributions
Jun 2022
St Peter’s dome is a great climb. 550+ stairs gets you to the very top, where you have absolutely panoramic views over Rome.
About halfway up, you come to the first level where there is a semi circular walkway around the inside of the dome. It has a high metal railings so it feels quite safe, although they do impede the view. From here we were able to have a birds-eye view down over the interior of the basilica and see the mosaic decoration up close, so close you could almost touch them.
We were intrigued by the lettering of the long inscription at the base of the dome. The letters are huge - 2 metres tall. It reads, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven”.
At this halfway point, you can also walk out to a large, open viewing platform.
If you are not up for climbing stairs, a lift will take you to this first level but if you want to continue right to the top, you’ll still have to climb about 300 stairs.
We climbed the whole way. With 550+ stairs, it was not easy and it’s definitely not for the claustrophobic.
The passage is narrow, steep and tight, with a low ceiling. It gets narrower as you go on and slowly spirals upwards until it is like a corkscrew set of stairs. At the very end it was almost dizzying. It’s one way only so there’s not really any option to back out once you’ve started.
If I was to do it again, I’d opt for the lift to the first level rather than climb the whole way. There was no real benefit to climbing to the first lot of stairs and it is only a very small amount extra for the lift.
Tickets are bought at the booth to the right of the basilica but you don’t need to pre-book. It’s €8 and €10 if you take the lift option.
About halfway up, you come to the first level where there is a semi circular walkway around the inside of the dome. It has a high metal railings so it feels quite safe, although they do impede the view. From here we were able to have a birds-eye view down over the interior of the basilica and see the mosaic decoration up close, so close you could almost touch them.
We were intrigued by the lettering of the long inscription at the base of the dome. The letters are huge - 2 metres tall. It reads, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven”.
At this halfway point, you can also walk out to a large, open viewing platform.
If you are not up for climbing stairs, a lift will take you to this first level but if you want to continue right to the top, you’ll still have to climb about 300 stairs.
We climbed the whole way. With 550+ stairs, it was not easy and it’s definitely not for the claustrophobic.
The passage is narrow, steep and tight, with a low ceiling. It gets narrower as you go on and slowly spirals upwards until it is like a corkscrew set of stairs. At the very end it was almost dizzying. It’s one way only so there’s not really any option to back out once you’ve started.
If I was to do it again, I’d opt for the lift to the first level rather than climb the whole way. There was no real benefit to climbing to the first lot of stairs and it is only a very small amount extra for the lift.
Tickets are bought at the booth to the right of the basilica but you don’t need to pre-book. It’s €8 and €10 if you take the lift option.
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Per visitare solo la cupola c è’ la possibilità di acquistare il biglietto on line oppure si deve andare lì fisicamente a comprarlo??
Grazie
Written September 8, 2020
Io non mi sono posto il problema, l'ho acquistato in loco (solo contatni come hanno già scritto altri) e non c'era assolutamente coda alle 10 di sabato 29 agosto.
Written September 10, 2020
Ma il biglietto per salire sulla cupola si compra direttamente li a san pietro? O solo online? Domani 15 agosto è aperto ?
Written August 14, 2019
Si compra in biglietteria, non so se però è aperto il 15 agosto ma credo di sì
Written August 15, 2019
Con bambino di 11 mesi sul marsupio è fattibile?
Written July 17, 2019
Sono d'accordo con le altre risposte. Arrivare in cima è dura da soli, la scala è ripida e in certi punti stretta. Oltre alla tua fatica, credo che tu debba pensare anche a come potrebbe reagire il tuo piccolo: potrebbe non gradire la sensazione claustrofobica di certi passaggi e corridoi...
Written July 19, 2019
Posso prendere direttamente a San Pietro i biglietti per visitare la basilica e la cupola?
Written April 3, 2019
Per visitare la basilica non serve biglietto. Il biglietto che acquisti li direttamente e solo per salire alla cupola
Written April 28, 2019
Per entrare nella cupola si può fare direttamente il biglietto sul posto li a San Pietro?
Written March 31, 2019
Si, a lato della Basilica, all'esterno. ci sono comunque tutte le indicazioni in loco
Written April 11, 2019
La basilica è gratuita? E per la cupola Si prende un biglietto li in piazza a San Pietro?
Written March 28, 2019
Si, la basilica è gratuita.
Per la cupola invece bisogna fare il biglietto. L'importo da pagare cambia se viene scelto di salire a piedi o in ascensore.
Written October 28, 2019
Si può comprare on line biglietto saltacoda per salire sul cupolone?
Written January 10, 2019
Non si può comprare on line nessun tipo di biglietto x la cupola x saltare la coda. Io sono andata di domenica alle 11.30 e ho fatto dieci minuti di fila x entrare credo che la orario sia giusto xchè tutti i fedeli sono in attesa per la benedizione del Papa e pochi si mettono in fila...
Written January 11, 2019
Quanto dura circa la visita alla cupola?
Written November 2, 2018
Per cupola tra salita e discesa con le scale meno di due ore, con l'ascensore poi si risparmia un buon pezzo di salita.
Written November 13, 2018
Salve a tutti venerdì 17 agosto visiteró i musei vaticani in apertura notturna, mentre sabato 18 ho appuntamento alle 10.30 di mattina per la visita guidata ai sotterranei di San Pietro. Qualcuno saprebbe consigliarmi se è una buona idea visitare la basilica dalle 7.00 alle 8.00 del sabato, per poi alle 8.00 salire sulla cupola e arrivare in tempo alla visita dei sotterranei delle 10.30? Grazie in anticipo!!
Written July 20, 2018
Penso che sia un peccato fare una visita frettolosa della basilica , ci sono un sacco di opere che meriterebbe gustarsi con calma , ma la salita alla cupola richiede tenpo spesso si trova tanta gente che rallenta il passo. Rispondendo alla domanda , penso che tu possa farcela, correndo nella prima parte. Buona visita
Written July 20, 2018
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