Really beautiful cathedral. Need to pay to visit some parts (e.g. the access to the top for a panoramic view of San Marco square). It requires proper wardrobre (e.g. no short skirt) to get inside.
In a taxi which wasn't expensive, driver very helpful as he told us the Pope was giving an audience today (Wednesday). The area leading to the basilica was crowde with nuns, and other ordinary people, tourists some with children. When we got to the basilica area there were barriers round where many people were waiting. ( we didn't pay at all to see any of this by the way). Whether if you paid you could have gone further in to get a better view I am not sure,but the TV screens gave good views and we could hear what was said. Eventually some of the barriers were removed and some of the crowd were allowed further in but security again was very tight, bags examined for example.
In fact there were lots of police and army visible whilst we were in Rome.
We were amongst the lucky ones who got further in. Considering we are not Catholic, it felt very exciting to be so near the Pope. This was a good trip especially as we didn't have to pay anything. Goodness knows what the perks for those who paid were.
The basilica is amazing there is so much to see inside and it is a lot bigger than I had imagined. I was on a tight timeframe here so didn't get to see it all. Will definately go back again.
Make sure you book a skip the line tour for this, perhaps one that includes the colosseum, Vatican Museum, Roman forum and the palatine hill as this can all be done in one day and is so much easier when you do not have to line up! We did a guided tour around this and I was truly lost for words. The most beautiful Basilica I have ever seen in my life. Much more beautiful than can be captured on any camera. On our tour we got to go through the catacombs (Papal tombs) then we went back up through the holy doors (if you are Catholic this means your sins will all be forgiven once you go through) which are going to be sealed in November until 2040 so if you get a chance to go through the Basilica before then go on through!
This is the Jewel of the crown of Rome, I absolutely loved visiting especially as a Catholic who lives on the other side of the world!
If they only learned costumer service....
Everything is incredible....
Now...staff is poorly prepared to be polite and correct.
They don't know the line between helping and joking.
Cut throat ...rude.
The building is incredible.
