St Peter’s Dome

Q: Is St. Peter's Basilica Dome free?

No, climbing St. Peter's Dome is fee-based. Tickets must be purchased at the box office before entering.

Q: How long does it take to climb St. Peter's Dome?

Depending on your fitness level, the climb will take between 5 and 10 minutes.

Q: What are the medical contraindications for climbing the dome of St. Peter's?

If you are overweight, have heart problems, or claustrophobia, climbing the dome is strictly not recommended.

Q: Who designed the dome of St. Peter's in Rome?

Michelangelo designed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. After his death, Giacomo Della Porta and Domenico Fontana completed the work.

Q: How do you get tickets for St. Peter's Dome?

Tickets are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis right before the lift. There is no skip-the-line option.

Q: What is the best time to climb the dome of St. Peter's?

The best time to climb is early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Q: How many steps are in the Vatican Dome?

There are 551 steps to the top of St. Peter's Dome. However, you can use an elevator to save energy, leaving you with only 320 steps inside the dome, equivalent to climbing to the 16th floor.

Q: What time does St. Peter's Dome open?

The dome opens at 7:30 a.m. Arrive by 7:20 a.m. to secure a place in line and enjoy the experience in maximum comfort.

Q: Is it worth climbing St. Peter's Dome?

Yes, climbing St. Peter's Dome is worth it. You get a unique panorama of Rome, St. Peter's Square , Bernini's colonnade, and the Vatican Gardens . It's an opportunity to see the city-state borders in 360 degrees and understand its actual size.

Q: What is the dome of St. Peter's Basilica made of?

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica is primarily constructed from brick and mortar, designed to reduce weight while maintaining strength. Iron chains are embedded within the masonry to counteract outward thrust and reinforce the structure. The interior of the dome is adorned with intricate mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and various saints. The exterior is covered with lead sheets to protect against weathering.

Tickets	€10 Ascent on foot €15 Elevator ride €0 Child (<10)
Tip	Take a bottle of water with you. Large bags or purses are not allowed in the Basilica. There is a drop-off point for all bags in a room to the right of the church steps.
Opening hours	Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Recommended tour
Closest bus stops	Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro5 min 236 m: 34 46 62 64 98 190F 881 916 916F 982 LGT SASSIA/S. Spirito8 min 444 m: 323 34 40 46 62 64 98 115 280 870 881 916 916F 982
Closest subway stations	Ottaviano18 min 896 m: A
Address	Piazza San Pietro, Città del Vaticano
Website	www.basilicasanpietro.va

Climbing to the top of the cupola (dome) of St Peter’s Basilica is a must-do experience during your Roman holiday. The dome offers the highest viewpoint in Rome and is located within the Vatican. From its observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. To make the most of your visit, it’s advisable to arrive in the morning to enjoy the scenery without the crowds and to avoid long queues.

Contents

Things to Know Before You Visit

Is St. Peter’s Basilica Dome free?

How long does it take to climb St. Peter’s Dome?

What are the medical contraindications for climbing the dome of St. Peter’s?

Who designed the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome?

How do you get tickets for St. Peter’s Dome?

What is the best time to climb the dome of St. Peter’s?

How many steps are in the Vatican Dome?

What time does St. Peter’s Dome open?

Is it worth climbing St. Peter’s Dome?

What is the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica made of?

How to Climb

The dome opens at 07:30, and you must pass through a security check before beginning your ascent. After clearing security, look to your right for signage directing you to the ticket kiosk for the dome. Please note that payment is accepted in cash only.

As you head towards the ticket desk, you’ll pass the entrance to the basilica on the right side of the colonnade, followed by the Holy Door. Turn left to find the kiosk where tickets are sold. After a short 30-second lift ride, there is an opportunity to stop for a coffee or use the facilities at the dome level.

The climb to the top involves increasingly narrow and sloped stairways, which may be uncomfortable for those who suffer from claustrophobia.

It can also become quite crowded and hot, particularly during the summer. Thankfully, small windows along the way provide ventilation and spots to pause and rest.

Despite the physical effort involved, the climb is truly rewarding, offering magnificent views over Rome and the Vatican.

At the summit, you even have the chance to send a postcard from the highest point in Vatican City. Postcards start from €0.50, with stamps priced at €2.30 for the United States and €1.00 for Europe.

The souvenir shop also offers themed postcards featuring the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Popes, and the Swiss Guard.

Inside the Dome

The Great Dome rises above the altar, with the Baldacchino beneath, richly adorned with mosaic and stucco decorations. It is supported by four colossal structural piers, each with a perimeter of 71 metres and a height of 120 metres from ground level to the roof. Inscribed within the dome are two Latin phrases: “Hinc una fides mundo refulget” (From here, a single faith shines throughout the world) and “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here, the unity of the priesthood arises).

The dome is divided into sixteen ribs and sections, each richly decorated with impressive imagery, including:

Busts of the 16 Popes buried within the basilica
Figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St John the Baptist, and various Apostles
Depictions of angels’ faces
Custodians of St Peter’s tomb
Faces of cherubim and seraphim
Angels holding the instruments of Christ’s Passion

In total, 96 figures are set against a deep blue sky adorned with stars.

Above these, the lantern bears the Latin inscription: “Ad maiorem Petri gloriam Sixtus V Pontifex Maximus anno MDCXC pontificatus sui quinto” (To the glory of St Peter, Pope Sixtus V in the year 1590, the fifth of his pontificate). Following Michelangelo’s death, many artists contributed to the decoration of the dome. Pope Clement VIII later commissioned Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d’Arpino) to complete the upper part.

For a truly memorable experience, consider joining a private tour of the Vatican at sunrise, which includes a climb to the dome.

Interesting Facts

The dome of St Peter’s Basilica reaches a maximum height of 133.3 metres from ground level, making it one of the tallest domes in the world. In Rome, no building is permitted to exceed this height, as decreed by Pope Paul V.
The interior height of the dome is 117.57 metres, creating a vast and awe-inspiring internal space.
The inner diameter of the dome is 41.5 metres, forming a magnificent circular area beneath the dome, characteristic of Renaissance architectural excellence.
The total weight of the dome is approximately 14,000 tonnes. Ingenious architectural techniques, such as the use of a double-shell construction, help support this enormous mass.
The dome was remarkably completed in just two years, between 1587 and 1589, thanks to efficient planning and a skilled workforce.
Michelangelo’s design was inspired by the domes of Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) and the Pantheon in Rome. This influence is evident in its balanced proportions and classical form.
The dome bears two significant inscriptions: “Hinc una fides mundo refulget” (From here, a single faith shines throughout the world) and “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here, the unity of the priesthood arises). These phrases underscore the Basilica’s role as a centre of faith and ecclesiastical unity.

History of Design and Creation

Michelangelo Buonarroti designed the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, drawing inspiration from the domes of Florence Cathedral and the Pantheon, designed by Brunelleschi. Michelangelo envisioned a structure that fused classical harmony with pioneering engineering. When he passed away in 1564, the basilica still lacked its chapels, façade, and dome—only the columns and the drum had been completed.

In 1587, Giacomo della Porta, assisted by Domenico Fontana, assumed responsibility for the project. They were tasked with bringing Michelangelo’s vision to life while working with the structural limitations of the existing drum. Their alterations included a steeper dome curvature and an extended lantern to enhance verticality. Within just two years, the dome was completed—a remarkable feat and a lasting symbol of Renaissance brilliance. According to legend, Michelangelo made his dome 1.5 metres (5 feet) shorter than the Pantheon, declaring, “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.”

The dome rises 133.3 metres above ground level, with an internal height of 117.57 metres and an inner diameter of 41.5 metres. Weighing 14,000 tonnes, it features a double-shell design that combines durability with elegance. The inner shell is built of lightweight tufa, while the outer shell consists of heavier travertine—an ingenious pairing that maintains strength while minimising stress on the base.

The dome was designed to symbolise the heavens, representing divine perfection through ideal proportions. While Michelangelo originally envisioned a hemispherical dome akin to the Pantheon, the final version was slightly pointed to minimise lateral thrust. The use of double-ribbed construction was a breakthrough, effectively distributing weight and permitting the installation of large windows at the dome’s base, allowing natural light to flood the space below. These features make the dome of St Peter’s Basilica a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

TOP 13 Domes in The World by Maximum Inner Height

The following table highlights some of the world’s most significant domed structures, ranked by their maximum internal height in metres. St Peter’s Basilica tops the list, showcasing its architectural prominence among global landmarks.

#	Name of the Structure	Inner Height	Outer Height	Date of Construction	Diameter	City, Country
1	St. Peter's Basilica	118	137	1506–1590	43	Vatican City
2	Florence Cathedral	115	117	1420–1436	38	Florence, Italy
3	Basilica of Our Lady of Peace	111	158	1985–1989	90	Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
4	People's Salvation Cathedral	106	135	2010–present	29	Bucharest, Romania
5	Rotunda of Mosta	96	96	1833–1860	37	Most, Malta
6	AT&T Stadium	91		2005–2009		Arlington, Texas, USA
7	Berlin Cathedral	85	98	1894–1905	33	Berlin, Germany
8	St. Paul's Cathedral	65	111	1675–1710	31	London, United Kingdom
9	Hagia Sophia	56	56	532–537	31	Istanbul, Turkey
10	United States Capitol	55	88	1793–1866	29	Washington, D.C., USA
11	Sultan Ahmed Mosque	43	43	1609–1616	22	Istanbul, Turkey
12	Florence Baptistery	41	41	1059–1128	26	Florence, Italy
13	Santa Maria di Loreto	32	32	1507–1512	22	Rome, Italy

Author: Kate Zusmann

I’ve lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every corner of Rome holds a story, and I’m here to share some of the most fascinating historical facts and local legends.