Highlights
Join the Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour and see stunning views of the cityscape along with an intriguing journey through the grottoes of Vatican underground.
Admire sweeping views of cities like Rome & Vatican and capture exceptional photos from the top of the iconic dome.
Marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà’s sculpture, Bernini’s Baldachin’s canopy, and stunning mosaics, all within grand Renaissance architecture at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Visit the underground Grottoes and see St. Peter's Tomb, the Clementine Chapel with its 7th-century altar, and chapels decorated with frescoes by Giovan Battista Ricci.
Overview
About Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour:
The Basilica Dome & Underground Grottoes tour of St. Peter's Basilica offers fascinating insights of Vatican City's iconic church. Visitors can ascend the dome for panoramic views of Rome, capturing the cityscape from above. Then, the tour takes the visitors to the underground grottoes, where historical tombs and sacred relics offer insights about the church's rich heritage. This tour combines breathtaking views with profound historical depth, making it a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
About the Activity:
- Join the Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour and admire the grandeur of the Basilica from the towering heights of the Dome to the serene depths of the Grottoes.
- Ascend 551 steps to St. Peter's Dome for panoramic views of Vatican City, Rome, and the Basilica's grand architecture.
- Admire the intricate mosaics and the majestic artwork within the dome, including the famous Christ Pantocrator and the golden details that sparkle in the sunlight.
- Marvel at the world's largest church, St. Peter's Basilica and get to see the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and other renowned artists.
- Look at the art and architecture of the Basilica, and admire the Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, grand marble floors, and towering columns.
- See the basilica's altars and chapels, like the Altar of the Chair of Saint Peter and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and admire their unique designs and artworks.
- Descend into the Underground Grottoes beneath the Basilica and see the Pope's Tombs, including the resting places of Pope Saint Peter and Pope John XXIII.
- Visit the Tomb of St. Peter, the most significant tomb and a focal point and get historical insights into the Basilica’s origins from your guide.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the basilica and grottoes with a guide who offers detailed historical and architectural insights to enrich your visit.
Don't Miss: While you are in Rome, you should checkout and book Pitti Palace Tickets, Medici Chapel Tickets & Palazzo Vecchio Tickets
Select Package Options
Small Group Tour in English
More Details about
Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- This activity is not suitable for people who are claustrophobic and vertigo.
- Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not allowed.
- Participants are not allowed to carry any sharp object, lighter, luggage bag, alcohol, knife, etc.
- The Dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather. In that case, you can ask for a partial refund and visit the other areas, or cancel for a full refund.
- Modest clothing is required to enter the Basilica (knees and shoulders should be covered).
- All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
- ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
- The tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
- Meet at 7:45 for a prompt 08:00 departure by the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare). If you are facing St. Peter's Basilica, follow the pillars to the right until you come to the fountain to the right of two archways.
- Your guide will be holding an Italia Tours signboard.
- Please do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide.
- After the tour you can opt to stay inside the basilica.