St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome is one of the most giant domes in the world, with a height of 136 meters(446.1 feet) and an internal diameter of 42 meters.
Michelangelo was the only designer of the dome, and he started it at the age of 71.
After he died in 1564, his students continued their work to fulfill his vision and finished the dome in 1590.
The dome is split into sixteen curved sections, and each part is adorned with impressive figures arranged on six levels that go higher in a circle.
The inner dome of the lantern reaches a height of 117 meters(383.8 feet), while the cross at the top of the dome is over 133 meters(436.3 feet) high.
Visitors can climb the dome by climbing its 491 stairs to the top and seeing the remarkable view of Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Tickets
The entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free but you need a ticket to visit the dome.
We recommend booking a guided tour that includes a ticket for the St. Peter’s Basilica’s Dome.
A guided tour is the cheapest and best option for visiting the dome.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tickets Price
Adult ticket (17 years and above): €49
Child ticket (4 to 16 years): €45
Infant (3 years and younger): Free entry
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Architecture
St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and engineering and one of the most iconic features of the Vatican City skyline.
The dome has a double shell structure and iron chains reinforce its inner layers.
It comprises eight stone ribs that rest on 12 stone piers and Biblical scenes, symbols, and inscriptions decorate these surfaces.
A cross and a bronze ball top the lantern at the dome’s apex, and a light from within the altar illuminates it.
Made of travertine limestone and decorated with statues of saints, the dome’s exterior is as intricate as the interior.
The dome’s interior depicts the life story of St. Peter and St. Paul, as well as scenes from the life of Jesus.
The dome also contains several tombs, including those of St. Peter, Pope Alexander VII, and Pope Clement XIV.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb
Visitors to the basilica can climb to the top of the dome, which offers stunning views of Rome and the surrounding area.
The dome is a popular tourist attraction; visitors can take an elevator or stairs to the top for a spectacular view of the city.
The climb is not for the faint of heart, as it involves ascending over 500 steps to reach the top.
However, the view from the top is well worth the effort.
If you’re interested in climbing and exploring the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, book a tour with dome access to get the best experience.
St. Peter’s Basilica Cupola View
You get a panoramic view of the Vatican City and Rome from the top of the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome.
From the terrace, you can see the Piazza and the upper statues.
If you climb the spiral staircase, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Gardens, and Rome.
The climb takes around 10 minutes, and the experience can be over an hour.
Looking down from the top is a special and memorable experience.
Like a bird, you get to see the amazing buildings and art inside the basilica from a high-up perspective.
Featured Image: Bruno Coelho / Bruno Coelho