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Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is a massive structure located in the heart of Rome. 

If you’re planning a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, it’s essential to know which St. Peter’s Basilica entrance is the best to make the most of your visit. 

Here’s a guide to the entrances of St. Peter’s Basilica:

Main Entrance

The main entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica is located at the portico of the church. 

To enter the Basilica, you can go through the portico, the main entrance. 

The entrance is at the transept of St. Peter’s Basilica. 

This is the most popular entrance and is typically the busiest, so you may have to wait in line to enter. 

We recommend booking a guided tour to bypass these lines.

Guided Tour Entrance

If you’re taking a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, you may be able to enter through a separate entrance located on the south side of the basilica. 

This entrance is less crowded than the main entrance, so it is a good option if you want to avoid long lines.

Vatican Grottoes entrance

The Vatican Grottoes entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica is located inside the main church of St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Visitors can access the Grottoes through the doorway near the statues of St. Helen and St. Andrew, located along the church’s aisle.

The Vatican Grottoes are a series of underground chapels and tombs located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Bronze Door Entrance

The Bronze Door entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica is located on the right side of St. Peter’s Square, just beyond the colonnade. 

It is used as an entrance to the Apostolic Palace. 

Swiss Guards stand at this door, but they may be there only for security purposes. 

It is only open during holy years, which are declared by the Pope every 25 or 50 years. 

2025 is the next scheduled holy year to take place. 

Porta Santa entrance

The Porta Santa, also known as the Holy Door, is the northernmost entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. 

It is a special entrance typically sealed and only opened during Jubilee Years, which are special years of remission of sins and universal pardon. 

The Porta Santa is located at the front of the Basilica. 

It is a significant site for pilgrims during the Jubilee Years.

Knowing which entrance to use makes your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica more efficient and enjoyable. 

Whether you’re visiting the basilica on your own or as part of a guided tour, allow plenty of time to explore this fantastic place and all it offers.

If you’re confused about which St. Peter’s Basilica tour to choose, we’ve got you covered! Check out our comprehensive guide on St. Peter’s Basilica tickets and book now!

Featured Image: CARLOSCRUZ ARTEGRAFIA / Pexels

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