St. Peter’s Basilica: Free Entry, Dress Code, Dome Climb and What to See (2026)

St. Peter’s Basilica is the great church of Vatican City, built over the tomb of the apostle Peter and crowned by Michelangelo’s dome. Entry is free, yet the lines, the dress code and the separate dome ticket catch many visitors off guard. This guide explains how the visit works today, what to see inside and how to climb the dome.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

St. Peter’s Basilica at a glance

How to enter St. Peter’s Basilica today

According to the official basilica website, entry to the basilica is free of charge (checked September 2026). However, visitors who want a guaranteed entry time can book online. That service has a fee, and it includes a digital audio guide. So booking is optional: without it, you simply join the security line.

First, the checkpoints stand in the right-hand colonnade of the square, and the Italian State Police operate them. The line grows through the morning, so the first hour after opening is the calmest. In addition, the official site notes that Wednesday is the busiest day, because the papal general audience usually takes place then.

Also, there is no luggage storage inside the basilica. For this reason, bring only a small bag.

Dress code and rules

Above all, staff enforce the dress code at the door. According to the official basilica FAQ, men must wear long trousers, and women must wear skirts below the knee or trousers (checked September 2026). Everyone must also cover their shoulders. Therefore, in summer, carry a light scarf or shirt to put on before the line.

• No shorts or short skirts, even on hot days.
• No bare shoulders; sleeveless tops need a cover-up.
• Keep your voice low, since the basilica is a working church.

What to see inside St. Peter’s Basilica

The present church replaced the fourth-century basilica of Constantine. In fact, building began in 1506 under Pope Julius II and took more than a century. Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Bernini all shaped it. Finally, Pope Urban VIII consecrated it in 1626.

Michelangelo’s Pietà

First, in the first chapel on the right, stands the Pietà, carved by Michelangelo in his early twenties. In fact, it is the only work he ever signed, on the sash across Mary’s chest. Since an attack in 1972, it sits behind protective glass.

Bernini’s baldachin and the Chair of St. Peter

Then, under the dome, Bernini’s bronze baldachin rises almost 30 meters over the papal altar. Also, it marks the spot above the tomb of St. Peter. Farther back, in the apse, Bernini’s Chair of St. Peter frames a golden window with a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The bronze statue of St. Peter

Meanwhile, on the right side of the nave, a medieval bronze statue shows the apostle seated on a throne. Pilgrims have touched and kissed its right foot for centuries, and as a result the toes are worn smooth.

The Holy Door and the Vatican Grottoes

To the right of the main doors is the Holy Door, which the pope opens only during a Jubilee year. Finally, below the basilica lie the Vatican Grottoes. The official site confirms that they hold the tombs of many popes, including that of St. Peter, and that the visit is free.

Climbing the dome

The dome is a separate visit with its own ticket. According to the official dome page, there are 551 steps to the top (checked September 2026). Alternatively, an elevator goes up to the terrace level, and from there you still climb 320 steps. The last stretch is narrow and slanted, because it follows the curve of the dome.

You can buy tickets online for a set date and time, or on site while slots remain. After booking, you receive QR codes by email, and they are mandatory for entry. In addition, the site assigns one of two routes, either basilica first or dome first. The official site advises against the climb for people with heart or breathing problems, vertigo, claustrophobia, reduced mobility, or pregnancy. According to the official opening hours page, the dome opens from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until October 25, 2026, and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter (checked September 2026).

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums

The basilica and the Vatican Museums are two separate visits, with separate entrances and separate tickets. By contrast with the free basilica, the museums and the Sistine Chapel require a paid ticket. To plan both in one day, read our guide to Vatican Museums tickets and our explainer on Vatican City.

Tours of St. Peter’s and the Vatican

For example, a St. Peter’s Basilica and dome tour covers both visits with context. Similarly, a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour handles the museum side. For another side of Christian Rome, consider a catacombs and Appian Way tour. Also see the best tours in Rome for a first visit, our guide to the papal conclave and the Rome travel guide.

St. Peter’s Basilica: frequently asked questions

Is St. Peter’s Basilica free to enter?

Yes. Entry is free. A paid online booking is optional and only guarantees a time slot, with a digital audio guide included.

What are the opening hours of St. Peter’s Basilica?

The basilica opens every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The dome keeps shorter hours, which change between summer and winter.

What is the dress code for St. Peter’s Basilica?

Men need long trousers, women need skirts below the knee or trousers, and everyone must cover their shoulders.

How many steps are there to the top of the dome?

There are 551 steps on foot. If you take the elevator to the terrace, you still climb 320 steps.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica part of the Vatican Museums ticket?

No. They are separate visits with separate entrances. The basilica is free, while the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel need a ticket.