St. Peter's Basilica Archaeology

Take a tour of one of the holiest sites in Christendom on this guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. First, visit the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of the Maps, Candelabra Gallery, Pio Clementino's Rooms, the Tapestry Gallery, and the Sistine Chapel. Then, be led by an expert guide to some of the major attractions, as well as to some lesser-known spots that other tourists often miss. You will also get to see other galleries of the Vatican corridors. Finally, visit Michelangelo's Pietà at St. Peter's Basilica before concluding your tour at the Sistine Chapel.

Explore St. Peter's Basilica and Dome like never before, from 136 meters up. Take in Rome's views from high up on a self-guided tour. Situated in Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica stands as a remarkable symbol of both long-standing religious importance and exceptional architectural ingenuity. Initially ordered by Pope Julius II during the 16th century, this grandiose basilica was constructed on the presumed location of Saint Peter's burial, the esteemed disciple of Jesus Christ, encapsulating centuries of history and spiritual reverence. First, climb the dome, and get a close look at the interior mosaics while your audio guide tells you about the church's history. Be amazed by the panoramic views of St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens. Next, take in the Colosseum from afar, and gaze over the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other ancient buildings that make Rome unique. After descending from the dome, admire Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino, and the final resting places of St. Peter and other popes. Using a digital map and 27 designated listening points, the audio tour will lead you on a journey through the basilica's key highlights. Explore the detailed embellishments and elaborate mosaic art that grace the interior walls. Delve into La Pieta of Michelangelo and the meanings and historical significance of the extraordinary pavement beneath you. In adherence to our commitment to transparency, respect, and passion in all aspects of our business, we present the cost breakdown of this package for your consideration: - Tickets for the Saint Peter's Basilica Dome with Elevator: €10.00 - Audioguide for the St. Peter's Basilica: €7.00 - Audioguide for the St. Peter's Basilica Dome: €8.50 - Self-Guided Tour of the Vatican area in Rome: €3.50

Discover Rome at your own pace on an open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. See the imperial monuments of Ancient Rome as well as the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of the historic center as you learn about the city's glorious past and present. Experience Rome like never before on our Hop-on Hop-off bus routes. Choose where to start your tour and admire all the best landmarks and top sights of the Eternal City on our Green Route, explore the Italian tastes on our Orange Route, and enjoy off-the-beaten-path sites of Rome on our Blue Route. Onboard the audio guide will provide you with a city commentary as you tour. You can jump on and off as many times as you like during the Daily, 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour period from when you first validate your ticket. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes: Terminal 1 (Piazza dei Cinquecento corner Via Cavour)4 Santa Maria Maggiore (Piazza Dell'Esquilino,12) Colosseum (Via di San Gregorio close to the entrance of Palatine) Circus Maximus (via del Circo Massimo Belvedere Romolo e Remo) Piazza Venezia (Via del Teatro Marcello in front of civic numbers 32 -34) Vatican City (Lungotevere Tor di Nona 7) Villa Borghese (Via Ludovisi 48) Barberini Square (Via Barberini,14) Pyramid/Testaccio Quarter (Pyramid of Cestius- Non Catholic Cemetery, St. Paul City gate and St. Paul out of Wall) Eataly (Eataly market, Garbatella Quarter, Street Art) Borghese Gallery (Via Pinciana ) Bioparco/Zoo (Via Mercadante 34,36) Villa Giulia ( Piazza Thorvaldsen -National Etruscan Museums,National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art) Auditorium Parco della Musica (Via de Coubartin) Maxxi Museums (via Guido Reni 4/a)

Meet your tour guide at the tour office, located in the oldest neighborhoods of the Vatican, Borgo Pio. Following an introduction by your guide, walk through the charming shops of the Borgo and get some local tips for eating and sightseeing in Rome. Learn a bit about the history of the Sistine Chapel, and then head to the square as a group, passing along the Via della Conciliazione. Admire the flags and surrounding embassies as you walk through this street, which serve as the primary access point to St.Peter's Square. Arrive at St. Peter's Square, which is marked by a towering Egyptian obelisk and enveloped by columns and statues of saints. Hear about the history of the square and the legendary artist Bernini who designed it. En route to the Vatican Museums, see and hear about how residents of the smallest city in the word go about their day-to-day life. Snap a photo of the Swiss guards the pontifical bodyguards in their distinctly Renaissance uniforms. Then, slowly head towards the museum's entrance, where you will be led to a special area reserved for skip-the-line groups. Walk through an astonishing collection of Roman and Greek statues, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Maps. Admire Michelangelo's famous works, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement at the Sistine Chapel. This spectacular fresco evokes lifelike images within the mind, vividly portraying stories of mankind in the biblical era. Finish off your tour with St. Peter's Basilica. You will be brought in front of St.Peter's Church, where a special entrance will allow you to enter directly from the museum and bypass the long queue out in the square.

Explore the Eternal City from a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus with your 1 Day, 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket. Travel past the city's icons, leave the bus at any of the eight stops, and hop back on the next bus when you want to continue. Stay flexible while seeing all the amazing sights in Rome. Legend tells of Romulus and Remus and the 7 hills of Rome. Today the city is home to one of the world's largest churches, the Basilica di San Pietro of the Vatican, approached through a marvelous elliptical piazza. Among its other famous sights are the magnificent Colosseum, cinematic Trevi Fountain, and romantic Spanish Steps. With its vibrant café culture and quaint trattorias, Rome never fails to inspire. The full loop takes 100 minutes and you can jump off at any of the following points along the way: Location closest to our Bus Stops Terminal A Largo di Villa Peretti or Terminal C Piazza dei Cinquecento Santa Maria Maggiore San Giovanni in Laterano Colosseum Circo Massimo Piazza Venezia Largo Argentina Piazza Navona Vaticano (Castel Sant'Angelo) Piazza di Spagna (Fontana di Trevi)  Piazza Barberini

The Vatican is massive, and let's be honest—exploring it alone can feel overwhelming. That's exactly why our expert guide is here, ensuring you won't miss a thing by taking you straight to the highlights. Kick off your adventure with exclusive skip-the-line access at the incredible Vatican Museums, a treasure trove filled with centuries of art, history, and jaw-dropping ceilings. Together, you'll stroll through: Gallery of Maps: Think Google Maps, but hand-painted and 500 years old! Gallery of Tapestries: Gigantic, intricately woven masterpieces that tell amazing stories. Rotunda Room: Ancient statues beneath a stunning domed ceiling that rivals Rome's greatest architectural gems. Next up, step into the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Sure, you’ve seen pictures, but nothing compares to standing beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. Look up at "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment," picturing Michelangelo tirelessly painting every incredible detail. If you've chosen the full experience, continue into the majestic St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo’s emotional Pietà and Bernini's spectacular bronze Baldachin. Your journey concludes outside the Basilica, giving you plenty of time to explore St. Peter’s Square or discover nearby Castel Sant’Angelo at your leisure.

Highlights of the Vatican Museum Skip-the-line Tickets When you purchase Vatican Museums skip-the-line tickets, you can enjoy several highlights without having to wait in the regular entrance queues. Explore the biggest museum full of vintage and antique sculptures & frescoes at Vatican City. The Gallery of Candelabra, Tapestries, and everyone’s favorite the Gallery of Maps. You can look at the 300 years old unified Italy at one glance at the Gallery of Maps. Highlights of the Skip-the-line Sistine Chapel Tickets When you purchase skip-the-line Sistine Chapel tickets, you can directly access this iconic masterpiece without waiting in the regular entrance queues. Once you are inside you can experience the most celebrated artworks by Michelangelo. His painting always shows the sheer magnitude. While you are inside the Chapel, you will see the beautiful frescoes. With only a ticket and no accompanying guide, it’s possible to get lost around the enormous museum. For that, if you want we provide you with the map and also be aware of the Vatican City visitor information as a reference. It’s important to note that the Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museums, and skip-the-line tickets specifically for the Sistine Chapel may not be available. However, skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums generally include access to the Sistine Chapel. By bypassing the regular entrance queues, you can directly immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sistine Chapel.

Explore St. Peter's Basilica, its Dome designed by Michelangelo, Bernini’s masterpieces, and the Papal Tombs. Choose the optional Dome climb for stunning panoramic views of Rome. Your journey begins in St. Peter’s Square, where your expert guide will introduce you to the grandeur of its colonnades and fountains, designed to embrace millions of visitors. Learn about the square’s historical and spiritual significance as the heart of Vatican City. Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most renowned churches in the world. Marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and other legendary artists. Stand before Michelangelo’s Pietà, a moving sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Christ, and admire Bernini’s grand Baldachin, the towering bronze canopy over the high altar. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the basilica’s history and spiritual importance. Next, descend into the Papal Tombs, the resting place of popes who shaped the Church’s history. Discover their lives, legacies, and contributions to the Vatican. Your guide will bring their stories to life, providing a deeper understanding of their influence on world history and Catholicism. For those seeking an elevated experience, opt for the Dome climb, where you’ll witness breathtaking views of St. Peter’s interior before stepping onto the highest point in Vatican City. From the top, take in a 360-degree panorama of Rome, with iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum in sight. This tour is perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and those fascinated by Vatican City’s rich heritage. Whether you choose to admire the Dome from below or climb to the top, this unforgettable experience will leave you with lasting memories. Book now—availability is limited!

Skip the lines and dive into the Vatican’s artistic treasures with an expert-guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Discover masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael as your guide brings their stories to life. Marvel at iconic sculptures like the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoon, which inspired Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. Uncover hidden meanings behind the art and explore the stunning galleries. Then, stand in awe beneath Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, including the Creation of the World and Last Judgment. For those who wish to extend their experience, choose the option to access St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the Sistine Chapel - a seamless way to complete your Vatican journey. A captivating blend of history, art, and spirituality awaits. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through the Vatican’s artistic and spiritual wonders - book your tour now and experience the magic of history, art, and faith come to life!

Step into the iconic St. Peter's Dome and embark on an immersive journey enriched by an informative audioguide. At your own pace, ascend to the summit, where you’ll be awe-struck by the dome’s architectural grandeur. Along the way, the audioguide illuminates the dome's history, detailing its construction and the visionaries behind its design. Gaze out from the panoramic viewpoint atop the dome, where breathtaking vistas of Vatican City and Rome unfold before you. Descend into the heart of the basilica, where you'll encounter masterpieces of art and architecture, each with its own story to tell. Listen to your audioguide as it leaves you with a newfound appreciation for St. Peter's Dome, its role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of Rome, and the enduring legacy of its creators. Whether a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, this immersive experience will leave you with a profound connection to one of the world’s most revered architectural wonders.