Vatican City Tour: Basilica, Holy Sealed Door and Papal Tombs

9.7
10 Reviews
Verified by: FREETOUR.com
Provided by: Lily
Duration
2 hours
Meeting point
Piazza della Città Leonina (Entre la Pizzeria Leonina y el quiosco verde es nuestro punto de encuentro)
Languages
English, Spanish
From €16.00
Per person
Free Cancellation. No Booking Fees.
Cancel for free up to 24 hours. We price match.

Overview

In this tour we tell you everything from the historical origins to the present day (Pope Francis and the conclave after his election), you will see and understand the why, how and when of St. Peter's Basilica! You will find a vast ocean of artistic treasures, religious symbols and exciting history. You will discover hidden gems that remain invisible to your eyes. Fascinating stories behind each masterpiece: discover why Michelangelo signed The Pieta (his only signed work), the secrets of Bernini's imposing Baldachin and the symbolism hidden in the majestic St. Peter's Cathedra and the sealed Holy Door after the Holy Year.

- The ancient basilica, built by Emperor Constantine I. Why the Door
- The present basilica, built under the papacy of Julius II.
- St. Peter's Square (Bernini)
- The columns and their meaning
- The central obelisk
- The twin fountains
- The façade
- The statues on the façade
- The entrance doors of the basilica and the Holy Door, which is now sealed.
- The dome
- The tomb of St. Peter
- The tombs of numerous popes, including that of John Paul II
- The statue of St. Peter
And much more.
Tour Conditions
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible
Pets
Not allowed
Read more

This activity includes:

  • St. Peter Square Obelisk
  • Tomb of Saint Peter
  • Saint Peter's Square
  • Basilica de San Pedro, Vaticano
  • St. Peter's Basilica
  • Radio transmisor
  • Audifonos para una mejor audición

Our Guides

Lily Florett — Guide of Vatican City Tour: Basilica, Holy Sealed Door and Papal Tombs, Vatican City
Lily Florett

Meeting point

Piazza della Città Leonina (Entre la Pizzeria Leonina y el quiosco verde es nuestro punto de encuentro)

On arrival

Piazza della Città Leonina (In front of the only kiosk in the square/next to the Porta Angelica Arches), look for the flagpole with 3 colored pompoms (fuchsia and green).

The best way to get there is by metro A:
- Get off at OTTAVIANO stop.
- Walk along via Ottaviano towards Piazza Risorgimento.
- Cross Piazza Risorgimento, always in the same direction (right).
- As soon as you get past the square, Via di Porta Angelica starts, 200 meters on the left hand side you will find Piazza della Città Leonina (you will find yourself in front of the only kiosk in the square/next to the Arches of Porta Angelica). Look for the flagpole with the 3 colored pompoms.

Things to note

Recommendations:
- Arrive 15 min. early
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no flip-flops)
- Clothing should cover shoulders, back and knees, this is the same for both men and women because it is a religious place
- If you bring water, make sure it is in a small plastic bottle
- St. Peter's Basilica may be closed for events; we will reschedule your visit if this occurs.
- Airport type controls are required with waiting times from 15 min to 2 h especially during rush hours.

NOT INCLUDED:
- Entrance tickets to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums
- Climbing the dome, alternatively at the end of the tour, the guide will tell you where to buy tickets to go up to the dome (15 € by elevator).

Rating
9.7
Organisation
9.6
Atmosphere
9.8
Content
10.0
Guide
10.0
Usefulness
9.8
Reviews (10)
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Reviews

Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.

Availability & Language
March 2026
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Today, 1 March 2026
spanish
spanish
3:00 PM
From €16.00
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