Plan Your Visit to St. Peter's Basilica
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By metro Ottaviano-S. Pietro, just outside Vatican City, is the nearest metro station, located only 5 minutes away from St. Peter’s Basilica.
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By bus Many buses may transport you from Rome to Vatican City. From Termini Station, board buses 40 and 64 to reach the Vatican City. From Repubblica station, take bus number 62 and from the Colosseum, hop on bus 81.
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By train St Pietro is the closest train station to Vatican City. Saint Peter's Basilica is just a 10-minute walk from the station.
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By taxi You may also visit Saint Peter's Basilica via taxi, although they are less common and more expensive.
- Dress Code
When you plan your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, pay attention to your attire as there is a strict code at the monument and all other churches in the Vatican City. Please note that both men and women are expected to dress modestly and are prohibited from wearing shorts, bare shoulders, and miniskirts.
- Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Saint. Peter’s Basilica is any day except Wednesday and Saturday as the Basilica is the busiest during these days. To avoid heavy tourist crowds, visit St. Peter's Basilica early in the morning or after 4 PM when there are fewer people. Sunday is also a good day to visit St. Peter's Basilica because it is less crowded.
- Location
St. Peter's Basilica is located on top of Vatican Hill, across the Tiber River, and right in the heart of the historic center of Rome.
- Opening Hours
The St. Peter’s Basilica is open for tourists from 7 AM to 7 PM from April to September. Between October and March, it welcomes visitors from 7 AM to 6 PM. The dome of the Basilica is accessible to visitors from 8 AM to 6 PM between April and September and from 8 AM to 5 PM between October and March.
Know Before You Visit St. Peter's Basilica
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You can buy audio guides in several languages to learn interesting information about the Basilica.
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There are many cloakrooms available at the site where you can store all items that are not allowed inside the building.
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Three restrooms are present inside the building.
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A snack bar and many gift shops are located at St. Peter’s Basilica.
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There are four car parking areas where you can park your car on your visit to the Basilica.
FAQs
What is the best way to visit St. Peter's Basilica?
The best way to visit St. Peter's Basilica is by arriving early in the morning. At this time of the day, there are fewer people and hence, you can explore the monument in a better way.
What time can I visit St. Peter's Basilica?
You may plan your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica anytime between 7 AM and 7 PM from April to September and from 7 AM to 6 PM between October and March.
How do I get to St. Peter's Basilica?
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By metro The nearest metro station is Ottaviano-S. Pietro, located just outside Vatican City and only 5 minutes away from St. Peter's Basilica.
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By bus There are numerous buses that can take you from Rome to Vatican City. To get to the Vatican City, take buses 40 and 64 from Termini Station. Take bus 62 from Repubblica station and bus 81 from the Colosseum.
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Taking the train The closest train station to Vatican City is St Pietro. The station is only a 10-minute walk from Saint Peter's Basilica.
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Taking a taxi You can also take a taxi to Saint Peter's Basilica, though they are less common and more expensive.
What is the best time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica?
The best time to visit Saint Peter’s Basilica is as soon as it opens as there are fewer crowds and shorter queues.
Is there parking near St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes, there are four car parking lots near St. Peter's Basilica.
When is mass at St. Peter’s Basilica?
On weekdays, the mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is held at 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM. On Sunday, the mass is held at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 4:45 PM, and 5:30 PM
Is visiting St. Peter’s Basilica worth it?
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and is definitely worth a visit! It holds a lot of historical and religious significance and is among the most visited pilgrimage sites in Christendom. Besides, it is famous for its Renaissance architecture, fascinating artworks, and magnificent dome.
What can I see inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
Visit Saint Peter’s Basilica, and see a treasure trove of stunning Renaissance and Baroque-style artworks. Some must-see sights at the Basilica include the Baldachin of Bernini, the Body of Pope John XXIII, the tombs of various popes, and of course, the dome.
What else can I see besides St. Peter’s Basilica?
There are many places you can visit in the Vatican City besides St. Peter’s Basilica, like the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palace, and the Vatican Museums.