No Wait Access: St Peter's Basilica with Audio Guide
Rome, Italy
Rating: 
Trip Type: Audio Guided Tours
Duration: Varies
See the best of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City entering with a priority-access ticket, the self-guided tour lets you decide what you want to visit and when. As you walk, hear tales of the popes, pilgrims and legendary artists who, throughout history, have helped make St Peter's Basilica the awe-inspiring place it is today.
More About This Activity All Audio Guided Tours →
See the best of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City entering with a priority-access ticket, the self-guided tour lets you decide what you want to visit and when. As you walk, hear tales of the popes, pilgrims and legendary artists who, throughout history, have helped make St Peter's Basilica the awe-inspiring place it is today.Often regarded as the holiest site in Christendom, St Peter's Square marks the heart of Vatican City — Rome's famous papal enclave. Designed by baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the distinctive square is flanked on either side by a stone colonnade, said to represent Christ's open arms symbolically welcoming the world into the Catholic Church.
Collect your audio guide in St Peter's Square, and make your way toward the entrance to St Peter's Basilica. As you go, admire several sites of significance, including the northern fountain and the impressive obelisk that dates back to 13th-century BC Egypt.
Then, head inside the main attraction: St Peter's Basilica. Reputedly built on the very ground where St Peter the Apostle was crucified, the church started out as a humble chapel to which Christian pilgrims flocked. What features you see and when you see them is up to you. Use your audio guide to learn about what interests you most, and enjoy seeing the church's sights at your pace.
Over time, the church has evolved to become as ornate as it is sacred, home to priceless works of art. After skipping the long lines, head straight in and gaze up in wonder at the incredible cupolone — the church’s dome -— created by colorful Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo. You'll also see his beautiful La Pietà sculpture, as well as various mosaic works.
Stop at the statue of St Peter and kiss or rub his foot for a blessing, before walking over to the tomb of Pope John Paul II. As you continue through the church, admire Bernini’s lavish, bronze canopy altar, known as the baldacchino. Positioned right in the center of the building, the altar marks the tomb of St Peter underneath.
Your tour finishes inside St Peter's Basilica. When you are done with your audio equipment, return it to the start point.
Upgrade:
Would you like to see the famous Treasury Museum? Upgrade your tour to include an audio tour of the Treasury Museum. Select a 1-hour morning or afternoon tour, and explore the museum at your own pace to discover the secrets of the Vatican treasury. The total duration of the tour including the upgrade is approx. 2.5-hours.
Click on the 'View additional info' button to download a map of the start point.
Collect your audio guide in St Peter's Square, and make your way toward the entrance to St Peter's Basilica. As you go, admire several sites of significance, including the northern fountain and the impressive obelisk that dates back to 13th-century BC Egypt.
Then, head inside the main attraction: St Peter's Basilica. Reputedly built on the very ground where St Peter the Apostle was crucified, the church started out as a humble chapel to which Christian pilgrims flocked. What features you see and when you see them is up to you. Use your audio guide to learn about what interests you most, and enjoy seeing the church's sights at your pace.
Over time, the church has evolved to become as ornate as it is sacred, home to priceless works of art. After skipping the long lines, head straight in and gaze up in wonder at the incredible cupolone — the church’s dome -— created by colorful Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo. You'll also see his beautiful La Pietà sculpture, as well as various mosaic works.
Stop at the statue of St Peter and kiss or rub his foot for a blessing, before walking over to the tomb of Pope John Paul II. As you continue through the church, admire Bernini’s lavish, bronze canopy altar, known as the baldacchino. Positioned right in the center of the building, the altar marks the tomb of St Peter underneath.
Your tour finishes inside St Peter's Basilica. When you are done with your audio equipment, return it to the start point.
Upgrade:
Would you like to see the famous Treasury Museum? Upgrade your tour to include an audio tour of the Treasury Museum. Select a 1-hour morning or afternoon tour, and explore the museum at your own pace to discover the secrets of the Vatican treasury. The total duration of the tour including the upgrade is approx. 2.5-hours.
Click on the 'View additional info' button to download a map of the start point.
« Go Back