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Climbing to the top of the cupola (dome) of St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-do attraction during your Roman holiday. The dome is the highest viewpoint in Rome, situated within the Vatican. From its observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to arrive in the morning to enjoy the views without crowds and avoid long lines.
Things to Know Before Visit
Is St. Peter’s Basilica Dome free?
How long does it take to climb St. Peter’s Dome?
What are the medical contraindications for climbing the dome of St. Peter’s?
Who designed the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome?
How do you get tickets for St. Peter’s Dome?
What is the best time to climb the dome of St. Peter’s?
How many steps are in the Vatican Dome?
What time does St. Peter’s Dome open?
Is it worth climbing St. Peter’s Dome?
What is the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica made of?
How to Climb
The dome opens at 7:30 am, and you must pass a security check before starting your ascent. After the security check, look right for a sign directing you to the ticket kiosk for the dome. Payment is cash only.
On the way to the ticket desk, you will pass the entrance to the Basilica on the right side of the colonnade, followed by the Holy Door. Turn left to find the place to purchase tickets. After a 30-second elevator ride, you can stop for coffee or use the restroom at the dome.
The climb to the top involves progressively narrower and sloping stairs, which can be challenging for those with claustrophobia.
It can also be crowded and hot during summer. Fortunately, small windows offer fresh air and rest spots along the way.
Despite the difficulty, the climb is worth it for the spectacular views of Rome and the Vatican.
You can even send a postcard from the highest point of the Vatican. Postcards start at 50 cents, with stamps costing 2.30 euros for the US and 1 euro for Europe.
The souvenir shop sells themed postcards featuring the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Popes, and the Swiss Guard.
Inside the Dome
The Great Dome is above the altar, and the Baldacchino is adorned with mosaic and stucco ornaments. Four structural piers, each with a perimeter of 71 meters and a height of 120 meters from the ground to the roof, support it. The dome features large inscriptions: “Hinc una fides mundo refulgent” (From here, a single faith shines throughout the world) and “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here, the unity of the priesthood).
The dome is divided into sixteen ribs and segments, decorated with impressive figures, including:
- Busts of the 16 popes buried in the Basilica.
- Figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, and various Apostles.
- Faces of angels.
- Custodians of St. Peter’s tomb.
- Faces of cherubim and seraphim.
- Angels bearing the instruments of Jesus’ Passion.
There are 96 figures in total, set against a blue sky with stars.
Above them, the lantern bears a Latin inscription: “To the glory of St. Peter, Pope Sixtus V in the year 1590, the fifth of his pontificate.” Many artists contributed to the dome’s decorations after Michelangelo’s death, with Pope Clement VIII commissioning Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d’Arpino) to finish the upper part.
For a unique experience, consider a private tour to the Vatican at sunrise, which includes a climb up to the dome.
Interesting Facts
- The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica reaches a maximum height of 133.3 meters from ground level, making it one of the tallest domes in the world. In Rome, a rule dictates that no building can be constructed higher than this dome, a decree issued by Pope Paul V.
- The interior height of the dome is 117.57 meters, allowing for a grand and expansive internal space that is both awe-inspiring and architecturally significant.
- The inner diameter of the dome measures 41.5 meters, creating a vast circular area beneath the dome that is emblematic of Renaissance architectural innovation.
- The total weight of the dome is approximately 14,000 tons. Ingenious architectural techniques, including the use of double-shell construction, support this immense weight.
- Remarkably, the construction of the dome was completed in just two years, from 1587 to 1589. This rapid completion was due to the efficient planning and skilled labor force of the time.
- Michelangelo’s design for the dome was inspired by the renowned domes of the Florence Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) and the Pantheon in Rome. These influences are evident in the dome’s harmonious proportions and classical beauty.
- The dome features two significant inscriptions: “Hinc una fides mundo refulgent” (From here a single faith shines throughout the world) and “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here the unity of the priesthood arises). These inscriptions highlight the symbolic importance of the Basilica as a center of faith and unity.
History of Design and Creation
Michelangelo Buonarroti designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, inspired by the domes of the Florence Duomo and the Pantheon, designed by Brunelleschi. Michelangelo envisioned a dome that combined classical beauty with innovative engineering. When he died in 1564, the new Basilica lacked the corner chapels, façade, and dome, with only the columns and drum completed.
In 1587, Giacomo della Porta, assisted by Domenico Fontana, took over the project. They faced the challenge of realizing Michelangelo’s vision while dealing with the structural constraints of the existing drum. Their modifications included a steeper curvature and an elongated lantern to enhance verticality. After two years, the dome was completed, standing as a testament to Renaissance ingenuity. According to legend, Michelangelo designed his dome 1.5 meters (5 feet) shorter than the Pantheon, stating, “I could build one bigger, but not more beautiful, than that of the Pantheon.”
The dome reaches a height of 133.3 meters from ground level, with an interior height of 117.57 meters and an inner diameter of 41.5 meters. The total weight is 14,000 tons. The double-shell design, with an inner and outer layer, provides both stability and aesthetic appeal. The inner shell is made of lightweight tufa, while the outer shell is composed of heavier travertine. This combination ensures the dome’s durability and reduces stress on the supporting structures.
Originally, the dome was intended to symbolize the heavens, encapsulating divine perfection through its harmonious proportions. Michelangelo’s plan called for a hemispherical dome similar to the Pantheon, but the final design was slightly more pointed to reduce lateral thrust on the supporting drum. The double-ribbed construction technique used in the dome’s design is a marvel of engineering, distributing the immense weight and allowing for the inclusion of large windows at the base of the dome, flooding the interior with natural light. These technical and aesthetic considerations make the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica an enduring icon of Renaissance architecture.
TOP 13 Domes in The World by Maximum Inner Height
The following table lists notable domed structures around the world, sorted by their maximum inner height in meters. St. Peter’s Basilica holds the first place in terms of internal height, showcasing the architectural marvels of different eras and regions.
| # | Name of the Structure | Inner Height | Outer Height | Date of Construction | Diameter | City, Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Peter's Basilica | 118 | 137 | 1506–1590 | 43 | Vatican City |
| 2 | Florence Cathedral | 115 | 117 | 1420–1436 | 38 | Florence, Italy |
| 3 | Basilica of Our Lady of Peace | 111 | 158 | 1985–1989 | 90 | Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast |
| 4 | People's Salvation Cathedral | 106 | 135 | 2010–present | 29 | Bucharest, Romania |
| 5 | Rotunda of Mosta | 96 | 96 | 1833–1860 | 37 | Most, Malta |
| 6 | AT&T Stadium | 91 | 2005–2009 | Arlington, Texas, USA | ||
| 7 | Berlin Cathedral | 85 | 98 | 1894–1905 | 33 | Berlin, Germany |
| 8 | St. Paul's Cathedral | 65 | 111 | 1675–1710 | 31 | London, United Kingdom |
| 9 | Hagia Sophia | 56 | 56 | 532–537 | 31 | Istanbul, Turkey |
| 10 | United States Capitol | 55 | 88 | 1793–1866 | 29 | Washington, D.C., USA |
| 11 | Sultan Ahmed Mosque | 43 | 43 | 1609–1616 | 22 | Istanbul, Turkey |
| 12 | Florence Baptistery | 41 | 41 | 1059–1128 | 26 | Florence, Italy |
| 13 | Santa Maria di Loreto | 32 | 32 | 1507–1512 | 22 | Rome, Italy |
