There are tours to climb the dome of St. Peters, ranging from 23 E to 56 E, yet other posts say that all you have to do is get into the basilica and take the lift to the top, for a small fee. Is it necessary to buy a tour to go to the dome, or not? I'd sure appreciate the advice of anyone who has been there in the last 6 months or so. Thanks so much !
Jo Beck, St. Louis, MO
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
482 posts
I climbed the Dome a week ago. You do not need to purchase a tour. We purchased tickets on the day of our visit; the choices were €8 to climb all the stairs to the top (over 550!) or €10 to take the elevator to/from the rooftop (bypassing the first 320 stairs), then climb the remaining stairs. The last stretch of the climb is very narrow, but the views are well worth it! Others may have advice regarding lines and wait times; we were able to walk right in.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis, MO
5 posts
Den,
Thanks so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my query.
Happy Travels!
Posted by
OP
St. Louis, MO
5 posts
How was Rome? Did you have problems about Covid, or your vaccinations, etc? We will be in Rome March 12-13.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
482 posts
There were many Italian and German tourists in Rome. Also students from the US who had just arrived for their study abroad programs. We did not book any tours or tickets in advance and had no problems getting in anywhere; I'm not sure that would work in March. Mask compliance-indoors and outdoors-is VERY high! Masks, temperature checks, and "Green Pass" checks were required at all tourist sites. All restaurants required the "Green Pass", even for outdoor dining. We had no difficulty at all with acceptance our passport and CDC vaccine card in lieu of the Green Pass.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
482 posts
Just be sure to stay on top of Italy's Covid-related requirements...who knows what they will be by March!
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3874 posts
We rode the elevator up then climbed the stairs. There are bathrooms, a cafe, and the best gift shop (we purchased gold necklaces and charms, everything is blessed) on the roof on the elevator level. The views are amazing. FYI - this of course was pre-covid so I don’t know what is open now.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis, MO
5 posts
Thanks to all for your replies! I'm so excited for our trip!
Posted by
WV
67 posts
I understand you can take the elevator down, too (bypassing the entire climb), correct?