I understand tickets to the Basilica are free. I went on what I thought was the official site for booking timed entrance and there was a fee. I wonder if this is because it is the jubilee. I just don’t want to sign up for and pay for something else. I appreciate any feedback.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8654 posts
Yes, tickets, or rather entrance to the Basilica is, and has always been free, you only need stand in the security line, get through, and walk in.
However, they have started a system where can reserve a timed entry, and yes, it incurs a fee, but it also includes an audio guide tour, which previously did cost money. With the timed entry, you do use a separate security line.
Not sure if it is just for the Jubilee, created in the anticipation of crowds, or just an improvement.
Of course if you search, you will find many sites, some claiming to be "official", but to my knowledge, this one is legit:
https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/products
Note that you can also book the Dome Climb, the Treasury, and the Scavi tour through that site, some of those always included a fee as well.
Posted by
St. Paul, Minnesota
23 posts
Those tickets are indeed new this spring, but are optional.
I found this excellent video that explains the new process in detail:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VDa0h8cmDs