We will be traveling to Rome for one day in mid-July before heading to the port and setting sail for Greece. Barring any delays, our flight into FCO arrives at 7am. We would like to spend the day doing RS Walks and exploring St. Peter's Basilica on our own. (I'm reluctant to purchase any timed tickets or tours because I would lose all that money if our flight is delayed.) This question is for anyone having recently climbed St. Peter's Basilica dome without a skip-the-line tour: how long was your wait time in line? And, what time of day did you go to the dome? Thank you.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8174 posts
I was there pre-pandemic several times, and again last September.
For St. Peters, there are no advance tickets...or even a ticket, but you do need to stand in line for a security check. That line moves quick, it can be a delay, but not terrible.
The same line gets you to the crypt entrance and the ticket booth for the dome climb (get the ticket that includes an elevator ride to the roof). Again, no timed entry, skip the line, or need for advanced tickets.
There are private tours that advertise "skip the line", but I really did not see that as necessary. I suppose on the day you visit, crowds could be crazy, meaning a longer wait, but hard to say.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8027 posts
I’ve been researching this again, too, as it’s been 10 years, but we’ll be doing the dome climb again this September.. It sounds like 15 to 45 minutes recently has been the usual security delay, with 30 minute waits pretty common.
You nay not need this, but just in case, I was reminded that because of the Papal Audience in the square each Wednesday morning, the basilica won’t be accessible until 1:00 PM if it’s a Wednesday.
Posted by
8406 posts
I did this once and it is great, I highly recommend the Dome Climb to the roof.
Posted by
melbourne FL
67 posts
does anyone know if you can climb the dome on Sundays?
I am aware that the museums are closed, save for one Sunday per month. Not sure if the dome is considered part of the museum or just the cathedral itself for this purpose…
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8174 posts
The Dome is not part of the museum, basically it is accessible any time that St. Peter's is, though it may have slightly shorter hours for ticket sales.
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2558 posts
We were in Rome this past May and climbed the dome of St. Peter’s. We visited the church first as there was quite a long security line to get in. We then got to the dome entrance fairly early (maybe 10:30/11 am?). There was barely a line for tickets. We took the very crowded elevator (they really pack you in) and then the 332 stairs to the top. It was a harder climb for us than it was when we did it 21 years ago. LOL! It was pretty hot that day and we were masked which made it even harder. Masks were required on the elevator a month ago and it was enforced by the lift operator. At the top of the dome, it was shoulder to shoulder crowded and honestly not very pleasant. But the views are good from there and it’s nice to see the dome up close and the statues lining the pediment above the square. I hope this helps.