A Stairwell to Heaven: Climbing the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica

A stunning panoramic view captured and shared by a friend

Early in the morning, I arrived at St. Peter's Basilica. My first priority was to climb the dome⭐⭐. There was a line, but it wasn't too long, and I only had to wait about 15 minutes.

As I ascended, a Japanese girl joined me and eventually overtook me

To climb the dome, you have two options: walk on foot or take the elevator. Everyone in front of me chose the elevator, but I decided to climb the stairs. At first, I was alone, but then a young Japanese girl joined me and eventually passed me.

The first leg of the climb wasn't too bad, but the second leg was brutal. Lots of people take the elevator to the middle for the first leg, then climb the stairs to the summit. There was a tour group in front of me, and I gradually fell behind, except for one girl who kept asking her friends if they were there yet.

At first, there was a handrail, but at the end, it was just a single rope to hold onto

By this point, I was exhausted and could have given up at any time. But after a short rest, I kept going and finally made it to the top. The stairs narrowed and spiraled as I got closer to the top, and eventually became so narrow that I had to bend sideways. At first, there was a handrail, but at the end, it was just a single rope to hold onto. If you're not in good shape, the climb could be a real challenge.

But the view from the top was worth it. I could see the entire basilica below me, as well as the surrounding city and countryside. It was crowded, but I was able to find a good spot to lean against the railing and enjoy the view.

Photo Gallery

These photos were taken on a sunny day, October 26, 2023. They capture the journey from waiting at the ticket office, ascending to the middle level, passing beneath the dome, climbing the second leg, and finally reaching the summit.

There are 13 statues (right) on top of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Ascending the first leg

A closer look at some of the 13 statues

13 statues adorn the summit of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, with Jesus Christ presiding at their center

Gazing up at the dome, we embark on the challenging second leg of the ascent

Intricacies of the Majestic Dome: A Close-Up View

The dome's interior adorned with intricate mosaic work depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints

Angel mosaic in the cupola (Dome ceiling)

Mosaic of St. John

Mosaic of St. Matthew

Palace of the Governorate

Descending via a different path

References

1. The Upper Mosaics of St Peter's—The Cupola and the Evangelists

Exploring the Vatican City: Tips for Planning and Enjoying Your Visit

Sistine Chapel , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Vatican City ⭐⭐⭐is a city-state located within Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world by both area and population. Vatican City is the headquarters of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope.

Vatican City - Complete Travel Guide (YouTube link)

Things to Do

Here are some of the things you can do in Vatican City:

• Visit St. Peter's Basilica
• St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest and most important churches in the world. It is home to many important works of art, including Michelangelo's Pietà.
• See the Sistine Chapel
• The Sistine Chapel is a chapel located within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. 
• It is famous for its ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo and its wall frescoes painted by Sandro Botticelli and other Renaissance artists.
• Visit the Vatican Museums
• The Vatican Museums are a group of museums located within Vatican City. They house a vast collection of art and artifacts, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Take a walk through the Vatican Gardens
• The Vatican Gardens, only accessible via guided tour, offer a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome.
• Attend a papal audience
• Papal audiences are held every Wednesday morning in St. Peter's Square. Tickets are required and can be obtained online or at the Vatican ticket office.

In addition to these activities, there are many other things to see and do in Vatican City. You can visit the Vatican Necropolis, the Vatican Library, and the Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. You can also enjoy a traditional Italian meal at one of the many restaurants in Vatican City.

No matter what you choose to do, you are sure to have a memorable time in Vatican City. It is a truly unique and special place.

Vatican Museums Entrances: Via Della Conciliazione and Via Vaticano

How to Access

• Free access: St. Peter's Square, Basilica, and papal audiences (tickets required)
• Paid admission: Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums
• Other places: Only for business

Many paid tours can be booked online here, including guided tours of the Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel for small groups, as there is no general public access to the gardens.

Guided Tours of the Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel

Information:

• There is a dedicated line for visitors with bookings.
• Meeting point: 
• On the day of your visit, go to the entrance of the Vatican Museums in Via Vaticano.
• Show your booking voucher (electronic format is accepted) to the security staff at the entrance 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
• After security clearance, climb the stairs on the far left of the entrance hall and proceed to the Guided Tours Desk to collect your tickets and meet your guide.

Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some additional tips for planning your visit to Vatican City:

• Buy your tickets in advance
• Many of the attractions in Vatican City are very popular, and it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
• Wear comfortable shoes
• You will be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Dress appropriately
• Vatican City is a religious site, so it is important to dress appropriately. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
• Be respectful
• Vatican City is a holy place for Catholics, so be respectful of the people and the environment.
• Take photos and videos, but be mindful of your surroundings
• Photography and videography are generally allowed in Vatican City, but there are a few restrictions. For example, you are not allowed to use flash photography in St. Peter's Basilica or the Sistine Chapel. You are also not allowed to take photos or videos of religious ceremonies or of people without their permission.
• Personal items:
• Bring a small bag with you on your tour.
• Bags, backpacks, or luggage larger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm must be checked at the cloakroom.

Please confirm the final rules on the official website.

References

1. The entrance to the Vatican Museums
2. Official Tickets
3. A guide for getting around Rome using public transportation