St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour with Dome Climb and Crypt

Gain access to all areas of St. Peter’s Basilica and submerse on your own in the history and architecture of one of one of the most essential spiritual monuments in the world. Climb 231 steps to the top of the dome for scenic sights of Rome.

The history of the present Basilica begins in 1506, the year in which work was begun on Bramante’s plan, which was substantially adhered to, in spite of many alterations. The site was previously occupied by the great early Christian church of the 4th century, erected by Constantine.

Bramante’s work was soon interrupted, and his plan was to some extent modified in 1547, by that of Michelangelo, of which the apse and the dome now remain (although the dome has been made higher). In 1606 Maderno took over the work, transforming, at the Pope’s order, the ground plan of a Greek cross to that of a Latin cross, and altering the lines of the facade. In 1657, Bernini completed the building with his creation of the majestic Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square.