Ciao, dear readers!✨ If the soul of St. Peter’s Basilica resides in its sacred interior, then its crown is undoubtedly the dome: La Cupola di San Pietro. After being awed by Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, it was time to head skyward. Climbing the dome isn’t just sightseeing. It’s a journey of elevation – architectural, spiritual, and literal – ending in one of the most unforgettable views on Earth.
🏛️ A Dome of Divine Design
Commissioned in the 16th century as part of the basilica’s grand rebuild, the dome was designed by Michelangelo, who drew inspiration from the Pantheon and Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence. Though he passed away before completion, his vision was carried out by Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana.
Today, the dome rises to a staggering 136.5 meters (448 feet) from the basilica floor, the tallest of its kind in the world. As you circle beneath it, you’ll see shimmering mosaics, angelic figures, and a famous Latin inscription from the Gospel of Matthew: TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM (You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.). It’s not just architecture, it’s theology in stone and light.
⛰️ The Climb: Spirals, Stairs & Stillness
You have two choices: elevator or stairs. I opted for the elevator (no shame in that!) which takes you part of the way. From there, it’s 320 narrow steps to the top, through curved passageways, slanted staircases, and increasingly tighter corners. The architecture feels almost alive as you ascend through it.
Halfway up, you’re rewarded with an inner balcony view of the dome’s interior. Looking down, the baldachin and altar seem miniature. Looking up, you’re enveloped by the shimmering mosaics, with angels, saints, and gold patterns spiraling around you. It’s surreal. And then… you reach the cupola!
🌆 The Reward: A View That Stirs the Soul
Emerging at the lantern platform, you’re treated to a 360° panoramic view of Rome that will truly take your breath away. From the top of St. Peter’s Dome:
- You’ll spot the Tiber River winding toward Trastevere
- You’ll see the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Castel Sant’Angelo in the distance
- And directly beneath you: the stunning symmetry of St. Peter’s Square, framed by Bernini’s colonnades like a stone embrace
The air is crisp, the light is golden, and the city whispers its secrets. Take your time here. Let it sink in. Snap your photos, but don’t forget to just breathe and be.
💡 Tips Before You Go
- Arrive early (especially in high season), the lines get long!
- Bring water, the climb is humid and narrow.
- Use the elevator if you’re not a fan of tight spaces.
- Wear good shoes, the staircases are steep and uneven
- Hold onto your camera/phone, it’s windy at the top!
- Tickets: Can be bought on-site or online (€10 with elevator, €8 stairs only)
- Photography is allowed, but please be respectful inside the basilica
Final Thoughts
Climbing the dome is more than just a tourist experience, it’s a moment of awe, introspection, and wonder. You don’t need to be religious to feel something here. The journey upward feels like walking through time and intention, built stone by stone, with vision and devotion.
For me, this wasn’t just a highlight of my Vatican visit, it was one of the most moving experiences in Rome.
The light. The views. The stillness. Unforgettable.
Until next time,
xoxo,
Bubbly✨
