Rome: St. Peters Bascilica

Time Required: By the time we got in line to visit the Bascilica, it was wrapped all the way to the end of one side of St. Peters Square. Luckily it only took about 20 minutes to get from the end of the line and get through security.

Next, to get in line to climb the Dome (Cuppola) we had to go back outside and get in another line. This one took much longer to get through. We waited in line for about 45 minutes to buy the elevator ticket to take us up to the first part of the Dome, then another 15 minutes to actually get on the elevator. Once the elevator dropped us off, we then had to climb up the rest of the way. This is not an easy climb, and once we got closer to the top the walls became less straight and more tilted. There are many phases of staircases and one was a tight spiral which would be tough for someone that doesn't do well in tight spaces. On the way down, you walk down the same number of stairs you climbed on the way up. Then everyone takes the elevator down the last bit. The view was incredible, and it made the long wait and many stairs worth it.

Getting There: If you are going to start with St. Peters, we would suggest taking bus 40 or 64 to the stop nearest the Castel Sant' Angelo and walking down Via della Conciliazione toward the Bascilia in the morning for a well lit photo op.

Cost: 7E to take the elevator to the first landing, 2E to walk the stairs to the first landing.

See the official tourist info page for info.