Climbing the dome of St. Peter's

It's a climb every fit visitor to Rome should make at least once. It's also genuinely strenuous, and the final section is narrow and slanted.

A little history

The dome is Michelangelo's design. He worked on it until his death in 1564, when the drum was complete. Giacomo della Porta finished the dome itself in 1590, raising its profile slightly, and the lantern, ball and cross were completed under Pope Clement VIII. It became the model for domes across the world, from St. Paul's in London to the US Capitol.

How the climb works

1. Stairs or lift. On foot it's 551 steps to the top. The lift takes you to the roof terrace and saves 231 of them, leaving 320 steps for everyone.
2. The inner gallery. First you step onto a walkway inside the drum, high above the papal altar. The mosaics that look like paintings from the floor turn out to be huge, and the people below look tiny.
3. Between the shells. The last stretch runs between the inner and outer shells of the dome. The walls lean inwards, the stairs narrow to a single file, and the final section is a spiral with a rope handrail.
4. The lantern. At the top is a 360° view over St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Gardens and the domes and rooftops of Rome.

Tips

• Go early (it opens around 7:00–7:30), before the heat and the tour groups.
• On the way down you come out on the roof terrace, where there's a café, a small shop and a Vatican post box. Then you're led straight into the basilica, so no second security queue.
• The climb is not recommended if you have heart or breathing problems, vertigo, claustrophobia or limited mobility, or if you're pregnant.
• Dress as for the basilica: shoulders and knees covered.
• Hours change around religious events. Check the official site before you go.