Rome: Saint Peter’s Cupola Climb
From St. Paul’s to St. Peter’s, did you know it’s possible to climb the dome on top of Saint Peter’s Cathedral? Saint Peter’s is the heart of Catholicism and Vatican City and considered as the greatest church in all Christendom. We found out about the cupola climb (as it’s called here) and put it on our to-do list for this trip to Rome. Although it costs money, the views are absolutely worth the euros and effort. We skipped the elevator to save a little money, and the climb is not difficult at all. In places, the corridors can get crowded but nothing like the masses below inside the basilica.
Getting ready to climb
First stop: interior views of the basilica
Detail of the Michelangelo-designed dome – all painstakingly detailed mosaics
Peeking down into the basilica through the fence
The interior walkway gives great chances to see & touch the mosaics
The second part of the climb, sloped inward from the cupola shell
And the payoff: the best view of St. Peter’s Square
The Vatican Gardens & Museum
A look up at where we just climbed
A rear view of Jesus and the apostles on top of the basilica facade
