La Pietà Tours
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Among the many masterpieces inside St. Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo's majestic and moving La Pietà is perhaps the crown jewel. This remarkable life-size sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Christ blends classical ideals of beauty with startling naturalism and is among the world’s most important works of art.
The Basics
Michelangelo carved La Pietà from a single block of Carrara marble in the late 1490s, and it is the only work the artist signed. Created as a funeral monument for the French cardinal Jean de Bilhères, the statue was moved to its current location in St. Peter’s Basilica in the 18th century. After being damaged by a vandal in 1972, La Pietà was placed behind a protective glass screen.
Choose an early entrance or skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's Basilica to benefit from the knowledge of a guide and avoid a long wait to enter this popular sight. Tours of the basilica are often combined with a visit to St. Peter’s Dome or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where more of Michelangelo's works can be seen. Extended Vatican tours may also include the Vatican Gardens, Necropolis, and Bramante’s Staircase.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to La Pietà is a must for art enthusiasts.
- You must pass through a security check to access St. Peter’s Basilica, and items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas are not allowed.
- The dress code in the basilica requires covered shoulders and knees.
- The basilica and the chapel where La Pietà is displayed are accessible to wheelchairs.
- Photography is allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, though the glare from the protective glass makes it hard to get a good snapshot of the famous sculpture.
How to Get There
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano. La Pietà stands in the first chapel on the right when you enter the basilica.
When to Get There
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and crowded most of the year. Early morning is the best time to visit to beat the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the largest church in the world and the art inside virtually to yourself.
Highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica
In addition to Michelangelo’s stunning masterpiece, the basilica is home to a number of important works of art. Be sure to admire Bernini’s ornate Papal altar and baldacchino, as well as his equestrian statue of Constantine. The interior of the church is covered with over 100,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) of mosaics, much of which reproduce famous Renaissance paintings, including Raphael’s Transfiguration. Another work of note is the funerary monument dedicated to Clement XIII, created by Canova at the end of the 18th century and famous for its meticulously sculpted lions.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Rome, Lazio 00165, Italy
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)

Fast Track Access Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel & St Peters Basilica Tour
Save time, and head straight to the Vatican’s most popular sights and attractions, on this seamless and speedy tour. Pick from morning or afternoon departure times, and meet your guide. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll beat the crowds and head straight into the Vatican Museums. Discover the Sistine Chapel at your own pace, and follow your guide directly to the museums’ other highlights. Your final stop is at the neighboring St. Peter’s Basilica.
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From
$72.87
Price varies by group size
From
$72.87
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
40 Tours and Activities to Experience La Pietà
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Fast Track Access Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel & St Peters Basilica Tour
Save time, and head straight to the Vatican’s most popular sights and attractions, on this seamless and speedy tour. Pick from morning or afternoon departure times, and meet your guide. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll beat the crowds and head straight into the Vatican Museums. Discover the Sistine Chapel at your own pace, and follow your guide directly to the museums’ other highlights. Your final stop is at the neighboring St. Peter’s Basilica.
…More
From
$72.87
Price varies by group size
From
$72.87
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Private Early Bird Vatican and St Peter's Basilica Tour: Hotel Pick-up Drop-off
Visit the Vatican without the crowds on a private early-bird tour and enter the Vatican Museums before the complex opens to the general public. Enjoy an exclusive exploration of world-renowned art by Renaissance masters, visit the Sistine Chapel, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the museums, without waiting in the main line. Upgrade for a prime version with even earlier priority access, including the Raphael Rooms.
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From
$360.04
Price varies by group size
From
$360.04
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Discover the renowned art and architecture of the Vatican on this skip-the-line private tour of the Vatican Museums. As you explore rooms like the Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel, learn about the Renaissance artwork of masters like Michelangelo with in-depth commentary from a knowledgeable private guide. You’ll also visit St Peter’s Basilica and hear insider details about the Vatican, plus skip past all the entrance lines, even the priority ones.
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From
$184.65
Price varies by group size
From
$184.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Private Skip the Line Vatican Hidden Gems Tour with Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Skip-the-line at the Vatican Museums on this tour of one of the world’s most renowned collections of art. With a private guide, go straight inside the complex to admire the Vatican’s architecture, marvel at works by masters like Raphael and Caravaggio, and see some of the ‘hidden,’ off-the-beaten-path sites that many visitors miss. Of course, you visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica from the museums, avoiding the main entrance line.
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From
$281.61
Price varies by group size
From
$281.61
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Small-Group Tour of Vatican City: with Skip-the-line Tickets
Explore the treasures of one of the world’s greatest art collections with this expertly guided small-group tour through the Vatican museums. Skip the long lines to head straight inside the labyrinth of galleries, where your knowledgeable guide leads you to ancient and Renaissance highlights including the Raphael Rooms, Belvedere Courtyard, Laocoön sculpture and, of course, the magnificent Sistine Chapel. Learn the stories behind the masterpieces, and then get direct entry into the stunning interior of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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From
$96.34
From
$96.34

Peter's Tomb: Exclusive Visit of the Basilica & Its Necropolis
St. Peter’s Basilica may grab you with its grandeur, but much of its history lies in its hidden details. Head beneath the famous church and discover the Vatican necropolis, a Roman cemetery that’s said to house the relics of St. Peter the Apostle. Walk amid tombs that trace pagan Rome to the start of Christianity, then return to the basilica for a tour. Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ and Bernini’s bronze baldachin are among the highlights.
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From
$72.87
From
$72.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Vatican Highlights Tour - Skip the Line Entry - Small Group of 12
Save time in the smallest country in the world with priority access tickets to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. This hassle-free tour take you to some of the Vatican's must-see sights. Rather than get lost in the enormous churches and museums, your guide picks the best sights for you to see.
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From
$85.22
From
$85.22
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

St. Peter's Basilica : Fast Entry Guided Tour with Vatican official guides
To dig deep into the history and art of St Peter’s Basilica, explore the church on a walking tour with a Vatican guide. From St Peter’s Square, walk to the basilica, jumping past the entrance queue with your No Wait Access Ticket. Inside, listen to stories about the popes, pilgrims and Renaissance art masters who have left their marks on this iconic Catholic site, whose Michelangelo-designed dome dominates the Rome skyline.
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From
$33.35
From
$33.35
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Rome in a Day Semi-Private Tour: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Virtual Reality
See the highlights of the Vatican and Ancient Rome in one history- and art-filled day during this small-group walking tour that includes priority entry to some of the city’s most visited sites. With skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, you’ll jump the queue at this ancient amphitheater, and then visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Pass by the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, and end your tour in Vatican City for skip-the-line admission to the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and other Renaissance masterpieces. Numbers are limited to just six people.
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From
$264.32
From
$264.32
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas

Private Vatican Tour: VIP Experience
Discover the figures, the technique and the meaning of the frescoes created in 4 years of Michelangelo's timeless passion on our Sistine Chapel tour. Find out more about Julius II, the pope who commissioned his works. Wander through Raphael's rooms as you let our expert guide reveal the mysteries and insights of the depicted characters. Discover how the church's admiration for art has led to such a vast collection of treasures in the Vatican Museums recovered from underground after years of neglect. Skip the queues and find yourself inside St Peter's Basilica where you will be able to contemplate the long history of Christian faith and be moved by Michelangelo's world famous sculpture, Pietà.
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From
$254.11
Price varies by group size
From
$254.11
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Before Opening Vatican Experience: VIP Access for a True Small-group Tour
The Vatican Museums is one of the most visited attractions in the world, and the daytime crowds can be daunting. With this exclusive early-access tour, savor the collections with a small group before the galleries open to the general public to avoid the throngs. Skip past the line at the entrance with fast-track tickets and admire works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and others with a guide for insights into their history and significance.
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From
$191.71
From
$191.71
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Hotel Pickup Fast Access Private Vatican Sistine Chapel & St Peter Basilica Tour
Visit the must-see Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel on this private tour with round-trip transportation. Save tons of valuable vacation time with fast-access passes. With your dedicated guide, learn about the history of the important buildings and their epic collections of artwork through guided commentary.
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From
$259.38
Price varies by group size
From
$259.38
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Fast Access Vatican Raphael Rooms Sistine Chapel & St Peter Basilica guided Tour
The UNESCO–listed Vatican City is widely considered the jewel in Rome’s crown, but the site’s popularity means the admission queues can be long. On this tour, save time with skip-the-line entry and visit Vatican highlights including the Basilica of Saint Peter, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. In a group of no more than 10 people, admire beautiful Roman and Greek statues, and hear the secrets behind Michelangelo’s frescoes.
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From
$109.93
Price varies by group size
From
$109.93
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Guided Small Group Skip The Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel With Privileged Access To Saint Peter's Basilica
No trip to Rome is complete without seeing the sights of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica. However, lines and crowds at these iconic attractions can be overwhelming. Get exclusive access to the art and architecture with a guided tour that includes skip-the-line tickets. Enjoy works by Renaissance greats Michelangelo, Raphael and Da Vinci. Learn fascinating facts from your professional guide.
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From
$74.11
From
$74.11
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Rome in A Day Group Tour with Colosseum & Vatican by Minivan
Rome is so full of world-famous historic sites that it would be tricky to see them all in a lifetime, let alone a single day. This small-group tour, however, ensures that you make the most of your time. You'll see the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, stroll through city center piazze, and visit the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica.
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From
$165.98
From
$165.98
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Skip the Line: Small Group Stories of the Vatican Tour including St. Peter's Basilica
Experience an insider’s view of the Vatican Museums on this 3.5-hour, small-group tour. First, skip the line at the Vatican Museums’ entrance, and head in to explore its main exhibits. Your guide tells you little-known facts along the way that many other tour guide don’t know. Visit the Hall of Maps, the Belvedere Courtyard, and the Sistine Chapel. Plus afterward, skip the lines at St. Peter’s Basilica, too.
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From
$109.37
From
$109.37
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Skip The Line: Vatican Private Tour
Get personalized attention and a tour tailored just for you during this 3.5-hour private tour of the Vatican in Rome. Take advantage of skip-the-line access to make the most of your time at one of Rome's most important landmarks, where you'll get a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican's impressive art collection.
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From
$221.71
Price varies by group size
From
$221.71
Price varies by group size

Early-Access Vatican Tour: Better Than Skip-the-line (Max 12 People)
Discover the city-state of Vatican City on an early morning small-group tour. Beat the crowds and start exploring the Vatican a full hour before the general public with special early access tickets. Follow your guide through the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and listen to informative commentary about the history of each place.
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From
$109.93
From
$109.93

Rome in One Day: with Colosseum, Piazzas and Vatican City
Have only one day to discover the best of Rome? On this private, full-day tour, you’ll see the city’s major highlights without any of the hassle. First, discover the wonders of ancient Rome: meet your guide in the morning at the Colosseum before continuing to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Next, admire the Piazza Navona, see the Trevi Fountain, and stop by the Pantheon. Finally, one-way transfer will whisk you to the Vatican, where you’ll have time to explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and beyond.
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From
$511.97
Price varies by group size
From
$511.97
Price varies by group size

Private Vatican Art & Breakfast with Hotel pick-up and drop off
Beat the crowds to the Vatican with this private morning tour, complete with transfers from your hotel. Before the museum opens to the public, enjoy a buffet breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. See the museum’s masterpieces including statues, paintings, and tapestries outside the congestion of regular opening hours. The tour includes both the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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From
$521.23
Price varies by group size
From
$521.23
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

A Secret Way to the Sistine Chapel Private Tour-transfers included
Step into the Vatican Gardens on a skip-the-line tour, and discover the artwork and nature that lies in the heart of the Vatican state. After exploring the tree-lined pathways that meander around foliage and architecture, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel to admire its treasure trove of Renaissance art. Then, finish with a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica before a drop-off back in Rome. Numbers are limited to just 10 people for an intimate tour.
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From
$471.82
Price varies by group size
From
$471.82
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

VIP Vatican in a Day Tour: Experience Art and History as Never Before
Make the most of your time in Vatican City with this 5.5-hour tour of the Vatican Museums, the incomparable Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. See parts of the Vatican Museums collection that are often overlooked on shorter tours, including the Pinacoteca, and see masterpieces by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
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From
$122.28
From
$122.28
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience