The Best Views in Town

Map

A view from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica

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​For the best views in Rome head up to the top of St Peter's Basilica. The views from the 16th century lantern, which crowns the dome of the basilica, are stunning, especially on a clear day when you can see as far as the Alban hills, and beyond. 

​There are two ways of getting to the top of the dome. You can take the elevator to the roof of the basilica, where you can fortify yourself with an espresso (yes, there is a cafe there) before tackling the remaining 320 steps. Or you can climb all 550 steps and save yourself a couple of euros on the price of the ticket. 

In addition to the panoramic views of the Eternal City, you can enjoy, en route, a fabulous view of the mosaics and the decorative details of the interior of the dome.

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica rises to a height (including the external cross) of 136.5 m (448 ft), making it the tallest in the world.

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Piazza San Pietro

Governor's Palace

Lantern

Dome

Mosaics, Interior of dome

Inscription at the base of the lantern