Saint Peter’s cupola was designed by Michelangelo, but it was Giacomo della Porta who finished its construction in 1593, after Michelangelo’s death.
Michelangelo started the work in 1546 during the papacy of Paolo III Farnese. When Michelangelo died (1564), work was halted until Giacomo della Porta, together with Domenico Fontana, started again in 1588. They used 800 workers.
The dome consists of two layers.
Initially the idea was to decorate its inside with mosaics, but when the realization struck home that that way the work would not be completed before the 1600 Jubilee these plans were canceled.
There are metal rings around the inner layer. These were added in the 18th century after cracks had appeared in the cupola’s surface. The bronze globe topping the cupola has a diameter of 3,3 meters.
In winter (Oct. 1 – Mar. 31) the dome can be climbed from 8am until 5pm, in summer months (Apr. 1 – Sep. 30) it is open from 8am until 6pm.
If you climb the entire 551 steps the admission cost is 5 Euros; if you take the lift as far as the terrace and climb the remaining 320 steps the cost will be 7 Euros.
Saint Peter’s Dome Practical Information
| Address | Basilica di San Pietro, Vatican City, Rome, Italy. |
| District | Vatican City |
| Hotels nearby | Hotels near Vatican City in Rome |
| Telephone | +39 06 69883731; +39 06 69883462; |
| Opening Hours | October 1 - March 31: 8AM - 5 PM; April 1 - Spetember 30: 8AM - 6PM. |
| Closed | Never |
| Admission | 5 Euros without elevator; 7 Euros with elevator. |
| Public transport | Metro A: Ottaviano; Bus 40E, 62, 64. |
| Special Holidays/Events | None |
| Note | The total number of steps is 551. Even if you take the lift, you will still have to climb 320 steps afterwards. |
Directions to the Saint Peter’s Dome
Take metro A to Ottaviano. Walk down the Via Ottaviana till you come to Saint Peter's Square. Look for the signs for the dome/cupola once you have entered the basilica.