Visiting the dome of St Peter's generally takes between one and two hours, depending on the waiting time and the pace of the visit.
The dome of St Peter's, designed by Michelangelo, is one of Rome's most iconic attractions and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The time needed for the visit may vary depending on several factors. First, it is important to consider the time of year: during peak tourist season, such as summer, queues to access the dome can be longer, so it is advisable to arrive early in the morning or book a skip-the-line ticket.
Once inside, there are two options to climb: you can either take the lift up to a certain point and then walk the remaining 320 steps, or you can tackle the entire route on foot, which comprises some 551 steps. The climb is challenging, but the view from the top certainly repays the effort.
In addition, it is good to consider the time you want to spend exploring the basilica itself, which is rich in artwork and history. In summary, planning a couple of hours to visit the dome is a good idea to fully enjoy the experience.
