Explore the rich history of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica during this expertly guided tour. Secure a reserved seat in St. Peter’s Square, participate in the Papal Audience, and receive blessings from Pope Francis.
Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Audio guide included: English
Discover the rich history of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica with this unique guided tour. Secure a reserved seat in St. Peter’s Square, attend the Papal Audience, and receive blessings from Pope Francis.
About this activityFree cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Reserve now and pay later to keep your travel plans flexible. The duration is approximately 2 hours. Live tour guide available in English, with an included English audio guide. Wheelchair accessible.
Experience HighlightsThis tour exclusively coincides with the Wednesday Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square. The invitation ticket for the Audience is free, lasting about 1.5 hours. Immerse yourself in art, culture, and devotion as your Vatican-accredited guide shares stories, anecdotes, and explanations about the square and the Basilica.
After the insightful tour, take your exclusive reserved seat to witness the Papal Audience. It's not just a religious celebration; it's an occasion for devotees and pilgrims to meet Pope Francis and receive his blessing. The Pope, aboard the Popemobile, will tour the square, making stops to greet and embrace attendees.
IncludesAll visitors must pass through airport-style security. Likely to sell out. From €193.89 per person.
St. Peter's Square, located in Vatican City, is not just a magnificent plaza but a symbol of historical and spiritual significance. The square is named after St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and considered the first pope by the Catholic Church. Its design and construction are attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini during the 17th century.
The square serves as a forecourt to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest and most renowned churches in the world. The layout of the square is an impressive elliptical shape surrounded by a colonnade, symbolizing the embracing arms of the Catholic Church. The central obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument, adds a touch of grandeur to the square.
Visiting St. Peter's Square can be a profound experience for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It is not only a place of religious importance but also a marvel of architecture and art. Pilgrims from around the world gather here for various events, including papal audiences and blessings.
Meeting the Pope is a dream come true for many Catholics. Pope Francis, the current pontiff as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, is known for his humility and compassion. Audience with the Pope can take place during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square or through special arrangements.
Attending a general audience typically involves joining a large crowd in the square. The Pope delivers a message, and there is often an opportunity for individuals to receive a personal blessing. Special arrangements, on the other hand, might include private audiences for specific groups or individuals.
Receiving the Pope's blessing is a sacred moment for many. It is a symbol of spiritual connection and guidance. The blessing can take various forms, including the apostolic blessing, which is a solemn blessing imparted by the Pope, often accompanied by the sign of the cross.
Individuals receiving the blessing may kneel before the Pope, and he may place his hands on their heads or offer a blessing from a distance. The exact ritual can vary, but the significance remains profound for those who seek this spiritual encounter.
Yes, general audiences are open to the public. Pilgrims and visitors can gather in St. Peter's Square to witness the Pope's message and, in some cases, receive a blessing.
Private audiences are usually arranged through official channels. Requests can be made through the Vatican's diplomatic representations or by contacting the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
The apostolic blessing is a special blessing imparted by the Pope, symbolizing the transmission of spiritual grace and guidance. It holds great significance for those who receive it.
It seems like a robbery to me because I called to meet the guide, and he never arrived... I hope they return my money 🫰
No one was there. Nobody responsible. Then we went alone. Came in and got a seat. We want our money back!
The visit was in English, which was not specified in the purchase announcement. But the guide was great. She spoke slowly, and it was very interesting. We have adored.
Our guide was awesome!! He told us exactly where to sit to be able to have the pope bless our baby. Our baby was blessed by the pope, truly such a great experience!
Everything worked out wonderfully, had the best seats!!👍
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