St Peter's Basilica: is it open to visitors on your date?
Short answer: Fri 6 Nov 2026: Open to visitors 07:00–19:00.
St Peter's is open every day, but on most Wednesday mornings the square fills for the Pope's general audience and the basilica stays shut until it is over. Tourists who come at 09:00 queue for hours or find a barrier.
Fri 6 November 2026
Open 07:00–19:00
Last entry 18:15.
| 07:00–19:00 | Open to visitors |
Closing times are approximate; check the notice on the day.
The rule
Open every day from 07:00 to 20:00 (19:00 from late October to late March), last entry 45 minutes before closing. On Wednesdays with a papal general audience in the square, the basilica stays closed until the audience ends, usually around 12:30. Papal Masses on major feasts also close it to visitors.
Entry is free; the dome climb is extra. Security queues are shortest at 07:00 and after 17:00. Shoulders and knees covered. Guided groups are admitted 09:30–17:30 Monday to Saturday and 13:30–15:30 on Sundays.
St Peter's Basilica tours and tickets
Is St Peter's Basilica under scaffolding?
Source: Basilica Papale di San Pietro, opening hours. Rule last checked November 2026.
Through the year
| Mid-month Wednesday | Open to visitors |
|---|---|
| 20 Jan 2027 | 12:30–19:00 |
| 17 Feb 2027 | 12:30–19:00 |
| 17 Mar 2027 | 12:30–19:00 |
| 14 Apr 2027 | 12:30–20:00 |
| 19 May 2027 | 12:30–20:00 |
| 16 Jun 2027 | 12:30–20:00 |
| 14 Jul 2027 | 07:00–20:00 |
| 18 Aug 2027 | 12:30–20:00 |
| 15 Sep 2027 | 12:30–20:00 |
| 20 Oct 2027 | 12:30–20:00 |
| 18 Nov 2026 | 12:30–19:00 |
| 16 Dec 2026 | 12:30–19:00 |
St Peter's Basilica by month
Questions
What time is St Peter's Basilica open to visitors today?
Fri 6 November 2026: open to visitors 07:00–19:00. Pick another date above; the times move every day.
Is St Peter's Basilica open on Wednesday?
Wed 11 November: open to visitors 12:30–19:00; closed for the papal audience. The basilica closes on Wednesday mornings only when the Pope's audience is held in St Peter's Square or inside the basilica. When it moves to the Paul VI Hall (often in winter or bad weather) the basilica opens at 07:00 as usual. There are no audiences in July.
When is St Peter's Basilica closed to visitors?
Open every day from 07:00 to 20:00 (19:00 from late October to late March), last entry 45 minutes before closing. On Wednesdays with a papal general audience in the square, the basilica stays closed until the audience ends, usually around 12:30. Papal Masses on major feasts also close it to visitors.
This site follows a fixed weekly timetable rather than daily prayer times. Opening hours can change for religious holidays, state ceremonies and restoration work; times are local (Europe/Rome).