14 Nov 2024
The view from the top of the dome is worth the entire tour. Amazing views of St. Peters Square and the papal residence and Vatican gardens. The crypts didn't impress me very much, and sadly the main altar was under renovation (not the tour's fault obviously). You'll have as much time in the Basilica as you want. Make sure you are ready for the climb--don't remember the exact number of steps, but it was over 300. But again, very worth it. The guide provided some useful context and interesting facts--e.g. all the art in the Basilica is actually mosaics, there are no paintings per se because they tend to fade.