Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is open to visitors every day, but access to the Holy Door is only granted during Holy Years (Jubilees). During the 2025 Jubilee, the Holy Door will be open to allow the faithful to perform acts of penance and conversion, symbolically entering into God’s mercy. The opening hours of the Holy Door will coincide with those of the basilica and will be communicated by the Vatican authorities in due time.

General opening hours of the basilica:
Monday-Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (access may be restricted during liturgical celebrations or special events)

Liturgical celebrations schedule:
Daily Mass: Every day at 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM
Special celebrations (such as the Opening Mass of the Jubilee and other Jubilee liturgies) will be announced by the Vatican. These liturgies will include solemn celebrations and special Masses for pilgrims attending the Jubilee.

Reservations and special access:
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and accessing the Holy Door does not require a reservation for pilgrims attending the celebrations. However, it is advisable to book a visit to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, as these are very popular attractions and may have long queues.

Guided tour bookings:
Guided tours can be booked through the official Vatican Museums website or through travel agencies. Reservations are especially useful during peak times.

Special liturgies during the 2025 Jubilee:
During the 2025 Jubilee, St. Peter’s Basilica will host solemn liturgies for pilgrims, with the participation of the Pope. These celebrations are an opportunity for the faithful to engage in moments of prayer, Eucharistic reflection, and to pass through the Holy Door as an act of penance and renewal.

Special events:
During the Jubilee, special Masses, processions, and moments of communal prayer will be held. Additionally, pilgrims from all over the world are expected to participate.

General information around the Basilica:
Near St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors will find various services and points of interest:

• St. Peter’s Square: One of the most famous squares in the world, designed by Bernini. It is a gathering place for the faithful, especially during papal celebrations.
• Cafés and restaurants: The surrounding area offers numerous cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It is the ideal place for a break after your visit.
• Vatican Post Office: For sending postcards or letters with the special St. Peter’s postmark.
• Vatican Shop: To purchase religious books, sacred items, and Vatican souvenirs.

How to get to St. Peter’s Basilica from St. John’s (San Giovanni):
Here are the best transport options:

• Metro (Fastest option):
  • Line A (Red):
    • From St. Giovanni station (Line A), take the train toward Battistini.
    • Get off at Ottaviano station, which is the closest station to St. Peter’s Basilica.
    • From Ottaviano, St. Peter’s Basilica is just a 10-15 minute walk. Follow the signs to St. Peter’s Square. The path is simple and well-signposted.
    • Travel time: Approximately 15-20 minutes by metro, plus about 10 minutes walking.
• Taxi:
  A taxi will take you directly to St. Peter’s Square in about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
• On foot (Option for walking enthusiasts):
  If you enjoy walking, you can take a stroll from St. Giovanni to St. Peter’s Basilica. The distance is approximately 3.5 km and will take around 40-45 minutes.Walking route:
  • Exit St. Giovanni station and follow Via Appia Nuova to Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano.
  • From there, continue towards Piazza Venezia, passing along Via dei Fori Imperiali, and then take Via del Corso.
  • At the end of Via del Corso, turn left and continue until you reach St. Peter’s Square.
• Bus (Alternative option):
  You can take a bus that will bring you close to the Vatican, but the metro is generally faster. If you prefer to take the bus:
  • Line 87: Take bus 87 from St. Giovanni (stop on Via Appia Nuova) and get off at Piazza San Pietro or nearby.
  • Travel time: Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.