Tours and Tickets to Experience La Pietà

There are plenty of ways to experience La Pietà. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
• Private Vatican Museums Hidden Gems Tour with Optional Pick-Up
• Small Group Early Bird Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Basilica
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St Peter’s Semi-Private Tour
• Rome: Vatican Museums and Gardens Private Tour - Pick up included

It is free to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where Michelangelo’s famous sculpture is located. However, long entry lines mean that many people opt to purchase skip-the-line admission tickets. Tours of the Vatican Museums, which can cost anywhere from €60 to €150 per person, often include entry to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Yes, La Pietà, which depicts the Virgin Mary holding a crucified Jesus, is considered one of Michelangelo’s most impressive works. Not only is it a must-see for anyone with an interest in Renaissance art, but it’s housed in one of Rome’s most opulent basilicas. It shouldn’t be missed.

No, reservations are not needed to visit La Pietà. Be prepared for a security check at the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, with significant wait times. Worshippers (i.e. Catholics coming to pray and not simply visiting for tourism) often are invited to jump to the head of the line.

Yes, photography is typically allowed, although keep in mind that the sculpture is displayed behind protective glass, so it can be difficult to photograph La Pietà without a glare. Never use flash photography, which can be damaging to delicate artworks, and avoid disrupting the spiritual atmosphere, which encourages contemplation.

Aim to visit La Pietà in the early morning, right after opening time, for lesser crowds. Avoid peak hours at midday, when tour bus passengers flood into St. Peter’s Square. This is also the time when the sun’s strong rays make it most uncomfortable to wait in an outdoor line.