The Ascent to the Dome

The entrance to the dome is located on the right of the basilica. An elevator can be taken to the first level which gives access to the terrace over the central nave, over which tower the central dome, two large circular cupolas which are purely decorative since they are unrelated to the interior, four smaller circular cupolas which correspond to the our large chapels at the end of the transept, and six elliptical cupolas which give light to the side aisles. The rest of the ascent must be made on foot. From the gallery on the inside, the interior of the basilica can be admired and on the outside, one can view the magnificent panorama of Rome's churches, bell-towers and rooftops, with the Alban hills in the background.