Saint Peter's Square
Saint Peter's Square things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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My visit to Saint Peter's Square in 2006 was a mesmerizing journey that immersed me in the rich history and profound spirituality of Rome. This magnificent piazza, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, serves as the gateway to St. Peter's Basilica and embodies the grandeur and significance of the Vatican City. Approaching Saint Peter's Square, I was immediately struck by its vastness and the splendid colonnades that encircle the space, creating a sense of embrace and welcome. The harmonious symmetry and elegant design are a testament to Bernini's genius, seamlessly blending architectural magnificence with religious symbolism. The centerpiece of the square, the towering obelisk, adds an air of ancient mystique. Standing as a silent witness to centuries of history, it speaks to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its impact on the world. Its presence, juxtaposed against the grandeur of the Basilica, creates a powerful visual statement that captivates the imagination. The atmosphere in Saint Peter's Square is electric, pulsating with the energy of visitors from all corners of the globe. Pilgrims and tourists alike gather in this iconic space, unified by a shared reverence and curiosity. The sense of community and camaraderie among those present creates a truly unique ambiance that is both humbling and inspiring. The significance of Saint Peter's Square lies not only in its architectural splendor but also in its historical and spiritual significance. The square serves as a gathering place for momentous events, from the papal audiences to the proclamation of new pontiffs. Knowing that I was standing in a space that has witnessed countless pivotal moments in Catholic history was awe-inspiring and deeply humbling. The view from Saint Peter's Square towards the Basilica is a sight to behold. The majestic façade of St. Peter's Basilica, with its intricate details and towering dome, looms before you, evoking a sense of wonder and anticipation. The grandeur of the square, combined with the magnificence of the Basilica, creates an atmosphere that is truly transformative. Visiting Saint Peter's Square in 2006 was an experience that touched my soul. The combination of architectural brilliance, historical significance, and spiritual resonance made it a journey I will forever cherish. The square serves as a testament to the power of human achievement and the enduring legacy of faith. While Saint Peter's Square can be busy with visitors, the grandeur and historical significance of this iconic site make it well worth the visit. Planning ahead, visiting during quieter times, or joining a guided tour can help enhance the overall experience and allow for a more immersive understanding of the square's significance. My time in Saint Peter's Square remains etched in my memory as a profound encounter with history, art, and spirituality. It is a place where the world converges, united by a shared appreciation for beauty and a longing for deeper meaning. For anyone visiting Rome, a visit to Saint Peter's Square is an absolute must—an opportunity to be inspired, uplifted, and connected to something greater than ourselves.
Sayak DasSayak Das
00
Piazza San Pietro is famous for the St. Peter's Basilica on the front of the square. It is the center of the Vatican and the place where the Holy See holds major religious events. The world-famous architect Bernini personally supervised the construction of the project. The stone tablet in the middle was originally brought from Egypt by the Roman Emperor Caligula to decorate the circular square next to the palace. Today, every Sunday, the Pope holds a grand Mass in the square, where believers from all over the world gather to listen to the Pope's speech. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the Pope also holds evening prayers. Located in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, it is 340 meters long and 240 meters wide, in Baroque style. The entire square is like a keyhole, and the ground is paved with small black square stones. The two sides are surrounded by two sets of semicircular marble colonnades, forming three magnificent corridors. These two sets of colonnades are decorative buildings in the Vatican. They are composed of 284 round columns and 88 square columns arranged in four rows to form three corridors. These stone pillars are arranged on both sides of the square like a procession of four people. The column is 18 meters high and requires three or four people to hold it together. On the top of each stone pillar facing the square, there is a marble statue. They are all saints and saints in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, with different and lifelike expressions. An obelisk stands in the center of the square; an eagle is inlaid between the bronze lions, as if it is about to fly. There are two fountains with exquisite shapes on both sides, which are said to be the works of famous artists. In addition, almost all of the Vatican's most famous sights are also near the square.
Martin MilerMartin Miler
00
St. Peter's Square Piazza San Pietro Vatican City Lazio - Cupola di San Pietro - St. Peter's Basilica Vatican City Italy (All rolled together as one review) So we visited this after the spending the morning in the Vatican museums and just walked around the corner to the Square and St. Peters church. When we went there it was apparent that the Pope gave an audience from all the chairs set up. The struggle here seems to be the competing "I want to do my church service" with the "Tourism Industry must also survive". That said, the locals do a good job at managing both in opinion. In fact when we visited there was a service going on while we were free to roam around the church taking photos. Do not forget about removal of has and the church dress codes (covered shoulders and whatever else). The line was insanely long, so we went to get a bottle of water from the "Galleria Savelli Articoli Religiose" = Info-Vatican Tours (see pic) gift shop on the corner by the square (See Photo). When inside we were so surprised they sold "skip the line for the church and cupola" for like 8 Euros each. We were sold and skipped the big line and into a smaller line and were inside in about 20 minutes. What is your time worth? We were so glad we did that and look at the photos you will not be disappointed. Since the cupola, square and Basilica are so close by we did all 3 in about 5 hours, obviously not stopping to smell the roses. You can literally spend days just looking at the art. Thanks for reading and videos on the YouTube channel.
Best Bid SpotBest Bid Spot
00
Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square) was my first stop in Italy. Coming from tiny SG, it was quite a grand view and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We were really lucky to have come here today because of the clear weather and that the pope came to visit (fr!!!) A lot of people started to run after something and then I saw a car drive by with the pope inside. Really lucky of us because the pope only appears publicly on Wednesdays, Sundays, and some holidays (from what I briefly recall of my guide’s sharing, take it with a pinch of salt). There were lots of things to take in. The two large statues outside are of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. This piazza was where Saint Peter died, crucified upside down by the Romans. And so Saint Peter’s Basilica was built in Vatican City in his honour. There is also another statue of people standing on a boat, which I found is the “Angels Unaware” boat, unveiled in 2019 dedicated to migrants and refugees. The queue to enter Saint Peter’s Basilica was snaking but still reasonably so – we waited for maybe 30-45min. Our tour guide shared that the queue can sometimes take up to 2 hours 😦 The guide behind my group called out two people who tried to cut the queue by “blending” into her tour group 😅 There were a fair bit of smokers which was quite annoying, but perhaps something to get used to in Europe. Interestingly there were a heck lotta seagulls 🐦🐦🐦
vera simvera sim
00
Cuore della cristianità mondiale, Piazza San Pietro deve la sua caratteristica forma ellittica all’imponente colonnato di Gian Lorenzo Bernini che, commissionato da papa Alessandro VII Chigi, si compone di 284 colonne disposte radialmente su quattro file. Undici anni di lavoro (1656-1667), più di 40mila metri cubi di travertino trasportati da Tivoli via terra o tirati da cavalli lungo le sponde del fiume: con i suoi portici colonnati, la piazza più famosa al mondo simbolizza l’abbraccio universale della Chiesa, ai fedeli ma anche agli “eretici […] e gl’Infedeli per illuminarli alla vera fede”. Nel progettare il colonnato, Gian Lorenzo Bernini giocò con le illusioni ottiche, ottenendo un risultato scenografico e spettacolare. Chi attraversa la piazza vede le colonne riunirsi e distanziarsi, con una sensazione di movimento e di alternanza tra pieni e vuoti. Guardando il colonnato dal centro della piazza, nel punto indicato da uno dei due dischi di marmo sul selciato che segnano i fuochi dell’ellisse, ci sembra composto da una sola fila di colonne: quelle più esterne spariscono dietro quelle della fila interna. La piazza è dominata dalla maestosa Basilica di San Pietro, edificata nel corso di circa duecento anni, sovrastata dalla cupola cinquecentesca progettata da Michelangelo e completata da Giacomo Della Porta e Domenico Fontana. L’interno custodisce capolavori creati dai più grandi artisti della storia – tra cui Bernini, Maderno, Borromini, Canova, il Cavalier d’Arpino – e luoghi di immenso valore storico e spirituale, come le Grotte Vaticane e la Necropoli pre-costantiniana, dove si trova la tomba di Pietro. Da non perdere una visita alle ineguagliabili collezioni dei Musei Vaticani, dove si conservano sculture greche e romane, arazzi, antichità egizie, preziosi affreschi e opere di artisti come Giotto, Beato Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Tiziano, Carracci, Caravaggio, Poussin, Reni e Guercino. All’interno si accede alla superba Cappella Sistina, sede del Conclave per l'elezione del Sommo Pontefice, dove potete ammirare il magnifico Giudizio Universale di Michelangelo. Tra i 13 obelischi antichi che ornano Roma, l'Obelisco Vaticano, fatto collocare al centro della piazza da Sisto V, è uno di quelli egiziani trasportati a Roma al tempo di Caligola. Si tratta dell'antica "aguglia" del medioevo, quando si credeva che in punta, in un globo bronzeo (tolto da Sisto V), fossero deposte le ceneri di Cesare; oggi, in alto dov'è l'emblema bronzeo con i monti e la stella dei Chigi, è racchiusa una reliquia della Santa Croce. Scolpito nel granito rosso, si erge per oltre 25 metri; con il basamento e la croce raggiunge quasi 40 metri. Non è l’obelisco più alto tra quelli presenti in città, primato che spetta all’Obelisco Lateranense, ma è forse il più importante tra tutti, dato lo straordinario scenario che lo circonda. Poste simmetricamente al centro dei due emicicli del colonnato berniniano e in asse con l’Obelisco Vaticano, le fontane "quasi" gemelle di Piazza San Pietro si devono all’ingegno di due dei maggiori protagonisti della storia architettonica di questa celeberrima piazza: Carlo Maderno, autore della facciata della Basilica, e Gian Lorenzo Bernini, sommo esponente del barocco romano e geniale sistematore della piazza. Ogni domenica a mezzogiorno, una grande folla si raduna su piazza San Pietro per assistere all’Angelus Domini e ricevere la benedizione del Papa che si affaccia dalla finestra del suo studio nel Palazzo Apostolico.
Mario CornoMario Corno
00
The difference between people who want to see something and get ready for it. And those who think they want to see it and there are unnecessary queues. Wonderful experience and monument. Wonderful memories. I recommend everyone to buy tickets online and in advance. You do not have to spend long hours in long queues. It is useless. Early in the morning we got up and immediately after breakfast we headed for the basilica. We waited for about 15 minutes because they were late with opening the basilica. It is Italy people :) The toilets are right at the base and are free. The experience is great. We made many photos. It is cheaper to buy ticket for foot on a walk. However, if you want to ride a lift, you will pay extra 2 euros. Walking 550 steps up and 550 steps down. But they definitely do so. First climb up, then look inside the dome - the familiar interior. Beautiful mosaics. Then climb like on the roof and then on the dome itself up to the top. Then the east leads you to the basilica itself down to the altars. Really beautiful. Such a tour spends about 3 hours. But it's great. I LOVE THIS PLACE
Jiřina LysákováJiřina Lysáková
10
Nearby Attractions Of Saint Peter's Square
Vatican Museums
St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo
Sistine Chapel
Parco della Mole Adriana
St. Angelo Bridge
St. Peter Square Obelisk
Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II
Gardens of Vatican City
Vatican Museums
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St. Peter's Basilica
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Castel Sant'Angelo
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Sistine Chapel
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Nearby Restaurants Of Saint Peter's Square
Ristorante Pizzeria Castello
Bonci Pizzarium
Caffè Delle Commari
Ristorante dei Musei
La Soffitta Renovatio
L'Isola della Pizza
La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale
Restaurant "La Vittoria"
Osteria Ragno d'oro
Ristorante Pizzeria Castello
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Bonci Pizzarium
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Caffè Delle Commari
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Ristorante dei Musei
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
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Phone
+39 06 6988 2350
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(16.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, Sistine Chapel, Parco della Mole Adriana, St. Angelo Bridge, St. Peter Square Obelisk, Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience, Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, Gardens of Vatican City, restaurants: Ristorante Pizzeria Castello, Bonci Pizzarium, Caffè Delle Commari, Ristorante dei Musei, La Soffitta Renovatio, L'Isola della Pizza, La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo, Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale, Restaurant "La Vittoria", Osteria Ragno d'oro
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