Saint Peter's Square
What to See If you want to visit this place, here is some useful information about it.
The Saint Peter's Square is one of the most iconic and impressive squares in Rome. Located just in front of St. Peter's Basilica, it serves as a major gathering place for pilgrims, tourists, and faithful from around the world.
In the center of the square, you will find a massive Egyptian obelisk that rises majestically towards the sky. This obelisk, dating back to Antiquity, is surrounded by two magnificent monumental fountains, the Fontana del Bernini and the Fontana del Maderno. These fountains add a touch of elegance and charm to the entire square.
The square is framed by two imposing colonnades designed by the Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. These elliptical colonnades are composed of four rows of Doric columns that extend in a circle, creating a sense of welcome and openness. The colonnades house a large number of saints' statues and martyrs, offering a solemn and inspiring atmosphere.
As you stroll through the square, you will notice the magnificent architectural details of St. Peter's Basilica, which stands majestically at the end of the square. Its impressive facade, with its columns and sculptures, is a true masterpiece of religious art. The interior of the basilica is equally breathtaking, with its frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures, testifying to centuries of faith and history.
In addition to the basilica, the square is also home to other important buildings, such as the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope resides, and the Vatican Museums, which house an incredible collection of artworks and historical treasures.
By visiting Saint Peter's Square, you will be immersed in a unique atmosphere of spirituality, history, and grandeur. It is a place where thousands of pilgrims gather to celebrate their faith, where tourists from around the world admire exceptional art and architecture, and where a serene and contemplative ambiance prevails.
Whether you are a believer or simply curious to explore one of Rome's most famous sites, Saint Peter's Square will offer you an unforgettable experience and leave you with lasting memories.
Tips I'm sharing all my tips here for visiting this place under the best conditions.
Visit Saint Peter's Basilica
Don't miss the visit to the magnificent Saint Peter's Basilica (free entry), one of the most important sites in Christianity. Admire its grand architecture, its art masterpieces, and don't forget to climb up to the dome for breathtaking views of Rome (ticket for the dome available here). Immerse yourself in the history of the Vatican by visiting the Papal Necropolis, book your slot for the papal grottoes here. Experience an unforgettable adventure in Rome by joining a guided tour of Saint Peter's Basilica (book here now, spots fill up fast).
Attend the Papal Audience
If you are present on a Wednesday morning on Saint Peter's Square, don't miss the opportunity to attend the Papal Audience, where the Pope addresses the faithful. Check the schedule and access arrangements in advance, as they may vary depending on the time of year. Ticket available here.
Discover the colonnade of the square
Take a stroll along the famous colonnade of the square, designed by Bernini. Admire the columns shaped like open arms, symbolizing the welcome of the faithful. This unique architectural structure is a true work of art not to be missed.
Explore the Vatican Gardens
Discover the verdant secrets of the Vatican Gardens, always coupled with entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. These iconic gardens are open for visits only in the morning, as the Pope peacefully strolls through them in the afternoon. To secure your spot, it's best to book in advance. The visit is guided, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this majestic place. Choose between a walking tour or a mini-bus tour to explore these enchanting gardens and feel the harmony between nature and history. Book here now and embark on an unforgettable experience at the heart of the Vatican!
Try to attend a religious ceremony
If you have the opportunity to attend a religious ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica, seize this unique occasion. The solemn atmosphere and liturgical chants create a memorable spiritual experience and allow you to feel the significance of this sacred place.
Taste the local culinary specialties
After your visit, treat yourself to a gastronomic break and taste the local culinary specialties in one of the nearby restaurants or cafes. Whether it's pizza, pasta, or gelato, savor the delights of Italian cuisine to complete your experience at St. Peter's Square.
Information Here are all the useful information about this place (address, opening hours, coordinates, etc.).
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History Every place has its history. Discover all the events that have marked this place here.
The Piazza San Pietro in Rome: A Majestic Historic Place
Welcome to Piazza San Pietro, a vast baroque esplanade located in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. This place serves as the forecourt of the basilica and offers a magnificent view of its western facade. It is here that the crowd gathers during grand religious festivals presided over by the Pope, including the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
An Ancient and Prestigious Past
Before the construction of the current basilica, a part of the square housed a vast peristyle providing access to the ancient Vatican basilica in the time of Emperor Constantine. This historically significant place dates back to immemorial times and has undergone numerous evolutions over the centuries.
The Creation of a Breathtaking Square
The Piazza San Pietro as we know it today was commissioned in 1656 by Pope Alexander VII to the talented artist Bernini. His goal was to enhance the space in front of the basilica. Bernini had to face numerous challenges: preserving the existing buildings (while avoiding obstructing the windows of the papal apartments from where the Pope regularly appears), creating a vast esplanade capable of accommodating a large crowd, and providing a covered passage for processions.
In a baroque spirit, Bernini conceived a solution that was both symbolic and aesthetic: a colonnade spreading from the basilica, resembling two open arms to welcome the crowd. According to him, St. Peter's Basilica, as the mother of all churches, had to show its desire to warmly welcome Catholics. This symbolic meaning is illustrated in one of his drawings, where the arms represent an ideal body with the dome as the head.
Bernini dedicated eleven years of his life, from 1656 to 1667, to the realization of this grand architectural ensemble. The square features 284 columns, 88 pillars, and 140 statues, rising to a height of 19 meters. Bernini even planned to completely enclose the square with a third wing or a triumphal arch to the east, to amaze the pilgrims coming out of the narrow streets of the Borgo district. Unfortunately, the death of Alexander VII definitively put an end to the works.
A Comprehensive Restoration
From 2009 to 2014, Piazza San Pietro underwent an extensive restoration campaign. The colonnade, statues, twin fountains Clementina and Gregoriana, the obelisk, as well as the impressive 1,200 meters of balconies and cornices, were restored. This initiative, partly financed by private sponsors such as ENI, TIM, and Banco Popolare, was carried out by the Vatican Museums in collaboration with Italian companies Italiana Costruzioni and Fratelli Navarra. Thanks to this restoration, the splendor of this iconic place was preserved and enhanced, offering visitors from around the world an unforgettable experience and a true immersion in history.
Family If you're visiting this place with your family, I'm sharing some great tips that will delight both kids and adults.
Outdoor Art: Organize a Drawing Session at Saint Peter's Square
Bring sketchbooks and pencils and organize an outdoor drawing session at Saint Peter's Square. Encourage children to capture architectural details or draw people passing by. It's a creative activity that will allow them to express themselves artistically while admiring the magnificent landscape.
Live Concert: Attend a Mass or Concert at Saint Peter's Square
Find out the schedules of masses or concerts taking place at Saint Peter's Square and attend them with your children. It's a unique experience to hear music or songs in such a majestic setting. It will also allow them to discover the spiritual dimension of this historical place.
Discover Leonardo da Vinci's Genius next to the Saint Peter's Square
If you are at the Saint Peter's Square with your children, don't miss the nearby Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Leonardo da Vinci with interactive exhibitions and playful workshops. Discover his inventions and explore the brilliant mind of this iconic artist, inventor, and scientist. Book your tickets here.