St Peter's Square, Rome - What To See

St Peter’s Square, at the heart of Vatican City, is one of Rome’s biggest piazzas and people gather here regularly for various occasions. When there’s an event underway, the atmosphere here is absolutely extraordinary and we’d really recomend experiencing it. Even when events aren’t taking place, the square is always busy and we enjoyed just soaking up the peaceful feel of the place. Bernini designed the sets of columns here which are topped by a sweeping stone roof, lined with statues of the saints looking down on the piazza. The oval lines of columns lead to the vast but beautiful St Peter’s Basilica which looks out onto the open space. There are two water fountains and a central obelisk in the piazza too.

The regular audience with the Pope takes place in the warmer months of the year in St Peter’s Square each Wednesday from around 10.30am. Sometimes on hot days the audience begins at 10am. You can just turn up, but it’s advisable to get a free ticket up to 3 days in advance from the Swiss Guard at the “Bronze Door”. As with all events in St Peter’s Square, you will need to pass through airport style security scanners which sometimes takes a little time. The other opportuity to see the Pope when he is in Rome is on Sundays when he appears at the window of his apartment to bless the crowds at around 12 noon. If you prefer, you can actually book an audience with the pope: Papal Audience Tickets.

There are a number of organised tours you can take which call in at St Peter’s Square. Most popluar is the St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Half Day Walking Tour which gives “Skip The Line” entry to the Basilic and the Museums. You can see details of all the tours available in Rome and get latest prices any currency here.

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address: St Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro), Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 (011) 39 06 6982 (Vatican Switchboard)
Nearest Metro Stop: Ottaviano.