St Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) is the grand colonnaded area in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. A visually imposing entry to this great church, the semi-circular colonnades on either side designed by the Roman Baroque sculptor Bernini, seem to reach out and enfold you in their arms. Within the colonnade lies the security-check for entry to St. Peter's and, on the other side, the Vatican post office, because the Vatican is its own municipality with its own stamps.
During times such as the death of a pope or election of a new one, and at Easter and Christmas, the piazza is jammed with pilgrims from all over the world.
Practical Info
St. Peter's Square is easy to reach. Metro line A stops Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano or Cipro. Tramway 19 to Piazza del Risorgimento, or various buses. You can also walk from the centre of Rome across Ponte Sant'Angelo and up towards the piazza for the most breathtaking approach.
Tours & Tickets
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms and St Peter's
Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica on this must-do Vatican walking tour, in a group of no more than 20 people! With some 12,000 ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Illuminated Rome Night Tour with Aperitivo
See an illuminated Rome on a 3.5-hour nighttime sightseeing tour. You’ll start at a local wine bar to enjoy a traditional ‘aperitivo’ – a glass of fine wine ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Papal Audience Tickets and Presentation
Book your ticket for a Papal Audience with Pope Francis I in the Vatican City. The Papal Audience tickets are free of charge but you must reserve them. This ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Civitavecchia Shore Excursion: Independent Rome Day Trip
When your cruise ship docks at the Civitavecchia port, embark on an independent shore excursion to Rome. Your private driver will pick you up and take you to ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
