There’s only one way you should approach the Piazza San Pietro: head directly up the Via della Conciliazione to come face-to-face with the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Once you are standing in the piazza, better known as St. Peter’s Square, you will be in no doubt that you are at the very center of the smallest state in the world.
The piazza as it is today is the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Baroque architect was appointed in the mid-17th century to create a space that would allow the greatest number of people to see the pope as he made public addresses from the Vatican Palace. Every Easter Day, the Piazza San Pietro is still thronged by pilgrims who turn out to witness the pope deliver his annual message. In reality, there is rarely a quiet day at the piazza.
The key is to take your time to pick out the points of interest you wish to see. Positioned right at the core of the piazza is the Egyptian obelisk, more than 82-feet (25-meter) tall and crafted out of red granite. It’s claimed that the obelisk was moved by Caligula in the year 37 from Alexandria to the Circus of Nero, a brutal theater of death games and crucifixions, which stood on the current site of the piazza. This is also the spot where St. Peter’s life ended at the hands of the Romans. There’s a striking painting of his martyrdom by Caravaggio in the Cerasi Chapel.
Forming the elliptical shape of the piazza are the towering, four-deep colonnades, which are ingeniously positioned to create an optical illusion. Looking just above the colonnades, you will see a multitude of statues, a collection of saintly figures including St. John the Baptist and Christ the Redeemer. St. Peter himself occupies a position to the right-hand side of the steps leading to the basilica, and was sculpted by Giuseppe De Fabris. He is faced on the other side by St. Paul.
St. Peter's Square is in central Rome. You can walk there from the city center the most direct route is to cross the Tiber and walk straight up Via della Conciliazione. The Metro train station Ottaviano is a short walk away along Via Ottaviano.
St. Peter's Square Tours and Activities
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Reviewed on Nov. 8, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 1242 activitiesOpens in new tabSkip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basil...
Attractions
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabSkip-the-Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Admission Ticket
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 232 activitiesOpens in new tab3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
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See all 312 activitiesOpens in new tab3-Hour Private Tour of Rome with Golf Cart
Shopping & fashion
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabRome: Castel Romano Outlet Shopping Full-Day Trip
Reviews of St. Peter's Square
5/5 - Excellent
The new sculpture, Angels Unawares, is a must see.
5/5 - Excellent
Its beautiful, but if you are there during the midday it is hot! GO early.
5/5 - Excellent
There is just a special feeling in places like this. So impressive
4/5 - Good
If you can skip the line, do it!
4/5 - Good
Massive crowds. We didn't tour inside but worth seeing the scale of the Vatican City.
4/5 - Good
Massive crowds. Didn't go into the Vatican museums or Sistine Chapel but worth the trip to see the scale of it all.
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