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St. Peter’s Square | Vatican City’s iconic open air space

St. Peter's BasilicaSt. Peter's Square

St. Peter’s Square | The heart of the city and Christianity 

Named after Saint Peter, one of Jesus' apostles and the first Pope, St. Peter’s Square is where he was martyred. Today, it’s a beautiful gathering spot where people from all over the world come to connect with the Church's sacred atmosphere. Consisting of an endless line of Doric colonnades, beautiful statues, and other exquisite structures, it is one of the most incredible squares in the world.

Pro tip: Entrance to Saint Peter’s Square is free throughout the year. However, for guided tours and other events, tickets can be purchased online.

Plan your visit to St. Peter’s Square

St Peter's Square Opening Hours

Opening hours

You can wander through the outdoor areas of Saint Peter's Piazza at any time, though access to specific attractions might vary.

Best time to visit: St. Peter’s Square is a prime landmark at the Vatican City, which means that there will be large crowds throughout the year. To avoid this, the best time to visit is either early in the morning between 7am to 9am or in the evening around 6pm to 7pm. You can visit at midnight too since it is open throughout.  

Location

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City

Find on Maps

St. Peter's Square is located right outside St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It lies on the west side of the Borgo neighborhood.

Nearest landmark: St. Peter’s Basilica, 400m away

St Peter's Square Visitor Information

Visitor information

  • St. Peter's Square is located in Vatican City, which is a holy landmark in Rome. You should cover their shoulders and knees at all times during your visit. Attractions inside Vatican City will not allow visitors who are not dressed appropriately.
  • Many important ceremonies take place at St. Peter’s Square, including the Papal audience. Look out for the Papal audience dates to see if it coincides with your visit. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you! When the Pope is in residence, the Papal Audience usually takes place every Wednesday morning, between 10am to 11am. Prayers and mass are also held for the general public from time to time, as well as celebrations on religious holidays like Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day. Every year on the 22nd of February, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated at St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Lastly, Vatican City houses an array of historical sites. Combine your visit to St. Peter’s Square with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and other landmarks inside the Vatican.

Main attractions in St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican Grottoes
Statues of saints
Colonnades
Fountains at St. Peter’s Square
Obelisk at St. Peter’s Square
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St. Peter's Basilica

The crown jewel of St. Peter's Square, this magnificent basilica is a marvel of Renaissance architecture. Inside, you’ll find works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the grandiose Baldachin by Bernini. The climb to the top of the dome offers a wonderful view of Vatican City and Rome.

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The Vatican Grottoes

Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica lie the Vatican Grottoes, a series of chapels and tombs. The grottoes offer a solemn and reflective experience, providing insight into the rich history and spiritual significance of the papacy.

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Statues of saints

Standing tall at a height of 64 feet are 140 statues that adorn the top of the oval-shaped colonnades. These statues are the embodiment of various Saints and Martyrs, the creation of which was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. Most of the statues were designed by architect Lorenzo Morelli and took over a decade to complete.

Colonnades

Four deep Doric colonnades make up the boundaries of St. Peter’s Square and form an elegant entrance to the Basilica. It is the most defining structure of the square with 284 columns and 88 pillars. Laid out in its elliptical manner, the colonnades are meant to embrace visitors with the “maternal arms of the Church.”

Fountains

There are two almost identical fountains on either side of St. Peter’s Square. The first fountain was built in the year 1614 by architect Carlo Maderno, while the second one was built years later in 1675 by Bernini. Bernini constructed the second fountain in a similar style to Maderno’s.

Obelisk

One of the most striking features of St. Peter’s Square is the tall Egyptian obelisk that stands at its center. Emperor Augustus had the obelisk moved to Alexandria, where it remained until 37AD. After this, Emperor Caligula commissioned for it to be brought to Rome and had it placed at the center of the Circus of Nero. It was shifted to its current spot in 1586 under the direction of Pope Sixtus V.

History of St. Peter’s Square in a Nutshell

Piazza San Pietro, or St. Peter’s Square, was designed by the famous sculptor Bernini under Pope Alexander VII’s watchful eye. Built between 1656 and 1667 on the site where the apostle Peter was martyred, the square was made to enhance the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. 

The open space was crafted to accommodate large crowds for solemn events, like the Feast of Corpus Christi, and to allow people to see the Pope’s blessing from the church facade or Vatican Palace windows. Bernini used a simplified Doric order for the colonnades, designed to complement, not compete with, the basilica’s facade. The square, initially begun by Pope Sixtus V with the placement of the obelisk, was completed by Bernini to enhance the Basilica’s grandeur and provide a fitting setting for major ceremonies and public events.

History of St. Peter's Basilica
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Visit St. Peter's Square & St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour with Dome Access
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Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.
Guided tour
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€35
St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tickets with Audio Guide
Free cancellation
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Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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€29
St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
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1 hr.
Guided tour
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€14.90
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
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Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.
Guided tour
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from
€62

Cultural significance of St. Peter’s Square

Today, St. Peter’s Square holds profound cultural significance as the spiritual and ceremonial heart of the Catholic Church, symbolizing the unity of the faithful around the papacy. It is the site where the Pope addresses the world, delivers blessings, and conducts major religious ceremonies, making it a focal point for global Catholicism. The square also serves as a key pilgrimage destination and a witness to significant historical events, including papal conclaves and mass gatherings. Its role in hosting these events, along with its status as a symbol of the Vatican, makes it a powerful emblem of the Church's influence and its enduring connection to millions of believers worldwide.

St. Peter’s Square has also been featured in works of art, literature, films, and television shows. It is often depicted as a symbol of faith, power, and the grandeur of the Catholic Church. Its use in media ranges from documentary films about the Vatican to fictional depictions in movies like Angels & Demons.

Frequently asked questions about St. Peter’s Square

How do I get to St. Peter’s Square?

Take the metro line A and get off at Ottaviano. Alternatively, bus routes 34, 64, 98, N98, 190F, 881 and N904 will take you close to St. Peter's Square. You can also take a taxi from any point around the city.

How do I get tickets for a papal audience at St. Peter’s Square?

Tickets for papal audiences can be requested in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household, through your diocese pr online.

Are there any historical relics or artifacts in St. Peter’s Square?

While St. Peter’s Square itself does not contain relics, it is closely connected to the basilica, which houses many significant relics, including the bones believed to be those of St. Peter. The square also features the obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument that was originally erected in Heliopolis and later moved to Rome.

When was St. Peter’s Square built?

St. Peter’s Square was built between 1656 and 1667.

Who built St. Peter’s Square?

St. Peter’s Square was designed by renowned artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

What are some popular places to grab a bite to eat near St. Peter's Square, and are there any local street food options worth trying?

Two popular spots near St. Peter's Square include Scialla The Original Street Food, which offers a variety of quick and tasty Italian street food, and EGG Pasta Fresca, known for its fresh, homemade pasta dishes. These spots are great for experiencing local flavors and grabbing a delicious, casual meal after exploring the Vatican.

Where is the St. Peter’s Square obelisk from?

The obelisk at St. Peter’s Square was brought to Rome from Egypt in 37AD by the Roman Emperor Caligula.

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