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St. Peter's Square

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St. Peter's Square (Vatican)

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St. Peter's Square is a monumental plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII. The square is famous for its massive Doric colonnades, which extend from the basilica in two semi-circular arms, intended to welcome visitors in a symbolic embrace. These colonnades are comprised of 284 columns arranged in four rows and are crowned by 140 statues of saints. At the center of the square stands a 4,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk, brought to the site in 1586 under the guidance of Domenico Fontana. The obelisk acts as a giant sundial. Two identical fountains, one by Bernini and the other by Carlo Maderno, flank the obelisk. The square is designed to accommodate a maximum number of people to witness the Pope's blessings and addresses. Its oval shape and architectural design create an impressive and theatrical approach to the basilica, making it a masterpiece of Baroque urban planning.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
St. Peter's Square is a public square freely accessible. You can admire the colonnades and soak in the Vatican atmosphere.
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Typical hours
The square is open 24 hours a day. Access to the basilica is only during its opening hours, typically from 7 AM to 7 PM.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the square. For the best shots, come early morning when the light is soft and crowds are thinner.
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Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes for a stroll across the square. If you also visit the basilica and climb the dome, budget an extra 1.5-2 hours.
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Combine with
St. Peter's Square is the great starting point for visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel is nearby.
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Getting there
The nearest metro station is Ottaviano (Line A), about a 5-10 minute walk away. Buses 64 and 98 also stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit the square early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. The sunset lighting is spectacular.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90220, 12.45560

Facts

  • The square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667.
  • The colonnades are comprised of 284 columns and 88 pilasters.
  • There are 140 statues of saints atop the colonnades.
  • The Egyptian obelisk at the center is 25.5 meters (83.6 ft) tall.
  • The square measures 320 meters long and 240 meters wide.
  • The square can hold up to 300,000 people during special occasions.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Teutonic Cemetery ChapelTeutonic Cemetery Chapel<1 km · SWExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
ColosseumColosseum3 km · SEExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Peter's Square (10)

Arch of the Bells

The arch in Vatican City leads to the bell tower of St. Peter's Basilica.

Portone di Bronzo

The bronze door of the Apostolic Palace is the official entrance to the papal residence.

Pauline Chapel

The chapel in the Apostolic Palace is used by the pope for private masses.

Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

The church in Rome is a place of worship.

Il Cuore di Nerone

The attraction in Vatican City is a site of historical interest.

Vatican Obelisk

The Egyptian obelisk in St. Peter's Square dates from the 1st century BC.

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

The four rooms in the Vatican Palace were painted by Raphael and his workshop between 1509 and 1524.

Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

The church in Rome is dedicated to Saints Martin and Sebastian.

Dome of Saint Peter

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica has a wide view over Rome and the Vatican.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does St. Peter's Square cost an entry fee?
No, access to the square is free and it is open daily.
When does the Papal Audience take place?
Usually on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM in the square, provided the Pope is in Rome.
How many colonnades are there?
The square is surrounded by 284 columns in four rows, designed by Bernini.
Is photography allowed in the square?
Yes, photography for private purposes is allowed throughout the square.
Are there toilets at St. Peter's Square?
Yes, there are public toilets near the colonnades on both sides.
St. Peter's Square: where is it located?
St. Peter's Square is located in Vatican.
St. Peter's Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Arch of the Bells, Portone di Bronzo, Pauline Chapel.
St. Peter's Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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