Piazza San Pietro
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The Saint Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro in Italian, is a large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Both square and basilica are named after Saint Peter. Expect crowds with at least thousands of people showing up here on a daily basis, and I really didn't like how disorganized it was for the waiting area and people cutting lines regularly.
When in Rome, a mist is a visit to the separate state/city of the Vatican to see the Basilica San Pietro (Saint Peter's), the largest church in the world. It's not a check list item but a religious sight that is of immense value for the history, the art, the sentiment for Christians around the entire world. It's a place of unbelievable immensity and for wonder as a manmade sight. Had to stop in...just have to patient with lines going in!
No cardinals getting murdered today - see "Angels & Demons" starring Tom Hanks - so it is a beautiful spot and no better place to see it than from the stairs when exiting the Musei Vaticani. It was here in the year 67 AD where Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church, was crucified and became a martyr. The building which is now Saint Peter's Basilica was constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries and was fully consecrated in 1626. The piazza was designed in the 17th century by the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It's still worth seeing from the opposite side, standing on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica. Don't miss the tall Egyptian obelisk in the center, which for some reason I'm not adding as a separate "business" today. It has four lions at the base and a granite band to the north of the obelisk to function as a sundial and point out noon. It has been here in this spot since 1586. [Review 19177 overall - 332 in Italy - 147 of 2023.]
A massive Piazza which is the home to the Vatican City Museum, the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter. When you walk in you are in awe of the grandness of this Piazza and of the history which has been made here. We had the opportunity to visit all three of the structures in the Piazza. Thousands of people move in and out on a regular basis.
Amazing experience. It is definitely a must when you visit Rome. I was thrilled to be able to experience this with my family. I highly recommend this
Visiting Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square) is an awesome and spiritual experience ... one that I enjoy every time im in Rome. This is one of the most famous squares in the world ... and the most breath-taking IMHO. Its size can be overwhelming. It is surrounded by an impressive colonnade of 284 columns and 88 pilasters, topped by 140 statues of saints. Stand in the center of the piazza and take in the grandeur of Bernini's work, as well as the fountains and the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the Piazza. Now, you are ready to walk in San Pietro itself.
Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) is the last stop we have on the day before we go back to the hotel. The vast square doesn't have a lot of people! Very nice! We're here at the right time. When I walked into Saint Peter's Square, I could feel the balance of solemn and concise. Most of the people here are respective. A lot of tourists are taking their check-in photos. Of course, we're doing the same thing too! All the buildings are beautifully designed to stand up around the edges of Saint Peter's Square. I can imagine this is the center of the whole world!
Came here during a time where Italy was still very strict about Covid-19. So we didn't have the chance to explore the area on our own nor go inside the Basilica (we weren't allowed to leave the tour group). So the experience wasn't the best or most enjoyable. But better than nothing...right? It's a massive square. You've seen it on TV and in movies countless times for sure. But it really is massive. The Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano is visible from far away and also the obelisk is quite a landmark. The collonades to the left and right gives the square it's unique and impressive look. It's a nice - yet busy - spot. But without the chance of exploring or checking out the Sistine Chapel the experience is just incomplete. Planning on going back in october. This time hopefully with the chance to see the area individually.
"Faith is universal... Some pray to Jesus, some go to Mecca, some study subatomic particles. In the end we are all just searching for truth, that which is greater than ourselves." One of my favorite novels is Angels and Demons, from the Da Vinci Code trilogy. Later made into epic movies starring Tom Hanks. Many scenes are filmed here... Piazza San Pietro aka St. Peter's Square to English speakers is a large open square that fronts the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. This is Holy grounds to many, including me, as it resonates with history and the story of Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. It is said Saint Peter is buried here. Bernini designed the square circa 1656 to 1667, to feature the 84-foot tall ancient Egyptian obelisk that stood in Alexandria from 34 A.D. until it was moved to the square in 1586, where it stands today. Michelangelo and other greats also had influence here. On my visit to Rome and Vatican City it was on my bucket list to visit Piazza San Pietro and the Vatican, after all, I was staying at a lovely Bed & Breakfast, just a stone's throw away. I arrived to a square under Italian CDC guidelines. And yes, the Vatican, fully supports these guidelines. So as selfish as it sounds, I had the square almost all to myself, which probably added to the omnipotent presence of the Holy one. I literally could feel Bernini standing there. Saint Peter smiling at me with the blessings of our Lord, Jesus Christ. *snap* Okay maybe I'm not Professor Langdon running around in the Da Vinci Code, but I really did feel a good vibe. The people I did encounter, including the Swiss Guard, were genuinely friendly to me. The architectural views and historic landmarks simply breathtaking! In the end, I highly recommend Piazza San Pietro to all. You don't have to be on a pilgrimage to enjoy the architecture and history here. You don't have to be fighting the Illuminati or be Roman Catholic to feel welcomed here. It's all about what's in you... Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo. Heaven is in your eyes. Ti Amo...
The holiest of squares in Italy, Piazza San Pietro is a must-visit place in Rome, no matter what religion you are. It's a magical place made for prayer and taking great photos. The square opens around 0700 everyday so if you're an early bird like me, come at opening to avoid lines and get amazing pictures of everything without people in the background. If you're able to see the Pope speak, beware that when he speaks to the square, chills may go down your spine.
It is the most famous square in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here to hear messages from the pope. Created in the 17th century by Bernini, the square has an elliptic shape, surrounded on two sides by colonnades before St. Peter's Basilica. it's in Vatican City which is the world's smallest country with its own post office. The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls. Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens. Fact: I love facts and history behind it. the center rock; At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk that was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus. So if someone is wondering why it looks like Egyptian rather than Roman, you got the answer. You can find chairs right at the stairs, reason- these are usually set out for papal ceremonies. At the far end of the square stands the iconic St Peter's Basilica.
It is true, this is a well known landmark and square here in Italy and the world over. If you go to Rome, you should take a trek over to Vatican City, it's the only country and city state. It's intense to be here, even when there is a massive mass being held. I have had the privilege of being able to attend a mass in the square, once. The structure and detailing is amazing, the colonnades encompasses this most important of all squares in Italy. The Basilica can be seen at every corn of the square. It's a great place to be on a busy weekend or weekday. Bring an umbrella and the cold and wet days and do be mindful not to poke people's eyes out, it can get crowded during a speech or mass here. Every time I come to Rome, I always make it a point to stop to the Vatican, it's just what I feel compelled to do. You will not be disappointed.
I've been here several times during a day to visit St. Pietro and always wanted to come back here at night. This plaza is picture perfect during a day or at night. I came here after dinner one night and regretted I didn't carry my SLR with me that night. I always feel safe whenever I visit Vatican. Plenty of security staff walking around even at night, good place to come after a large dinner to help you digest. St Pietro is a must visit when in Rome and I visit here every time. Rome is full of must visit spots but I think St Pietro is number one place for me.
When we were in Vatican City in the afternoon, we skipped the plaza. We came back in the early evening and it was much less crowded. The square is directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Both are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus whom Catholics consider the first Pope. There is an obelisk in the center and 284 columns that create the elliptical shape of the square. read more
2 years ago
This is the area around the Vatican. It's gorgeous! I absolutely love the fountains and statues in this area. So much amazing architecture. When you step into this piazza, I feel like you get a sense of the Holy Spirit. I mean, how can you not when you are so close to the Vatican? There's a peaceful atmosphere here. read more
1 year ago
The Saint Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro in Italian, is a large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Both square and basilica are named after Saint Peter. Expect crowds with at least thousands of people showing up here on a daily basis, and I really didn't like how disorganized it was for the waiting area and people cutting lines regularly. read more
2 years ago
When in Rome, a mist is a visit to the separate state/city of the Vatican to see the Basilica San Pietro (Saint Peter's), the largest church in the world. It's not a check list item but a religious sight that is of immense value for the history, the art, the sentiment for Christians around the entire world. It's a place of unbelievable immensity and for wonder as a manmade sight. Had to stop in...just have to patient with lines going in! read more
No cardinals getting murdered today - see "Angels & Demons" starring Tom Hanks - so it is a beautiful spot and no better place to see it than from the stairs when exiting the Musei Vaticani. It was here in the year 67 AD where Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church, was crucified and became a martyr. The building which is now Saint Peter's Basilica was constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries and was fully consecrated in 1626. The piazza was designed in the 17th century by the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It's still worth seeing from the opposite side, standing on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica. Don't miss the tall Egyptian obelisk in the center, which for some reason I'm not adding as a separate "business" today. It has four lions at the base and a granite band to the north of the obelisk to function as a sundial and point out noon. It has been here in this spot since 1586. [Review 19177 overall - 332 in Italy - 147 of 2023.] read more
A massive Piazza which is the home to the Vatican City Museum, the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter. When you walk in you are in awe of the grandness of this Piazza and of the history which has been made here. We had the opportunity to visit all three of the structures in the Piazza. Thousands of people move in and out on a regular basis. read more
2 years ago
Amazing experience. It is definitely a must when you visit Rome. I was thrilled to be able to experience this with my family. I highly recommend this read more
3 years ago
Visiting Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square) is an awesome and spiritual experience ... one that I enjoy every time im in Rome. This is one of the most famous squares in the world ... and the most breath-taking IMHO. Its size can be overwhelming. It is surrounded by an impressive colonnade of 284 columns and 88 pilasters, topped by 140 statues of saints. Stand in the center of the piazza and take in the grandeur of Bernini's work, as well as the fountains and the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the Piazza. Now, you are ready to walk in San Pietro itself. read more
4 years ago
Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) is the last stop we have on the day before we go back to the hotel. The vast square doesn't have a lot of people! Very nice! We're here at the right time. When I walked into Saint Peter's Square, I could feel the balance of solemn and concise. Most of the people here are respective. A lot of tourists are taking their check-in photos. Of course, we're doing the same thing too! All the buildings are beautifully designed to stand up around the edges of Saint Peter's Square. I can imagine this is the center of the whole world! read more
4 years ago
Came here during a time where Italy was still very strict about Covid-19. So we didn't have the chance to explore the area on our own nor go inside the Basilica (we weren't allowed to leave the tour group). So the experience wasn't the best or most enjoyable. But better than nothing...right? It's a massive square. You've seen it on TV and in movies countless times for sure. But it really is massive. The Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano is visible from far away and also the obelisk is quite a landmark. The collonades to the left and right gives the square it's unique and impressive look. It's a nice - yet busy - spot. But without the chance of exploring or checking out the Sistine Chapel the experience is just incomplete. Planning on going back in october. This time hopefully with the chance to see the area individually. read more
"Faith is universal... Some pray to Jesus, some go to Mecca, some study subatomic particles. In the end we are all just searching for truth, that which is greater than ourselves." One of my favorite novels is Angels and Demons, from the Da Vinci Code trilogy. Later made into epic movies starring Tom Hanks. Many scenes are filmed here... Piazza San Pietro aka St. Peter's Square to English speakers is a large open square that fronts the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. This is Holy grounds to many, including me, as it resonates with history and the story of Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. It is said Saint Peter is buried here. Bernini designed the square circa 1656 to 1667, to feature the 84-foot tall ancient Egyptian obelisk that stood in Alexandria from 34 A.D. until it was moved to the square in 1586, where it stands today. Michelangelo and other greats also had influence here. On my visit to Rome and Vatican City it was on my bucket list to visit Piazza San Pietro and the Vatican, after all, I was staying at a lovely Bed & Breakfast, just a stone's throw away. I arrived to a square under Italian CDC guidelines. And yes, the Vatican, fully supports these guidelines. So as selfish as it sounds, I had the square almost all to myself, which probably added to the omnipotent presence of the Holy one. I literally could feel Bernini standing there. Saint Peter smiling at me with the blessings of our Lord, Jesus Christ. *snap* Okay maybe I'm not Professor Langdon running around in the Da Vinci Code, but I really did feel a good vibe. The people I did encounter, including the Swiss Guard, were genuinely friendly to me. The architectural views and historic landmarks simply breathtaking! In the end, I highly recommend Piazza San Pietro to all. You don't have to be on a pilgrimage to enjoy the architecture and history here. You don't have to be fighting the Illuminati or be Roman Catholic to feel welcomed here. It's all about what's in you... Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo. Heaven is in your eyes. Ti Amo... read more
The holiest of squares in Italy, Piazza San Pietro is a must-visit place in Rome, no matter what religion you are. It's a magical place made for prayer and taking great photos. The square opens around 0700 everyday so if you're an early bird like me, come at opening to avoid lines and get amazing pictures of everything without people in the background. If you're able to see the Pope speak, beware that when he speaks to the square, chills may go down your spine. read more
It is the most famous square in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here to hear messages from the pope. Created in the 17th century by Bernini, the square has an elliptic shape, surrounded on two sides by colonnades before St. Peter's Basilica. it's in Vatican City which is the world's smallest country with its own post office. The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls. Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens. Fact: I love facts and history behind it. the center rock; At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk that was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus. So if someone is wondering why it looks like Egyptian rather than Roman, you got the answer. You can find chairs right at the stairs, reason- these are usually set out for papal ceremonies. At the far end of the square stands the iconic St Peter's Basilica. read more
It is true, this is a well known landmark and square here in Italy and the world over. If you go to Rome, you should take a trek over to Vatican City, it's the only country and city state. It's intense to be here, even when there is a massive mass being held. I have had the privilege of being able to attend a mass in the square, once. The structure and detailing is amazing, the colonnades encompasses this most important of all squares in Italy. The Basilica can be seen at every corn of the square. It's a great place to be on a busy weekend or weekday. Bring an umbrella and the cold and wet days and do be mindful not to poke people's eyes out, it can get crowded during a speech or mass here. Every time I come to Rome, I always make it a point to stop to the Vatican, it's just what I feel compelled to do. You will not be disappointed. read more
7 years ago
I've been here several times during a day to visit St. Pietro and always wanted to come back here at night. This plaza is picture perfect during a day or at night. I came here after dinner one night and regretted I didn't carry my SLR with me that night. I always feel safe whenever I visit Vatican. Plenty of security staff walking around even at night, good place to come after a large dinner to help you digest. St Pietro is a must visit when in Rome and I visit here every time. Rome is full of must visit spots but I think St Pietro is number one place for me. read more
6 years ago
The Piazza San Pietro is a masterpiece of design. Bernini designed the space between 1656-1667 under the direction Pope Alexander VII. One of the colonnades has Pope Alexander VII name inscribed. There are two fountains in the piazza, Bernini's (1875) and Moderno's 1614. Situated directly in front of Saint Peter's Basilica, the large plaza is the perfect entrance way to the Basilica. The right and left colonnade wrap around the plaza like the Mother church embraces visitors in "the maternal arms of the Mother Church". There are 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square. Above the columns are 140 statues of the saints created by the disciples of Bernini in 1670. The outstanding piece of art in the piazza is the 83' high red obelisk which some refer to as the witness because it was present in Rome when Saint Peter was crucified. With it's foundation the obelisk is 132' high. Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt it stood in the Julian Forum in Alexandra, Egypt until the year ( CE 37) when Caligula ordered the obelisk moved to Rome. In Rome it was set in the Circus of Nero until 1586 which is near the Coliseum. It was Pope Sixtus V that commissioned the engineer Domenico Fontana to move it to its present position. The obelisk functions as a sundial marking midday, as well as, being able to mark two solstices thanks to a granite meridian and marble markers embedded in the square. The square holds 300,000 people. When the Pope gives a Sunday mass or addresses the public for a special event, he can be seen either at a balcony in Saint Peters or from his bedroom window. A recent addition is the bronze statue of "Angeles Unaware" which depicts 140 people from various cultures and countries who have suffered inhumanity. Among those are indigenous peoples, Holocaust victims, Syrian refuges and Africans fleeing genocide. read more
This stop to St. Peter's Square was very special on my trip to Rome as I got to see the Pope's weekly address (Wednesdays). Very crowded event with many schools from different countries excited to see the Pope speak as well. No, I did not understand the entire address because it was in many different languages but it was well worth the visit and the sermons were very moving. This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and if your a Catholic, it's a must "do" while in Rome. You can also attend the weekly mass on Sundays however I hear that event is a little more difficult to get into. You can get directions online to the location to pick up your tickets. If you are going to attend the weekly address I suggest you get there 3 hours early if you want good seats. read more
10 years ago
A.K.A. St. Peter's Square is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. This plaza is so beautiful and tranquil I could literally sit here, in one spot, all day...just basking in solitude. Also a great place to people watch, sunbathe and picnic. Pictures are a must! I mean who wouldn't want to capture all of this stellar architecture and monumental history. That would be like going to the White House and not taking a single photo. The grounds are FREE99 and have many places to sit for people watching, chatting and sightseeing. Heavily guarded for your security with a post office right on the plaza grounds for easy access. Grab a post card or souvenir and send it off in one of the boxes right here. As you can see I took to the gorgeous fountain! Enjoy, ~Christy read more
St Peter's Square is the plaza that is directly located in front of St Peter's Basilica. Once you leave the Vatican Museums, you just head towards your right and you will soon find yourself here! I cannot stress enough how beautiful this entire area is! In the middle of the plaza you will see a Egyptian obelisk that has been standing here since 1586! Since it was a few weeks before Christmas, it was interesting that they had a Christmas tree set up near the foot of the obelisk. I hate to sound like a broken record, but you honestly cannot visit Rome and NOT visit St. Peter's Square! Be aware that the lines to get into the Basilica get ridiculously long and even apart from that, there are a ton of people milling about! 5 stars. read more
Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square) was the first and last landmark that we visited during our 2015 trip to Italy. From Rome/Vatican to Venice to Florence to Pisa and back - our vacation has come full circle. We've seen this square numerous times in the news and in movies, but finally seeing it in person was just surreal. Located in front of the marvelous St. Peter's Basilica, the piazza was elliptical in shape with huge colonnades dominating the north and south sections. Coming from the Ottaviano Metro station, we headed south on Via Ottaviano until we hit those gigantic columns on the northern end. The gorgeous granite fountain by Carlo Maderno adorned this part of the piazza. The southern half was designed by the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini to be symmetrical to the northern side. As a result, he had to erect a fountain similar to Madero's creation 60+ years later. Right at the center of the square was an Egyptian obelisk which had witnessed the execution of many Christians when this was still a racetrack known as the Circus of Nero. Incidentally, Egyptian obelisks were brought to Rome as trophies from the conquest of Egypt by the Romans. Heavy cargo ships were used to transport them down the Nile River and across the Mediterranean Sea. The piazza was paved with adorable cobblestones with lines of travertine, the same material used for the exterior of the Colosseum, emanating from the obelisk. The vast open layout and everything inside and around the piazza will be something I will forever remember. St. Peter's Square has that unique appeal that should be seen both day and night. A truly memorable experience... read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
So while I wasn't overly impressed with Saint Peter's the church, the Piazza in which the Church is located is just super lovely and vibrant! It's a great place to people-watch and for me, the crowd falls into two distinct crowds - the faithful making the pilgrimage and the tourists coming to gawk at a famous monument/ church, however there is unity and harmony and both groups mingle harmoniously! The piazza has lights, a fountain, tons of bustle and of course, the obsequious police presence too! Beware of the hustlers and the beggars, but other than that, just enjoy the Piazza and being in the thick of the action in the Vatican City! Yelp 263/ 2018 read more
Well, this is the main plaza in the Vatican City which, if you don't realise, is its own separate country. Mind you, you will have a dodge a bunch of 'cut the line' tour operators which basically take your money and give you a half-cocked tour of the place. However, the plaza itself is pretty impressive, and quite large. Also, there are lots of tourists, so there are going to be the resultant complications there as well, such as pick-pockets. Still, this is a great place, and certainly worth a visit. read more
11 years ago
A large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. At the center of the square is an Egyptian obelisk, erected at the current site in 1586. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the square almost 100 years later, including the massive Tuscan colonnades, four columns deep, which embrace visitors in "the maternal arms of Mother Church". A granite fountain constructed by Bernini in 1675 matches another fountain designed by Carlo Maderno in 1613. The open space which lies before the basilica was redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from 1656 to 1667, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII. It was designed "so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing, either from the middle of the façade of the church or from a window in the Vatican Palace." St. Peter's Square can be reached from the Ponte Sant'Angelo along the grand approach of the Via della Conciliazione (in honor of the Lateran Treaty of 1929). The spina (median with buildings which divided the two roads of Borgo vecchio and Borgo nuovo) which once occupied this grand avenue leading to the square was demolished ceremonially by Benito Mussolini himself on October 23, 1936 and was completely demolished by October 8, 1937. read more
11 years ago
After the Vatican Museum tour and Sistine Chapel tour.... you would came out to the San Peter Square. YES, this is where Pope meeting all his people!!! Huge huge huge square, definitely a popular photo opportunity spot. Many people love to use Panorama feature on their phone to capture the whole structure. Try to schedule one day here.... because for the tours and taking lots of pictures here, you really don't want to rush. read more
We were in Rome for our Honeymoon and it just so happened the same weekend they were picking the new Pope. It wasn't as packed as I'd expect, considering the new Pope, but it was certainly busy. The line to enter the Basilica was extremely long, but we were very surprised with how quickly it moved. Walking into the Piazza there are massive columns you pass to enter the wide, spread out Piazza. This thing is massive. Immediately I was hit with how impressive it is to be staring out over a place with millions of gathered. The entire Piazza is surrounded by the columns and on top of them are awesome sculptures. While in line take the time to check them out. Zoom in with your camera if you have a good zoom and take a look at how extremely detailed the sculptures are - fascinating. While the Basilica is the star of the show, the Piazza lives up to what you have always seen on TV. read more
8 years ago
Blessings to all! Visiting St. Peter's Square was the most inspiring places on our Italian adventure. Goosebumps immediately rose as I entered this beautiful setting. The architecture and detail that surrounds you is a moment you'll always remember. Standing in the middle you can view the Basilica, obelisk and fountain adorning the square. It's stunning. On Sundays, the Pope will do his blessings announcement over the square. He is far up in a window but the speakers make it for all to hear. If you're facing the Basilica, you will want to be on the right side as that is where you'll be the closest to him. And if you cannot get the spot you'd like, there are two huge screens which televise the Pope speaking. Of course there are many many visitors who gather together in this peaceful place. It does get crowded but not so much that you cannot move. It was an enlightening moment for me as I'm sure many others experienced! read more
It is so exciting to feel the energy in the square just feet away from the entrance to the Vatican. If you can get past all of the street vendors trying to sell you some sort of fake secret or preferred access and you can focus on the architecture the people the vibe and the location of the most powerful city in all of the world in the early days of Europe. On Sundays and Wednesdays the square fills up with loyal followers coming to hear church service that is participated by the Pope himself. It's lovely just to walk around the square and see the marble statues that line the walls and the tops of the columns and pillars. Great restaurants are located steps away from this plaza and of course this serves as the entrance to the basilica. read more
St Peter's square is simply spectacular ... there isnt enough words or pictures to show or describe the moment you realize you are standing among blessed (or God ordained if you follow the faith) masters who help craft this. You could easily breeze through the area but dont!! I do implore you to take your time and come during the early dawn and the setting sun to see how the shadows play upon each inch to reveal a new beauty. We came after the Pope gave his weekly Wednesday sermon so it was still a bit busy in the square. If you arrive during the week, you'll have more of a reprieve to enjoy the whole square without the sardine effect. The square is a large open area that has the glorious St. Peter's Basilica at the very top and from there, the arching columns are richly decorated with the marble sculptures of the saints. you could spend hours observing each and almost imagine the robes flowing in the breeze... they look so lifelike. Part of St. Peter's square is a giant Egyptian obelisk that was made from a single piece of stone. We were told that it was taken as a war treasure and used unfortunately as the site for several bloody executions. Even with the gory history, you can stand in amazement at the entire size and intricate details that create an artistic view. I can understand how this would be the centre of the Roman Catholic faith. Only with a purpose to inspire followers would you ever envision such a beautiful and spectacular square that would guide you to the central pulpit that the Roman faith would spread it's word. read more
If your tour guide announces that the bus leaves at 7am for Vatican City - don't you dare whine about it! I know it's early but once you are there and see the amount of people waiting to get inside the complex you will be soooo glad you got up early. And don't worry, you don't have to be super religious to appreciate the beauty of Vatican City - the architecture, and the artwork and just the grandeur of it all is crazy. --------------------------------- Some additional info - If you happen to be looking for a gift there are at least a dozen shops between the museum and square to shop in. My grandmother had requested a rosary specifically from the Vatican. There were several different types to choose from but I picked up an actual rose-a-ry. The VC employee I spoke to said that the original rosaries were actually made of rose petals, hence the name. Each rosary is hand rolled and strung together by nuns at the Vatican. How awesome and authentic is that? When she mentioned the rose petals my first instinct was to smell the rosary... and it actually smelled like roses! So beautiful. read more
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