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

Piazza San Pietro - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

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Couldnt find a good picture at the time. The wifi and phone was not working well. Couldnt go inside either because Rasputin was visiting. After making us wait for 1 hour, we decided to leave, didnt want to miss the other places. We can always come back next time. Last year was better. You can qlways get a private tour. A little less waiting but still had to wait. read more

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St. Peter's Square is a must-see during the day or at night (beautiful either way, I promise). Whether you are a Catholic or not, I highly recommend that you come for a visit. The history is rich, the architecture is stunning, and I found myself looking up in awe at how beautiful it is. I've included pictures from my visit during the day as well as walking by at night (for those who like to avoid crowds). When in Rome, don't skip a visit to Piazza San Pietro! read more

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This was our first time to visit Rome. We were awestruck by the size of the plaza and all the activity that takes place during the day. We had planned to do a number of different things when we arrived in the morning but, we spent so much time taking the tours of the Vatican that we ran out of time. You need at least a week in Rome and then that may not be enough time. read more

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I've traveled a lot and this is easily one of the most jaw dropping squares I've seen. Not only because of all the beautiful architecture, but because of how you can see people from all over the world come together like nowhere else in the world. The crowds can get a bit overwhelming, but if you're in Roma you MUST make time to witness mass with the Pope. It's such a cool experience and truly once in a lifetime. We got there early and were able to secure a good spot where we could hear the service (in Latin/Spanish/Italian/English) really clearly as well as get some good pictures of the Pope. The level of security was crazy and apparently if you're not Italian, you can't sit in the chairs up close. Regardless, we were still super close to not only see the Pope but experience such a cultural experience. I would do it all over again! There are some shops to buy " Vatican City" items. In my opinion, you can actually find them elsewhere, but sometimes you just want to buy things from the source! They are a bit overpriced, but really nice items. Also, do not eat at any of the tourist traps in the square. The food it not worth it! I am not cheap when it comes to food, but I am a stickler when it comes to overpaying for nasty food. read more

Piazza San Pietro - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

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The most amazing and beautiful church you will see on this side of the world. The architecture and the history is so rich and amazing. You can just look in any direction and see beauty. It is an actual church so be respectful and quiet and apropriate attire is required. No short shorts or short shirts. It was hot and lots of people had shorts on as well as me but it wasn't a problem. A guided tour even though pricey is so worth it. As they tell you details and info you would never know about and they also show you secret spots and picture ops. Pay for the St Peters cupula tour and walk up those 328 winding steps to the top. Its small and a bit claustrophobic at times but so worth it!! The view is incredible!!! You can see all Vatican city like never before. There are plenty of bathrooms throughout. There is lots of security all over the place and cameras and undercover police so behave! Tips: take cash sometimes their terminals die at times. *wear comfy stair walking shoes (this for all Rome) *summer light clothing but not revealing. *take water hydroflask in summer (they have water but I wasn't sure to drink it.) Take a hat for when your in the long lines waiting. *make a penny souvenir of pope or vatican once your back outside 1 Euro and 50 cents *buy souvenirs away from here they are much cheaper outside. read more

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Vatican City!!!! You've seen this place in movies, you've seen it in books, you've seen it EVERYWHERE, but it's another thing to come here and embrace it. This was the very first stop after flying over to Rome. After heading out of the parking lot into the alley way, it wasn't before long when we saw it, Basilica Papale di San Pietro was standing right in front of us. The columns, the fountain, the EVERYTHING. This is one of the best spots to take pictures of the Vatican City, and the one you see in all of the shows. Two things to beware of - 1) pigeons, if you are PETRIFIED of birds, and 2) pickpockets, because despite the number of police here, it's really difficult to beat the skilled talents of some of these people. An additional thing I love about this place is the postcards you can send out to people in their mail shop. I think many tourists enjoy doing this to send postcards to their loved ones at home. read more

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If you don't want the sermons, avoid the crowds. I liked it best at night, fewer people, of course it's lit well, there's still security and if you're a temperature wuss like me, it's a little cooler. The piazza is stunning, the architecture is lovely and I wouldn't have felt like I had visited Rome if I hadn't been here. read more

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Directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica, this is a must see if you are in Vatican City. Quite honestly, I feel that all of the previous reviews offer information and highlights beyond to what I can contribute, however, I urge you to visit if you are nearby. It was really neat to see the Swiss Guard here and experience that history! read more

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St. Peter 's Square is wonderful in and of itself, not to mention the Basilica or Vatican Museums. I loved staying across the street at our B&B and just walking thru the square in the morning, afternoon and evening. I just liked people watching. Especially the nuns and priests that work here. It was so neat to see them with a backpack, a briefcase or even an ice cream! Watching children and foreigners was so much fun too. We even saw a newscaster for NBC. Not to mention the locals that come out in the late afternoon to stroll and walk their pooches. Sit under the columns in the shade and just watch and absorb. Wonderful. read more

Piazza San Pietro - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

One of the most beautiful places I've ever visited in my life. Large spot, open to visitors all day. Note: On holidays, just to get into the plaza there are x-ray machines. Normally, the piazza is open access and St. Peter's Basilica is x-rayed access, by the way. Doesn't take long though, unless it's a holiday. Standing in the middle of the piazza really gives one a sense of the enormous history of this place - holy wars fought in its name, global expansion of the church, peacekeeping missions, and the enormous sense of grandeur it bestows. It's over the top in all areas - I assume that was its purpose so long ago, but it's still beautiful. Walking into St. Peter's Basilica is a dream come true. I can't even. read more

Who hasn't heard of the Vatican? Even if you are not Christian, its a landmark almost everyone is familiar with, especially given Pope Francis's cool status nowadays. Since the Museum is closed on Sunday, we decided to make a trip to Vatican City on Saturday. As expected, the piazza was bustling with people, not to mention the huge line which formed from one end of the piazza to the other. A tour guide started chatting us up about giving us an affordable tour and the option to skip the line. You will find plenty of tour guides which will try to tell you that your are getting the best price. Go with the more reliable option of scheduling a tour ahead of time online and not worrying about the locals ripping you off. I felt a tad bit cooler by thinking that technically I was not in Italy since Vatican is considered an independent state hence making it the smallest country on Earth. read more

When in Roma you must come to the Vatican period. If not you are doing yourself a disservice to one of the finest attractions you will see in your lifetime! Pizza San Pietro is the Super Bowl of entrances to the Vatican. You see it on TV for Easter mass and when the Pope is elected but the size and design of this is pretty breath taking and clearly amazing! Be careful for pickpockets, purse snatchers and the rest of the con people (men and women) of Rome. They will even try to thieve from you here in one of the holiest places in the world (let's hope they enjoy the flames and punishment of afterlife for their deeds on poor tourists). The line for the basilica moves pretty fast in the morning and moderately slower in the afternoon. A word of caution******* If you plan on visiting the Basilica and Vatican don't come dressed in short shorts or your muscle beach tank top. For ladies you may need a shall to cover up the shoulder and longer skirts! They will turn you away. Use some common sense and see this is one of the holiest places and they are conservative in dress! *******Beware of unauthorized taxi drivers and tour guides here. They will prey on you when you arrive or leave. We we approached by one authorized white cab who wanted to take us back to Trastevere. The ride here was 6.90€. This idiot wanted to charge 15€ flat rate. I told him "he was a scam artist"! The tour guides are pretty aggressive and although we came with pre- booked tours of the Vatican museum and garden they told us ours was no good! Beware and kindly tell then to "get lost"! read more

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St. Peter's is probably the most famous Piazza in Italy. Within the piazza there is the, Basilica di San Pietro and Vatican Museum. Can you imagine how packed this place was when the Pope changes. It is massive just stand in the middle. But full of people, it must be so crazy. Funny thing is, my favorite part of the piazza is the Vatican Police. Their uniforms are on point! I am not very religious or Catholic but the historical significance of this place is just amazing. read more

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A must-stop in Rome! My friend and I, vacationing in Italy, came to St. Peter's Square and the Vatican area on a Sunday (later, I found out there was a Catholic Grandparents event that day and some 50,000 pilgrims headed to the Vatican that day for this event) . Since it was the last Sunday of the month, the line for the Vatican Museum was extremely long. However, the line to enter St. Peter's Square was surprisingly small. Even so, there were already thousands of people gathered in the Square listening on the Sunday address. We had to go through airport-like security before passing into the Square. The Square is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica and at the center of the Square is an obelisk. Colonnades surround and define the circumference of the piazza. I felt very fortunate to have seen Pope Francis, riding around in the Popemobile less than three feet away from me! What an amazing opportunity! If you want the glance to see the Pope in his Popemobile, try to get closer to the barriers for the best photo op. As with St. Peter's Basilica and most of the Vatican, be aware of the strict dress code. No shorts or skirts above the knees, no sleeveless shirts, no hats inside, and no shirts with profanity. read more

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Even the piazza of St. Peter's Basilica is a marvel of its own. As equally as iconic as the basilica's Renaissance dome, the basilica's piazza is another defining feature of perhaps the world's most famous church. Designed by Baroque master Bernini, the encircling colonnade - topped with many figures of saints - embraces the circle centered with the Egyptian obelisk that witnessed the martyrdom of St. Peter and flanked by two Baroque-style fountains. Approaching this piazza from Via della Concilizione is awesome, but standing in the colonnade's embrace is simply breath-taking! Unlike the basilica itself (http://www.yelp.com/biz/basilica-di-san-pietro-roma-4?hrid=tF1G57RQWk8U3jtQVlQHOQ), you can enter this piazza freely upfront without going through an airport-level security on the north side, although you cannot enter the basilica this way. If you cannot or do not want to enter St. Peter's Basilica for whatever reason, making your way to just see this piazza is worth the effort. Like witnessing the marvel of the Colosseum just from the outside, seeing the impressive Piazza S Pietro alone is still a must-do experience when in Rome, no matter how short your stay is. --- tl;dr version: 1) One of the defining features of St. Peter's Basilica 2) Baroque-style piazza that is free and easy to enter unlike the basilica 3) A must-see site no matter how short your stay in Rome is read more

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Well worth visiting at dusk - the darkness falling behind the statues makes for a brilliant mood, and the the place lights up wonderfully. Far fewer people too, which is nice after the mid morning crowds. There are some homeless people setting up sleeping bags among the columns, but going there several times, we've never been accosted - these are just folks looking for a place to sleep. read more

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This plaza is huge, so thought out that everything has meaning. Im not going into it all, you already bought your guide book fro that. It was usually quick to get into the plaza with a masive line on one side wrapping...thats for the cathederal, (worth the wait). When the Pope is going to make an apearance all that changes, the ways in are mostly blocked off and the rest have big lines waiting to go through airport style screening. (the plus is when I was there the line disapeared and I breezed right in to the cathederal and was out in time to see the pope). When the pope apears he is in a upper window of the big building to the right of the cathederal. They signal when time is close by draping a large red cloth from the window....really you don't need to know all that, just look in the same direction as the mass of people there are looking.... read more

Another place to visit and be in awe of all the amazing architecture and the traditions still being practiced today. Long lines of tourists to get in so be prepared to wait. There are also guys outside selling you skip the line passes. Don't know how much it was or if it works but just an fyi. read more

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So many shady vendors... Honestly, I feel like this is a place you have to go once and then you're set for life. It's brutally crowded (in the area before you enter the vatican), tons of vendors and shady self-stick hawkers. If you're not going to the Vatican and just stopping by, beware, you will be inundated by people trying to get you into (pricey, not great tours). It's beautiful, great art (if you can see over the hordes of people), and it's nice to see such a famous piazza in person, but it's incredibly crowded with tourists and scam artists. read more

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Fantastic! Just short in Roma, but this is worth it. Go early. Big lines in summer and very hot around 12-15h. Watch out: once inside there is a big line for going up. Really fantastic. You will end the trip in the church, so you will see everything. Take water with you! If you have no time then skip it and regret it for the rest of your life ;-) Going to the top with very young children or older people is not a good idea. Watch out: visit churches with proper closes (not to short and shoulders covered) read more

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10/27/2013 This review is long-overdue. My husband was very keen on visiting the Vatican City when we were in Rome. and Yes, St. Peters Square was everything we imagined (and better than photos)! We tried coming here on Saturday afternoon to the Basilica, but the Square was closed off due to some ceremony that was going on inside to celebrate the Pope. So, our last resort was to join the masses on Sunday morning the next day. That Sunday happened to be the LAST Sunday of the month, where entrance was FREE and we knew the place was going to be PACKED. We woke up early on Sunday and arrived at St. Peters Square at 7:00 am, and we were one of the first groups in line. We were let in shortly after we stood in line (maybe a 7 min wait) and -- the square was AMAZING. :) There were thousands of seats set up for mass (which started at 10:00 am). We had almost front row seats! My husband chose a good area to sit, as we were able to see Pope Francesco very clearly when he came out at 10:30 am. The views were glorious, inspiring and uplifting. Even though we had to wait quite a few hours before mass started, our seats were INCREDIBLE and we could see all angles of St. Peters Square (in front of us, and behind us). We're so glad we were able to experience such grandeur! :) read more

The pope is a celebrity. Which is why lots of tourists crowd into St. Peter's square to see him. To be honest, I felt that it was wrong, in a way, to go to a religious event for the spectacle/entertainment value. But as it turned out, lots of the people there were attending for the same reason, so I guess there's comfort in spreading the guilt. And after all, the pope and the Church are fully aware of who attends and play to the spectacle. The pope spent like (seriously) half an hour in the pope-mobile going through the crowd and waving to everybody and kissing babies while this was all being shown on the jumbo-tron. I don't know for sure, but I think this because the church believes in proselytizing. Which is something I don't really agree with either. We showed up like at 8:00AM to get good seats. I was told you should dress appropriately so no sandals and shorts. Which was a drag. And as it turns out that's not true at all. Sandals, shorts, hats, everything goes. Including loud talking on cell phones but some people, which is rude. Anyway, at about 9AM, some priests started reading off the names of church groups that had come to the event. There was a priest available to call out each set of pilgrims in the appropriate language. Once a name was called out there'd be a huge cheer from that group. Near us, there were like 50 kids who went bananas when their group was called out. Around 9:30, as I recall, the pope busted out in the pope mobile. This caused super excitement among the spectators and everybody started scanning around to see where he was at. Within a few minutes, pretty much everybody was standing up on their seats with their cell phones out to get the best view and pic (including me). I have to admit, the pope was really gracious and spent way more time that I would've expected. Going up and down the aisles and back again for quite some time. At 10:00 or so, the pope started speaking (in Italian). Every few sentences, whatever he said was translated into a bunch of other languages. At about 10:15 we decided it was enough and headed for the Vatican Museum. Which is an unbelievable clusterfuck of tourists. Seriously, you are being pushed along by the crowds at times, as you proceed. read more

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Not much else I can say that probably hasn't already been said. This is a very iconic area and it was great to stand here and take it all in. A must visit place for anyone in the area. read more

Gorgeous day and night! Anyone and everyone should see this place at least once in their life! read more

Piazza San Pietro - Glorious! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

ya the plaza is beautiful, but i need help finding a couple who had a proposal in the plaza on MARRIAGE PROPOSAL August 14th, 2015 around 7:30pm. i was shooting photos of the plaza and the couple was in my frame. i didnt realize i got a photo of the couple til after i left. i'd love for them to have the photo, so if you know anyone who got engaged in the Vatican please let me know!! email me at nwong.55@gmail.com and ill forward the photo onto the couple! read more

While waiting to get into the Vatican, a storm cloud suddenly blew in and we spent a good portion of viewing this Piazza while ducking rain drops. Thankfully, upon our exit from the Vatican, the clouds had cleared and we were afforded the opportunity to view the piazza in its entirety. Large, expansive and beautiful, I can't imagine the crowds during a mass held by the pope. The allure of the Piazza are is the stunning architecture that encases it.....without the silhouettes as a backdrop, the piazza would be un- extraordinary. read more

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St Peter's Square - Piazza San Pietro - truly inspires awe. Saint Peter's Square - Piazza San Pietro - is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the Papal state within Rome. St. Peter's Square today can be reached from the Ponte Sant'Angelo along the grand approach of the Via della Conciliazione. Bernini was the genius to whom fell the task of modelling the approach to the basilica. The basilica is approached via the Piazza in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space is oval and the second trapezoid. The facade of the basilica, with a giant order of columns, stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps on which stand two huge statues of the first century apostles to Rome, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. These clever uses of perspective and scale mean that you barely realise the tricks being played - an already vast building (the world's largest Christian church) is made to look even bigger . . . . . as if it needed to! The basilica is well worth a look as are the Papal museums. Queues for both are vast in peak season so plan carefully, especially if the Pope is delivering a mass when it will be impossible to move for the mass of humanity gathered to participate. read more

Piazza San Pietro - The Pope delivers mass from the steps of St Peter's Basilica to the assembled crowds in St Peter's Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

How can you give Piazza San Pietro less than 5 stars? St. Peter's Square is like having a piece of Heaven on Earth!! We've seen it in many photographs and on television. Immensely impressive how more awesome St. Peter's Square is in person!! Do not to be a Catholic to appreciate Piazza San Pietro!! A Must See!!! read more

No words can describe how beautiful this Piazza is. The buildings, people and the atmosphere is just breathtaking! Coming here every year! read more

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#403-2016: When in Rome, there are some mandatory stops one cannot even think of not visiting. Among them is the S. Pietro Cathedral, which can be accessed from the San Pietro Square. This massive square can hold vast masses and is oftentimes flooded with Pilgrims, all gathered for church-related meetings such as: special Mass held by the Pope, Pope's funeral, Pope's election, Christmas abd Easter celebration and so on and so forth. On any other given day, this huge square offers the tourist a glimpse on architectural beauty hard to find in modern buildings. It may be worth mentioning that this square played a key role in the book "Angels and Demons" written by Dan Brown. Though I am not necessarily a fan of that particular book, hunting for clues in the real was sure exciting and I recommend you give it a try too (minus the dead monks, that is). Be mindful of the dress code (modesty being the key) if you plan on entering the church and beware of the aggressive street vendors and pickpocketers (which presence is massive on any given day). read more

When coming to Rome, if you are Catholic, doing the Pope Audience/Blessing is a must. Is every Wednesday unless he is visiting other country. There months they do Sundays too. Make sure you book a tour that way you will have a seat. Is an extraordinary experience. If you are not booking a tour be there around 7am to wait in line. Gates open at 730am. Last until 11am. You will probably be hungry after that, just make sure you walk few blocks before sitting in a restaurant. I bet you will find plenty of amazing places (please do your search in Yelp to guide yourself). This will be one trip of a lifetime! read more

Are you kidding me, this place is AMAZING! Should be one of the 7 wonders of the world...it's a country, no joke, it's the smallest country in the world! The beauty is inside the Basilica is hard to put into words, the altar over Saint Peters grave was made from Bronze...Bronze melted from statues found in the Pantheon...you can't make this stuff up - it's amazing. Also legend is that the marble floors were taken from the Imperial palace in Old Rome forum area...just to much to take in all at once. I'm not catholic and I went back twice, yep I even went on a Wednesday and saw the pope, it's a rad place...I mean there's a huge Egyptian Obelisk in the center of the square...do you need more??? Go already! read more

Besides staring at the imposing facade of St. Peter's Basilica, the real draw of the piazza in front of the church is the gigantic, oval-shaped colonnade. This was designed by Bernini during the Baroque period, which saw the Renaissance church of St. Peter's "blinged out" with the extremely ornate and excessively complicated decor that defines Baroque architecture. Bernini was considered the archetype for this art period. read more

Cool Plaza! Stand in the center of the sight of many gatherings, papal speeches and movies as well. History surrounds you in places like this... Magnificent carvings: statues and columns abound. A must see while in town... read more

This is really the pinnacle of Catholicism and outside of Jerusalem, probably in all of christianity. Bring a wide angle lens and get some beautiful pictures in the Square. My goal is to go to Easter Mass here one day. read more

Saw the Pope today. Here are some insights. Patience is a key. Having a free ticket is good but not required. The Pope came out at 10. I would suggest to get there at 7. Enter in one of the side entrances. You can get a great seat. If possible sit anywhere next to the white fence around the road that circles the venue. The Pope drives around the road so you will have a great view as he drives by. Beware no bathrooms or beverages around. Bring something to drink and a snack. All and all an excellent life experience. read more

Piazza San Pietro - The Vatican. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

Religion beside, this is a really impressive "piazza". It's always full of people even if the pope is thousands of miles away and you have a lot of tourism points everywhere near: St.Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican museums.... Take your time to take some pictures. read more

Piazza San Pietro - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rome, RM

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St. Peter's Square is huge and impressive. Good thing there a lot of Catholics in Rome to fill up the square when the Pope comes out. Great to see after seeing it on TV so often. Tons of tourists. The line for the St. Peter's basilica is super long, but it moves quite well, so don't give up. Kind of fun to look up and see the Pope's former apartment above and to the right of the Basilica. Free, so it's worth the money to visit. read more

The grand gathering place for the Vatican. It's hard to believe that the smallest country in the world could have such a vast space right in the middle of it. read more