St. Peter's Square is a place that almost everyone knows. It is from here that iconic shots of papal blessings, the election of a new pope or huge crowds during major church events originate.

In reality, the square is even more impressive than in photographs.

The huge open space surrounded by Bernini's colonnade can hold more than 300,000 people, creating one of the most monumental public spaces in Europe.

The most beautiful view is towards the façade of St Peter's Basilica, surmounted by Michelangelo's famous dome.

Book a hotel near the Vatican

What will you see in the square?

Bernini Colonnade

The most striking feature of the square are the four-row colonnades designed by Bernini in the 17th century.

They consist of 284 columns and 140 statues of saints.

According to Bernini, they were meant to symbolically represent the "open arms of the Church", which welcomes the faithful from all over the world.

The Egyptian obelisk

In the centre of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk, more than 25 metres high and more than 2 000 years old.

It was brought to Rome during the time of the ancient Roman Empire.

The Papal Window

If you face the basilica, you will see the windows of the Apostolic Palace on your right.

It is from here that the Pope traditionally says the Angelus prayer on Sundays.

Is there no charge to enter the square?

Yes.

The square is freely accessible 24/7 and there is no entrance fee.

You go through security checks when you enter the Basilica.

If you just want to walk around the square or take pictures, you do not need a reservation or ticket.

When is the best time to visit?

The square has the best atmosphere:

• Early morning
• shortly before sunset
• after dark, when the basilica is illuminated.

On the other hand, around midday the area is usually the most crowded.

Early morning has another advantage - you can explore the square in peace before visiting the basilica, where long queues form later.

When can you see the Pope?

This is one of the most common questions asked by visitors.

The General Audience

The Pope usually holds a public audience on Wednesday mornings.

Attendance is free, but you need to get a ticket in advance.

During the summer months or major events, conditions may change.

Angelus Prayer

When the Pope is at the Vatican, he traditionally delivers a short message and Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace every Sunday at noon.

No tickets are required for this event.

Just come to the square.

The best place for photos

Most people take pictures of the Basilica from the center of the square.

For me, however, there are two places that are more interesting:

At the obelisk.

From here you can capture the basilica and the colonnades in one shot.

The beginning of Via della Conciliazione

The wide avenue connecting the Vatican to the center of Rome offers the most iconic view of the entire square.

This is where most of the photos you know from the media are taken.

The optical trick of the Bernini Colonnade

Few people know that there are two marked points in the pavement of the square.

If you stand on them, all four rows of colonnade columns visually overlap and look like a single row.

This is one of the most famous architectural tricks in Rome.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Vatican.