Saint Peter’s Square in Rome

In Italian: Piazza San Pietro

Undoubtedly one of the most famous squares in the world, St. Peter’s Square in Rome impresses with the majesty of the St. Peter’s Basilica associated with the two immense quadruple colonnades that extend on either side, like two outstretched arms to welcome the visitor or pilgrim in an embrace.

The visit to St. Peter’s Square and the basilica is our number 2 in the Top 30 to see in Rome.

Presentation and Visit of St. Peter’s Square

The square is administratively located on the territory of the Vatican, the smallest state in the world. In antiquity, the area was occupied by Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians were martyred, including Saint Peter.

St. Peter’s Square in Rome

The basilica erected in his name has become the largest basilica in the Christian world.

It was in the 17th century, during the reconstruction of the basilica, that the square was designed as it is today, whereas it was previously rectangular.

Bernini undertook from 1656 the realisation of the quadruple colonnade, a titanic work with its 284 columns and 88 pillars, whose two arms were designed to “gather Christianity.”

It extends 340 meters from east to west, and 240 meters from north to south.

These dimensions allow it to accommodate nearly 300,000 people.

There are two spots in the square, marked on the ground by a colored stone, where the four rows of columns visually merge into one.

Above, the balustrade supported by the columns is decorated with 140 statues of Saints.

The steps of the basilica are flanked by the colossal statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

At the center of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD.

Photo Gallery of St. Peter’s Square

Sources, Map, and Information on St. Peter’s

Resources for Further Reading

• On Rome-Roma: St. Peter’s Square in Rome, photos, history, and architecture
• On Wikipedia: St. Peter’s Square
• Tourism portals: TurismoRoma

Location on the Map

Selection of Accommodations Near the Square

Selection of hotels, rooms, and apartments near St. Peter’s Square, sorted by price, and by distance from the square.

• Good hotels and accommodations sorted BY PRICE (2 adults) within 600 meters of St. Peter’s
• Good hotels and accommodations sorted BY DISTANCE from St. Peter’s Square

FAQ about Saint Peter’s Square

What to see at Saint Peter’s Square?

• The Saint Peter’s Basilica: The architectural masterpiece.
• The statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul framing the basilica’s steps.
• The Obelisk: 25.5 meters tall, relocated here in 1586.
• The Colonnades: A feat by Bernini, with 284 columns, merging at two marked points in the square, and 140 statues.
• The symmetrical 17th-century fountains.

How to get to Saint Peter’s Square? Transportation

• Located on the west side of the Tiber, opposite the historic center, it can easily be reached on foot, for example, in 20 minutes from Piazza Navona.
• Nearest metro: Ottaviano Metro
• Numerous buses

When to visit Saint Peter’s Square?

Open access 24/7, but the basilica is open from 7 AM to 6 PM/7 PM depending on the season. It’s crowded on Wednesday mornings during the papal audience, some Sundays, and during Urbi et Orbi blessings such as Easter or Christmas, etc.

Ideas for visiting Saint Peter’s Square

Visit ideas including Saint Peter’s Square in Rome, sometimes with the basilica. Be sure to check the language in which these tours are offered.