Unmissable Things to Do in St Peters Square

Intro to St Peters Square

Stand at the heart of the Catholic world where centuries of religion, art, and architecture converge in one vast, breathtaking piazza. St. Peter’s Square, or Piazza San Pietro, is not just the entrance to the Vatican — it’s a symbolic, ceremonial space surrounded by masterpieces and stories that shaped Western civilization.

From Bernini’s colonnades to the majesty of St. Peter’s Basilica and the glimpse of papal appearances, this article reveals the must-see St. Peter’s Square attractions, timeless experiences, and sacred landmarks that make this square a bucket-list stop in Rome.

Why Visit These St. Peter’s Square Attractions?

St. Peter’s Square is more than a place to snap photos — it’s a journey through Christianity’s most significant chapters, artistic triumphs of the Renaissance, and moments of living history. Whether you’re religious or not, the square commands awe with its architectural scale, sacred rituals, and artistic beauty.

Within a short walking radius, you’ll find iconic religious monuments, priceless collections, towering fountains, and even secret spots unknown to casual visitors. And with options for skip-the-line access and guided tours, you can make the most of your time without waiting hours in queues.

Iconic Landmarks and Historic Sites

St. Peter’s Basilica

At the far end of the square rises the spiritual heart of Catholicism. Designed by Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most important churches in the world.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Michelangelo’s Pietà, a masterpiece of marble sorrow
• Bernini’s Baldachin, a towering bronze canopy over the high altar
• Tombs of saints and popes including St. Peter himself

Visitor Tips: Entry is free, but lines are long. Arrive before 8 AM or book skip-the-line guided tours. Modest dress is strictly enforced.

The Papal Altar and Confessio

Just below the grand baldachin lies the Confessio, a semicircular crypt believed to house St. Peter’s remains. From here, you can look down at the tomb of the Apostle, making it one of the most spiritually significant spots on earth.

Access: Included with basilica entry, though special tours offer deeper Vatican necropolis access (Scavi tours — book weeks in advance).

St. Peter’s Square Obelisk

Rising from the center of the piazza is an ancient Egyptian obelisk transported to Rome in 37 AD by Emperor Caligula. It once stood in Nero’s circus, where early Christians were martyred — including, tradition holds, St. Peter.

Its central placement anchors Bernini’s elliptical design and serves as a silent witness to millennia of history.

Photography Tip: Stand at the obelisk’s shadow line during golden hour for symmetrical shots of the square.

The Vatican Grottoes and Tombs

Below the basilica lies the Vatican Grottoes, a subterranean area housing the tombs of numerous popes, including John Paul II before his move to the upper basilica.

Entry Tip: Access is included with most basilica dome tours; respectful silence is required inside.

Apostolic Palace and Papal Window

Look up at the right-hand side of the square, above the colonnade. There, a simple window opens every Sunday at noon when the pope delivers the Angelus prayer to the crowds below.

This symbolic ritual draws thousands, especially on Easter and Christmas, when the Urbi et Orbi blessing is given.

Planning Tip: Arrive by 11:30 AM for a good spot on Sundays — security checks are in place.

Museums, Galleries & Cultural Spaces

The Vatican Museums

Just beyond the square, the Vatican Museums house one of the greatest art collections in human history. From the Raphael Rooms to the Gallery of Maps, and of course, the Sistine Chapel, this is where centuries of papal patronage come to life.

Highlights:

• Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel
• Raphael’s School of Athens
• Vatican’s Egyptian and Etruscan antiquities

Planning Tip: Book timed-entry tickets 2–4 weeks in advance, especially in summer. Consider early-entry or night tours to avoid peak crowds.

St. Peter’s Treasury

Inside the basilica, tucked behind ornate grilles, is the Treasury Museum, displaying liturgical vestments, papal tiaras, and reliquaries — some studded with gems and gold.

Admission: Small entry fee; photography is usually prohibited.

Scala Regia (Royal Staircase)

Few visitors know about the Scala Regia, a grand ceremonial stairway linking the basilica to the Apostolic Palace. Designed by Bernini, it creates an optical illusion of endless ascent — fitting for its use by popes and ambassadors.

Access: Often closed to the public, but sometimes visible during Vatican events or papal ceremonies.

Natural Attractions & Scenic Spots

While St. Peter’s Square itself is paved, its backdrop is one of Rome’s most striking open-air scenes. For scenic perspectives and greenery:

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome

Climb or take an elevator partway up Michelangelo’s Cupola to reach one of Rome’s highest viewpoints. From here, you’ll see:

• A perfect view over the square’s colonnade
• The Tiber River, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Roman rooftops

Climb Tips: Choose the morning for cooler weather. Steps are narrow and steep, so wear proper shoes.

Vatican Gardens

These rarely seen gardens are a blend of Renaissance, French, and English landscaping styles. Featuring fountains, grottos, and medieval towers, they offer a lush contrast to the square’s stone grandeur.

Access: Only via guided tours (book early — limited slots). Includes Vatican Museum access.

Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)

Just across the Tiber, the Janiculum Terrace offers an unmatched skyline view that includes St. Peter’s Dome and Square.

Bonus: Visit at noon to witness the traditional cannon salute that marks midday in Rome.

Unique & Unexpected Places to Visit

While most visitors focus on the basilica and museums, there are several lesser-known corners around St. Peter’s Square that reward curious travelers.

The Vatican Post Office

Tucked near the right-hand colonnade is the Vatican’s own post office, issuing stamps and postcards with a Vatican City postmark — a fun, functional souvenir.

Tip: Buy a postcard and send it home from the world’s smallest country. Lines are short and prices are similar to Italy’s post.

The Swiss Guard Barracks and Uniforms

While tourists often photograph the Swiss Guards outside the Apostolic Palace, few know about their deep traditions. Founded in 1506, this elite unit of guards still wears Renaissance-inspired uniforms believed to be influenced by Michelangelo.

Photo Spot: Look for them standing near the Bronze Door, just past the basilica entrance. Always ask before snapping photos up close.

The Hidden Keys of the Colonnade

Walk to the center of the square and stand on one of the two stone discs marked on the pavement near the obelisk. From these vantage points, the quadruple colonnades align so precisely, you see only one row of columns.

Why it matters: Bernini designed this to symbolize the “embrace” of the Church — a hidden architectural trick honoring unity.

The Papal Audience Hall (Paul VI Hall)

To the left of the basilica, this modern structure hosts weekly papal audiences on Wednesdays (except during July). While not ornate like other Vatican spaces, the dramatic bronze sculpture behind the pope’s chair is a must-see.

Tickets: Free, but must be requested in advance via the Prefecture of the Papal Household or through guided Vatican tours.

Discover top-rated St. Peter’s Square Tours and Tickets and Rome tours and experiences, and explore the best things to do in Vatican City — from basilica climbs and Vatican museums to papal events and panoramic viewpoints. Book early for exclusive access and flexible cancellation.

How to Plan Your Attraction Visits in St. Peter’s Square

Planning is crucial to make the most of this world-famous site, especially when factoring in queues, security checks, and access windows.

Entry & Security Tips:

• Arrive early — ideally before 8 AM — for basilica access without a wait
• Use the official Vatican entrance on Viale Vaticano for museums
• Security is tight but moves quickly; dress modestly (covered knees and shoulders)

Passes & Bundles:

• Omnia Vatican & Rome Pass includes basilica, Vatican Museums, and Rome attractions
• Guided Vatican Tours often include early access and fast-track entry

Suggested Routes:

• Morning: St. Peter’s Basilica + Dome climb
• Midday: Lunch nearby (see Borgo Pio)
• Afternoon: Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel
• Evening: Walk the square under golden hour light

Facilities:

• Restrooms available near the Vatican Museums and square entrances
• Accessible for wheelchairs, though dome climb requires stairs
• Families with strollers should use museum elevators and ramps

When to Visit These Attractions

Timing affects not only crowd levels but also access and weather comfort.

Best Seasons:

• Spring (April–June): Ideal weather, flowers blooming in Vatican Gardens
• Fall (September–October): Fewer tourists, mild temperatures
• Winter (December–February): Cold but peaceful, perfect for spiritual travelers

What to Avoid:

• Mid-July to August: Sweltering heat and heavy crowds
• Holy Week and Easter: Spectacular ceremonies but extreme foot traffic
• Sundays: Museums closed, except last Sunday of the month (free entry)

Bonus Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with Papal Blessings — Sundays at noon and major feast days are unforgettable, though packed.

Travel Tips for Seeing the Best St. Peter’s Square Has to Offer

For smooth, memorable experiences:

– Book Vatican Museums at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially for high season
– Visit early in the day to avoid both sun and crowds
– Group nearby sights: basilica + dome + grottoes in one go
– Use the Omnia Pass if planning multiple Rome sights
– Bring water and a hat — the square has little shade
– Photography is allowed inside the basilica (no flash), but not in the Sistine Chapel
– Download Google Maps offline or Vatican map PDFs for orientation
– Check for closures during Catholic holidays and Wednesday papal audiences

Explore More Things to Do in Rome

Make the most of your time in the Eternal City with these travel resources:
– Rome Tours and Experiences
– Colosseum Attractions Guide
– Vatican City Travel Guide
– Vatican Museums Highlights Guide

Ready to explore timeless landmarks, hidden corners, and breathtaking views? Discover unforgettable things to do in St. Peter’s Square — and start planning with our Rome Travel Guide and Vatican Tours today.