Piazza San Pietro: Where Roman Histories Converge

Piazza San Pietro, or St. Peter's Square, sits at the entrance to Vatican City in Rome. Just west of the Tiber River and within a short distance of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Piazza marks a point of intersection for classical and modern Roman and European histories. Many noteworthy historical figures have left their architectural and artistic fingerprints on the Piazza's development, making this site an ideal introduction to the art and sculpture exhibited in St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. A gentle walk through the Piazza reveals statues, inscriptions, colonnades, and other visually exciting features. Take a look below for more info on this tour!

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Chapters in this tour:
     Introduction
     Entering the Piazza
     The Obelisk
     The Fountains
     Facade: St Peter's Basilica
     Entrance: St Peter's Basilica

Transportation:

By Foot - Easy walking

Specialty:

Historical/Heritage

Category:

Guided Tour - play before & while you tour

Tips in this Tour:

	Travel to Piazza San Pietro on the Metro (subway), but get off at the Ottaviano-San Pietro stop (not the Cipro-Musei Vaticani stop), which is closer to the piazza's entrance and the end of the line to enter the Vatican Museums.
	Do not visit on a Sunday expecting a good walking tour. The Piazza will be packed with visitors for Sunday Mass. Wednesday is the best day to come for a Papal audience, though you must schedule in advance.
	Arrive in proper attire, with knees and shoulders covered, or you will not be admitted to the Basilica or the Vatican Museums. Scarves, available in nearby shops, can cover shoulders or be tied around waists to cover knees.
	Bring food and enjoy an open-air meal in the warm glow of the Rome sun. The shade of the colonnades surrounding the Piazza provides an apt setting for a leisurely lunch - to refresh yourself before, during, or after your visit.
	As anywhere in Rome, be ever mindful of pickpockets, scam artists, and other thieving sorts. Do not pass your camera to anyone else to photograph you, and be sure your bags are kept close and closed at all times.

Click to see how our tours display--tons of images with either text or narration--much better than any audio tour because you can see the sites. It's like having a friend show you around, with priceless advice and insider information, to enjoy at your own pace. Our samples feature different locations throughout the year.

Provider: Rachel Frier

A world traveler from an early age, Rachel has published two books and numerous articles, and has delivered lectures on medieval literature and history. Rachel works as a freelance writer and also teaches university courses.