The Majestic St. Peter Square Obelisk: A Touchstone of History
Discover the awe-inspiring St. Peter Square Obelisk, a historical emblem in Vatican City that links ancient Rome with modern spirituality.
St. Peter Square Obelisk, a stunning historical landmark in Vatican City, stands as a testament to ancient Roman engineering and an iconic symbol of the Catholic Church. This towering structure not only draws visitors for its impressive height but also for the rich history and spiritual significance it embodies. As you explore the expansive square, you’ll be captivated by the obelisk’s grandeur and the surrounding architectural beauty, making it a must-visit for any traveler.
A brief summary to St. Peter Square Obelisk
- Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, 00120, VA
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
- Thursday 7 am-6 pm
- Friday 7 am-6 pm
- Saturday 7 am-6 pm
- Sunday 7 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Don’t forget to explore the surrounding architecture, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
- Bring a camera; the obelisk is stunning at sunset when the light casts a warm glow.
- Take a guided tour to learn more about the historical significance of the obelisk and the square.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Vatican Museums, exit the museums and head towards Viale Vaticano. Turn right onto Viale Vaticano and continue straight until you reach the intersection with Via di Porta Angelica. Turn left onto Via di Porta Angelica and walk straight. You will see the impressive walls of the Vatican City on your right. Continue walking until you reach the entrance to St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), which is marked by large columns. As you enter the square, the St. Peter Square Obelisk will be directly ahead, standing tall in the center.
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Walking
From Castel Sant'Angelo, exit the castle and walk towards the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Cross the bridge over the River Tiber. Once you reach the other side, continue straight on Via della Conciliazione. This wide street will lead you directly to St. Peter's Square. As you approach the square, the St. Peter Square Obelisk will be visible in the center of the square, directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Metro
To reach St. Peter Square from other parts of Rome, take the Metro Line A (the orange line) to the Ottaviano-San Pietro station. Upon exiting the station, turn right onto Via Ottaviano and continue walking straight until you reach the entrance to St. Peter's Square. As you enter the square, the St. Peter Square Obelisk will be straight ahead, positioned in the middle of the square.
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Bus
If you are coming from Termini Station, take bus number 64 towards St. Peter's Square. After about 15-20 minutes, get off at the 'Piazza San Pietro' stop. From the bus stop, walk towards the grand entrance of the square. The St. Peter Square Obelisk will be located in the center of the square, directly in front of the stunning facade of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Discover more about St. Peter Square Obelisk
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