St. Peter’s Square or Piazza San Pietro defines the word ‘iconic’ in ways like no other. This is where the Pope arrives every Sunday in order to greet and bless the frenzied crowds. Designed by the Baroque maestro Bernini, a bird’s-eye view of the square is evocative of the images of a massive keyhole. The giant Egyptian Obelisk, the two impressive colonnades and St. Peter’s Basilica stand out and look wonderful in all photographs. Expect to get lost in the swarm of humans and more humans along with a few pigeons here and there. The realisation that you are in the literal heart of Jesus is remarkable. What is more fascinating is how several locals are extremely disapproving of the otherwise popular Pope Francis.
Getting there:
The Square is an 800 m walk from the ‘Ottaviano San Pietro’ station, there is no entry fee as a matter of course and Tuesdays and Thursdays draw lesser crowds. Your journey will be on the A Line of the Rome Metropolitan and should cost you around 3 Euros. Be wary of the many pickpockets inside the train and the stations.
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